Overview
Hello, my name is Sasha and I'm an addict. I just can't stop editing. I’m constantly chasing that high of catching a typo or tightening a manuscript. You don't want to know how many times I've emailed CNN to inform them about a typo in one of their headlines (fifteen times this year so far). But I digress. Strengthening text gives me tremendous joy, and I've been lucky enough to make a career out of it.
I first fell in love with storytelling as a child when I read A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. Story took root in me and I was forever changed. I began writing my own stories, mostly about children saving humanity. My parents did not buy me children’s books, so I read whatever was around the house: Heinlein, Steinbeck, Fitzgerald. I was a voracious reader in my teens and was often subjected to some form of ridicule over it, but I learned rather quickly that being called a nerd is in fact a compliment. I kept on reading.
While studying English Literature at the University of Toronto, I got my first editing job at the consultant firm First Folio Resources Group. I edited course curriculum for the Ministry of Education among other projects. It was as if the words parted and I found my true calling: editing! My next editorial role was as copyeditor of Razor Magazine and shortly thereafter I was promoted to managing editor. My love for the written word transitioned into a book editor position at MIRA Books where I was able to help guide writers through the magical process of revision and also get some writers on bestseller lists. Since then I have been working as a freelance editor and writer, working on everything from manuscripts and marketing materials, to screenplays and dissertations.
I love writing unconditionally and I critique as a reader, not as a writer. Good stories are all about conflict, because if there’s nothing to overcome, there is no story. Good stories take readers on a compelling journey and make them feel. As your editor I will make suggestions on how to improve plot points, dialogue and character development, and recommend ways to create the appropriate balance of tension and release in order to amplify the reader’s emotional connection to your work.
The editing process is like book therapy, and my role as an editor is to support your manuscript through the process of transitioning into its best self. My ultimate goal as an editor is align my skillset with the goals of my client. My ability to communicate with clarity, integrity and humour gives me the ability to effectively assist you in achieving your editorial dreams.
When I'm not editing, you'll find me late at night reading a book in the corner of my daughter's room or trying to perfect the chocolate chip cookie.
Services
Fiction
Languages
Work experience
Self-employed
Editing everything from manuscripts, marketing materials, websites, short stories, academic essays and dissertations, to restaurant menus and screenplays.
MIRA Books (Harlequin Enterprises Ltd.)
Completed line and substantive editing of contemporary fiction: worked closely with authors to develop story and series ideas.
Wrote compelling back cover copy for assigned titles.
Proofread marketing materials, covers, and bound galleys for typos and gutter issues.
Oversaw the production and approval of all back- and front-of-book matter for entire imprint (author bios, copyright pages, etc.).
Coordinated freelance copy material; worked as a liaison between freelancers and editors, evaluated and revised copy as required.
Briefed titles and pitched cover art ideas to art and marketing departments.
Solely produced and distributed a monthly newsletter on publishing and entertainment trends to Harlequin offices around the world (4,000 employees).
Wrote and uploaded content to website including author interviews and contests.
Razor Magazine
Completed copyediting and fact-checking for entire monthly publication.
Worked with writers to develop engaging articles.
Directed consistency of editorial tone; collaborated with graphics department to maintain art direction and general layout of the magazine.
Wrote compelling monthly features on gadgets, cars and grooming (also sourced images), as well as all headlines and decks.
Managed progress of freelancers and designers through a schedule and daily check-ins to ensure that all editorial and design deadlines were met in a timely fashion.
Made final edits on InDesign before printing.
First Folio Resources Group
Edited and formatted Ontario elementary and high school course curriculum according to Ministry of Education standards using MS Office Suite.
Sasha has 5 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
Elizabeth J.
Mar, 2021
Angela R.
Feb, 2021
Levon W.
Jan, 2021
Gary W.
Dec, 2020
Elizabeth J.
Nov, 2020