Overview
I’m a versatile editor, copywriter, and publishing professional with over 14 years of experience commissioning, editing, managing, and publishing content. With a proven track record of adapting to new styles and target audiences quickly, I have produced content for literary magazines and fiction publishers (short stories, poetry collections, and novels), scholarly and nonfiction publishers (cookbooks, social science textbooks, mental health and psychology books, newspapers, and travel/leisure features), and digital outlets (apps, websites, blogs, and social media). While I am comfortable working in any genre, my expertise includes:
- Young adult, new adult, & literary fiction (ex. my own award-winning realistic fiction, Parnucklian for Chocolate)
- Food, wine, and travel (ex. feature stories for TripSavvy, The Nordic Cookbook)
- Psychology and mental health (ex. Lyra, Doing Qualitative Research in Psychology)
- Poetry (ex. my own award-winning poems, Chopper! Chopper! Poetry for Bordered Lives)
Other particular areas of interest and market knowledge include humor and psychological thrillers.
I grew up in the equestrian world, and I see my editing style as similar to the dynamic between horse and rider: I work to establish a partnership grounded in trust and mutual respect that offers steering and guidance to bring out the best of your skills and individual voice. Whether you need to keep momentum, trim the fat, or find that little bit of magic to pull it all together, I use the needs of your project and target audience as well as my knowledge of successful craft and the market to structure my approach.
I am equally comfortable digging through the weeds as I am looking across an entire field: I thrive in doing surgical deep-dives into grammar as well as broader paint strokes across plots. Whatever level of editing you require, I want our experience to be a dialogue that can flex and adjust as needed along the way while working not only to shape this particular project, but also improve your writing overall and give you the tools and confidence to continue refining your brand.
My experience on both the author and the editor side of the publishing industry gives me a unique perspective on the challenges authors face and the desires publishers have—and how to accommodate those in a happy partnership of which you both can be proud.
Testimonial:
“Aly’s thoroughness and commitment to me as an author has been pivotal in the production of meaningful texts that we can both be proud of. [Her] consummate professionalism, endless patience and boundless emotional intelligence made the tentative steps worthwhile. […] She is the encapsulation of an ‘ideal’ commissioning editor, and I wouldn’t consider working with anyone else.” Dr. Robert Thomas, author
Services
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Languages
Awards
- Editor for SAGE Product of the Year Nominee
- Editor for Most Promising New Textbook Winner
- Editor for British Book Design and Production Shortlist Nominee
- Beau Bordeaux Poetry Scholarship
- First Place Behavioral Sciences at the International Science and Engineering Fair
- Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
Certifications
- MA in Publishing
- BA in Creative Writing and Psychology
Work experience
Self-employed
Provide editorial services and support (from initial idea through to publication), write features articles for a variety of publication outlets, and develop copy, promotional materials, and creative strategy for brands.
SAGE Publications
Recruit and provide creative development support to new authors and editorial talent on the Research Methods list (across social sciences and humanities).
Phaidon Press
Write app-based copy and assist in designing mobile apps for Wallpaper* City Guides and Where Chefs Eat, and typeset, and proofread Phaidon cookbooks.
Jiwar Creation and Society (Barcelona) and Takt Kunstprojektraum (Berlin)
Application-only artist in residence programs where I wrote a novel, hosted public readings and exhibitions, and continued to build a network with local and international artists and publishers.
Red Hen Press
Editorial: correspond with authors; prepare manuscripts; evaluate submissions; write reader reports
Design: typeset fiction and poetry books; perform galley, pre-flight, and cover proof checks
Marketing: create adverts, flyers, and graphics; attend selected events and conferences as a brand ambassador
Narrative Magazine
Evaluate and edit fiction and poetry submissions and recommend for publication or rejection
Portfolio
Aly has 74 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
Garrett K.
Oct, 2024
Phoebe J.
Oct, 2024
ashley W.
Sep, 2024
Aimee S.
Sep, 2024
Kimberly B.
Jul, 2024
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