Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s & YA Literature
Bio
I am a writer and editor. My publications include short stories, a literary novel for adults, a YA novel, and a nonfiction book for kids 8-12 years old. I have edited or co-edited several anthologies. I’ve done copyediting, proofreading, line editing, substantive editing and manuscript assessments. I am bilingual and although I am not a translator, I have worked on a number of projects where the text originated in French (and occasionally other languages) and needed massaging into correct and colloquial English.
Services Offered
I can offer whatever level of support you need, from a simple read-through to a detailed edit, down to the last comma. I am happy to edit a project through multiple revisions or coach you as your project develops over time. Clients often return to me with revised or new work, including pieces they are preparing to submit to journals, contests, and publishers. Having spent over thirty years in the book industry as a bookseller, publishers’ sales rep, and author, I can also give you advice on the writing life or on getting published.
Special Interests
Literary fiction (short stories and novels), nonfiction, mystery, science fiction and fantasy, children’s and young adult, and memoir. I can also help you with pitches and cover letters.
Testimonials
Last year, I asked Elise to read and give feedback on a manuscript I was preparing to send out to publishers. While it had gone through some previous editing, Elise’s recommendations to lift it to the next level were deft and insightful. From major structural changes to punctuation choices, her eye was sharp and skillful; every change she suggested improved the work. With that, she was generous and encouraging throughout the process. I loved working with her, and am also very grateful: soon after revising with her, my book was accepted by a publisher and is forthcoming this year.
I asked Elise to give me an assessment of my first draft of a novel (70,000 words). Her assessment included a well-balanced critique with some insightful ways to improve in subsequent drafts. She also provided me other helpful comments in track changes. The turnaround time was fast (one week), and her rates were very reasonable for such a thorough, professional assessment. I was impressed with her honesty and tactfulness.
I knew that I needed help in order to create the story I wanted to write, which is how I came to contact Elise. Part of me wondered what hiring a writer actually meant. I didn’t want someone to tell me how to write. And I didn’t really want someone to tell me what was wrong with my writing. It turns out that Elise is helping me to find my voice. It is an extraordinary experience, and I am in awe of her ability to do that. Writing is hard work; hiring a writer doesn’t make it easier. But working with Elise makes the effort more rewarding, the text more efficient, and the chances of completion a hundred percent more likely. (Okay, ninety-nine percent more likely!)
I’m so glad to have asked Elise to assess my debut novel. Her insightful and detailed feedback prompted me to shift chapters around, add and delete sections, flesh out a major character, and alter the ending – edits that resulted in a smoother, clearer, and more powerful story. Most importantly, she reminded me that “showing” rather than “telling” was at the heart of good storytelling. Elise also works quickly, is always accessible, and her ongoing encouragement makes her a pleasure to work with.
