Abby Muller – Editor

After eight years in traditional publishing, it's a pleasure to focus more closely on working directly with authors to hone, develop, polish, and share their stories. At present, I am available for editorial assessments and query letters.

I would describe myself as a hands-on editor who cares deeply about her authors and the stories they want to tell. My style is warm and collaborative as well as rigorous, thorough, and thoughtful. My editorial work tends to focus on development and continuity of characters and themes, with close attention also paid to structure, plot, and pacing (see below for some testimonials from my authors!). I always offer concrete, actionable feedback, and I also aim to ask questions that will help you discover new approaches to your manuscript as you revise.

I have experience across genres with a focus on queer fiction and memoir. I also love weird and unsettling novels, magical realism, coming-of-age narratives, and memoirs that braid many strands. I have enjoyed editing smart and engaging nonfiction about science, history, and culture.

In addition to years of developmental and line editing experience, I bring to the table a deep knowledge of how the traditional publishing industry works, and a desire to help demystify that black box for authors. As part of working together on any project, I'm glad to discuss industry questions you might have. My prices include a follow-up Zoom or phone conversation post-edit.

TESTIMONIALS

"Abby has a gift for seeing a manuscript as a system of moving parts, and thereby identifying precisely what needs to be fixed. The greatest joy of the whole writing process was going back and forth with her in the Track Changes comments. She is such a funny, engaged reader, and I felt newly excited about my novel when seeing it through her eyes."

—James Frankie Thomas, author of IDLEWILD

"Abby's detailed editorial letters covered everything from plot, character, and prose to how to better incorporate backstory, knowing exactly which issues needed attention and what questions to ask to make me dig deeper. Working with Abby was having an encouraging, wise, and committed partner who could see my vision and knew how to guide me through the murkiest waters."

—Jennifer Savran Kelly, author of ENDPAPERS

"Abby is the editor you need for your narrative nonfiction work. She's got that rare trifecta of storytelling skill, journalistic judgement and a willingness to dive into tough subjects to tease out the best details. Her way with words is smart and clear, and she'll ask you the questions you need to improve your manuscript. What's more, she's patient, kind and a pleasure to work with."

—Charlie Wells, author of WHAT HAPPENED TO MILLENNIALS