Editing
Editing is like surgery — you need a specialist.
Do you have a book proposal that’s missing… something? Notes from an agent or editor on a first draft? A manuscript that needs a professional eye or developmental edits? An editorial Substack that needs a regular editor?
With decades of expertise in writing and narrative structure — and teaching Creative Writing, Latin, and Language Structures classes — I know how to turn a messy first draft into publishable, eye-grabbing, page-turning, suspenseful work.
Work with me on projects of all shapes and sizes, from complete rewrites of long-form projects to one-off edits of speeches, guest columns, and more. No professional writing experience necessary.
Example Editing Projects
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Manuscripts
I offer developmental edits, then meet with writers to help ideate and collaborate on a new structure after review. I bring surgical precision to every edit. Useful for everyone, from first-time to published writers.
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Agent-ready book proposals
I’ve spent much of my career mastering the format, strategy, and techniques required to hook literary agents. More about my book proposal services.
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Revising novels & memories with notes from agents
Agent notes can often feel confusing or overwhelming. I specialize in translating them into successful edits without losing your voice.
Who I Work With
I love working with writers of all experience levels. That may mean first-time writers, e.g., aspiring novelists or memoirists who need constructive support during the writing and/or editing process of their first fiction or creative non-fiction project.
I also work with agent-represented and published authors who need constructive support through the writing and/or editing process of their next big project.
I’ve edited books that sold to imprints of Simon & Schuster, Doubleday, Chronicle Books, Macmillan, and Random House and worked with authors who have received book reviews in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Washington Post.
Every client I work with has different priorities and goals, which is what I love about book editing and coaching. If you’re not sure what you need exactly, reach out to me.
“Emily is a brilliant, razor-sharp, structural genius who will cut through your draft to find the heart of your story. As an editor, she is generous, kind and intuitive. When I first met Emily, I was at a crossroads with my writing. Within two years of working together, I've been published in numerous outlets and signed with a literary agent.”
Anna Sullivan