MFA Fiction: Colorado State
BA English: University of Iowa |
I'm an award-winning author with seventeen years of editing and publishing experience. I've evaluated hundreds of manuscripts of all genres from writers at different stages of their careers and helped authors develop successful submission packages for agents and publishers. I specialize in editing novels, nonfiction books, essay and story collections, and query letters.
My clients have signed with top-tier agents and publishers, like HarperCollins and Penguin, and become bestsellers, such as the award-winning novel The Boat Runner, or earned multiple number-one spots on the Amazon charts, like the memoir Nocturnal Admissions: Behind the Scenes at Legendary Nightclubs. Notable books and clients: The Boat Runner (national bestseller) by Devin Murphy Nocturnal Admissions (three-category #1 Amazon bestseller) by Steve Adelman Ambitions by Frank Baillargeon (#1 Amazon bestseller in historical biographies) A Thousand Devils by Frank Goldammer (international bestselling author) Still Waters by Viveca Sten (international bestselling author) The Lion of Justice by Leena Lehtolainen (international bestselling author) What to expect working with me: • An initial phone call to build rapport and discuss your project and goals • Feel free to ask questions throughout the entire process; I'm quick to respond • I clean, tighten, and proofread your manuscript offering feedback in the margins • Or edit and bolster your query and synopsis for agents and publishers • All edits are completed using Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster • I deliver two copies of the work, one with the edits showing, the other clean • And off you go with your polished manuscript or submissions materials! A little more about me: I'm a soapmaker, avid traveler, thrifter, and recycling nerd My writing has appeared in dozens of top literary journals My novel, You've Got Something Coming, won the Black Heron Press Award |
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A Selection of Edited Books
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SERVICES
I love reading a new manuscript and knowing my edits will bring my clients closer to their publishing goals while also illustrating ways they can develop their craft. All services are completed in a professional and timely fashion. Turnaround times vary based on length and schedule availability. CATEGORIES: Fiction: Novels, short-story collections Nonfiction: Memoirs, general nonfiction books, essay collections Genres: Literary, translation, thriller, mystery, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, horror, western, historical, YA CRITIQUE: Cost: 2 cents per word Turnaround: 3 weeks I thoroughly read your manuscript (with margin notes) and offer an editorial letter (5-12 pages), based on manuscript length, giving a chapter-by-chapter breakdown evaluating plot, logic, continuity, character development, dialogue, point of view, setting, description, voice, style, pacing, and marketability. I will offer suggestions on how to improve the manuscript and the next course of action. COPY EDIT: Cost: 2 cents per word Turnaround: 2-4 weeks If you want to clean up the manuscript, a copy edit improves readability by correcting errors and inconsistencies in spelling, grammar, and punctuation, ensuring the writing is clear and professional. LINE EDIT: Cost: 3 cents per word Turnaround: 3-5 weeks The line edit focuses on tightening sentences, trimming excess, ensuring proper structure, evening flow, maximizing readability, and enhancing the writing. Some margin comments are included. COMPREHENSIVE EDIT: Cost: 5 cents per word Turnaround: 4-5 weeks This option includes a critique, followed by a copy and line edit. I thoroughly read your manuscript (with margin notes) and offer an editorial letter (5-12 pages), based on manuscript length, giving a chapter-by-chapter breakdown evaluating plot, logic, continuity, character development, dialogue, point of view, setting, description, voice, style, pacing, and marketability. I also dig into the lines, tighten sentences, trim excess, ensure proper structure, even flow, maximize readability, and enhance the overall writing, along with correcting errors and inconsistencies in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. QUERY, SYNOPSIS, SAMPLE PAGES: Cost: $100 per query letter; $150 per query + synopsis; $400 per query + synopsis + first 25 pages Turnaround: 2-5 days For anyone who's written a manuscript and needs help perfecting their query letter, synopsis, and sample pages for submission to literary agents or publishers. I edit the materials offering helpful margin notes. After the first round of heavier editing, the documents go back to the author for revision and are then sent back to me for polishing. CONTACT Let me know how I can help you on your creative journey. I look forward to reading your words! |
