I am an editor and writing coach with over fifteen years of experience writing and editing multiple genres. I have an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology and an MFA in Creative Writing. During my graduate career at Florida International University, I studied with writers such as Les Standiford, Julie Marie Wade, Richard Blanco, and Campbell McGrath. During my time at the Writers in Paradise conference at Eckerd College, I studied with Laura Lippman, Greg Pardlo, Luis Urrea, Andre Dubus III, and Ann Hood. I am a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association. I am also an award-winning author of Overdue in Paradise: The Library History of Palm Beach County, a collaborative effort to raise awareness of local history in Palm Beach County, Florida. My published works include Village of North Palm Beach: A History (Arcadia Publishing) and Many Miles, a poetry chapbook (Small Harbor Publishing). I have an extensive background in small-press and magazine publishing. Currently, I am the managing editor of Mobile Electronics magazine, the 12-Volt Industry’s #1 Resource. While at Florida International University, I served as Poetry Editor of Gulf Stream Magazine. Earlier in my career, I worked as an Associate Editor for Wild River Review. I also worked in acquisitions at The Bucks County Writer.

Coaching

As your writing coach, I can provide you with support throughout your journey. I will help you set and achieve goals, develop your project, and create strategies to carry you forward on your path as a writer. Each coaching relationship is tailored to your needs, and I will draw from my years of experience in writing, editing, and publishing. With a customized coaching package, I can help you get clear on your goals and keep you accountable. 

• Improve your craft.
• Get honest, thorough feedback.
• Learn to manage your time in an efficient way.
• Ready to send your work to publishers? I can help you get organized and craft query letters.

I also offer manuscript evaluations. If you choose to hire me to assess your manuscript and provide a full critique, you may also want to book a couple of coaching sessions.

Manuscript Evaluations

I offer detailed and thorough manuscript evaluations in a variety of genres, including creative nonfiction, memoir, fiction, poetry, and hybrid forms. This is an ideal service for a writer who is ready to publish, but would like an expert to assess for structure, plot, characterization, scene, or organization of the material. When you hire me, you can anticipate thorough and precise feedback. All manuscript evaluations come with a critique letter and a one-on-one video call. Here are just a few things you can expect me to assess.

Fiction

• What does the main character want, and what is interesting about them?
• What is driving the story?
• What psychological issues are complicating the story?
• What problems get in the way of the main character reaching the goal?
• How is the matter resolved, or not resolved?
• What engages me as a reader? What doesn’t?
• What is the tone and pacing of the writing, and how does it serve the story that’s being told?

Poetry

Having studied the compilation of a poetry manuscript in graduate school, I can offer you feedback about the structure and presentation of your book of poems. We can also take the evaluation a step further and I can assist you on the path to publication as your writing coach. See above for more details on the customized coaching packages I offer.

• When assessing a poetry manuscript, I take a closer look at the tone of the whole collection.
• What is the conceit or the trope of these poems?
• What is the focus of the work as a whole?
• How are these poems connected, and what is the larger story they’re telling?
• Does this collection of poems have a narrative arc?
• What are the strongest poems? Which poems may need more attention, and why?

Non-Fiction

Your non-fiction work might be memoir, creative nonfiction, or history focused. I am experienced in multiple non-fiction genres, and I am happy to align my assessment with any style guide you might be using.

• What is the vehicle the author has chosen for this story?
• What is the narrative arc?
• If the focus is nonfiction history, what is the structure of the book and how does it serve the content?
• If the book is hybrid, lyric essay, or a mix of prose and poetry, how do the chapters or individual pieces interact with one another?
• What is the larger story the book is telling, and it clear, cohesive, and engaging?

Editorial Consultation

As an editor, I provide services based on your needs. If you are not sure which level of edit you require, please contact me to discuss it.

Copyediting: This can be especially useful if you’ve completed revisions or a substantive edit, but you need to ensure your book meets the specifications of a style guide. If you wish to create your own style guide for your work, I can help you accomplish this. I am familiar with several style guides, including Chicago Manual of Style, AP Style, and New Hart’s Rules.

Substantive Editing / Developmental Editing: This level of edit examines the overall structure, clarity, and flow of your manuscript.

Proofreading: Proofreading is the last step before sending a piece, essay, or manuscript for publication. In a digital proofread, I will read closely for typos, spelling errors, and other mistakes that may not have been caught during a previous edit or revision.

Sample Edit

My fee for a five-page sample edit is $150. This fee includes an in-depth analysis and a one-on-one video call in which we will discuss your goals for the piece and any questions or concerns you may have.

Why the cost? Often, writers aren’t sure which level of edit they need for their project. A paid sample edit allows for a deeper dive so that I can provide you with the best possible feedback and advice.

Then, you can decide whether or not you’re ready to move forward with a full-scale edit.

Rates

My rates vary depending on the project. To get a general sense of industry rates, please click here.

I am happy to provide a quote and a sample edit. Ready to discuss your project? Please fill out the form below and I will respond as soon as possible. I look forward to hearing from you.