Manuscript Consultation/
Developmental Editing

As an editor, I bring my own skills, expertise, and perspective to bear on the projects I take on. However, a good editor also functions as a stand-in for your general reader as well as for critics and reviewers. I keep a sharp eye out for anything a reader might find confusing or skip over, or any potential points of criticism, so we can address them proactively and present your work in the best shape possible. I give each manuscript exacting attention, helping you to:
  • develop an overall trajectory
  • tighten and sharpen individual chapters
  • improve flow and pacing
  • line-edit for style, tone, and consistency
  • tailor your work to your audience

Book Proposal Development

For the creative writer, formulating a book proposal is often foreign territory: it is more a business plan than literary work. Having read hundreds of queries and proposals at a literary agency and as an acquisition editor, I know what appeals to agents and editors, and how to avoid common causes for rejection while allowing your proposal to stand out from the slush. I can guide you in assembling a professional and market-savvy proposal, helping you to:
  • develop and refine the overview, author bio, and chapter outlines
  • hone the market analysis and positioning
  • highlight your platform
  • choose the most effective sample material

Publishing Advice

Once your project is ready, as an industry insider, I can:
  • help you polish the submission package and formulate a query letter
  • advise you on researching, targeting, and approaching agents and publishers
  • provide support during the often stressful submission process

Working With Me

I believe in listening to the individual writer's needs, and standing alongside clients in their writing process.

What I love about editing
Unbeknownst to many outside the biz, the majority of an editor’s job within a publishing house is not editing books. Editors function as project managers for their books, working closely with all the other departments from production and design to sales and marketing, not to mention contracts and accounting, to take care of their books and authors, all the while communicating with current and prospective authors and agents, and searching for new books to acquire.

My favorite part of all this was simply working with authors on their books. I enjoy the craft of writing and revision, of wordsmithing, and the working relationship that develops as two people focus intensely on bringing an idea or story to its full and finely honed expression. As the late editor Marjorie Braman said, “The burden on the freelance editor consists solely of helping the author write his or her best possible book.” And that is what I love to do.

How I work
The editing process is not a one-time consult, but an ongoing exchange of feedback and revision. The first step is to make sure the project is a good fit, which is determined by the project description (see contact form) and initial consultation. It is important that an author and editor develop a shared vision at the outset, which serves as a guide during the rest of the process.

I think of editing as a conversation.

I will tailor the process to the author’s needs, but in general, once we decide to work together, you would submit a manuscript electronically. After an intensely focused reading, I provide an overall critique in the form of an editorial letter, and marginal commentary within the document (transmitted through Track Changes). We would then schedule a time to discuss the feedback prior to revision. I also think it is important to have periodic conferences (on the phone, or face-to-face when possible). I review and respond to revisions until the work is ready for submission. Along the way, I am happy to answer any questions, address any concerns, and recommend readings if appropriate.

My goal is to provide sensitive yet critical feedback that helps you envision the next draft and energizes you to get there.

What I Do
I work on nonfiction books, essays, and book proposals. My areas of specialization are nature/environment and memoir, but I am happy to work on any fresh narrative nonfiction.

While working with me does not guarantee that you’ll land an agent or book deal, it does guarantee that your work will be sharper, deeper, more polished, and well-structured.

What I don’t do
Copyediting and proofreading are not services that I offer.

Please no first drafts: I can do my best work when you have done your best work.

Rates are determined on a per client, per project basis.