Amber Smith – Editor

As an award-winning and NYT bestselling author with fifteen years of experience in the writing world, both on the fiction and nonfiction side—with ten published books under my belt—I know how to spot problem areas in manuscripts. Just as important, though, I also know how to draw out the elements in a manuscript that are working. How to help a writer create the very best version of the story they want (and need) to tell. I do this by brainstorming with you, providing multi-leveled critiques, and asking questions that will deepen even your own understanding of various elements of your work—like characters, plot, setting, pacing, and voice, to name a few. I will provide thoughtful, constructive feedback (because, really, who has the energy for anything less?).

My manuscript and editing services are perfect for the writer who:

· is ready to dig in and take their work to a new level

· is in need of a fresh perspective

· requires assistance in navigating next steps

· has hit a metaphorical wall: conceptually, logistically, linguistically (or any combination thereof)

I will work with both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts for readers of all ages, though my areas of specialty include: contemporary realism, young adult, middle-grade, and memoir.

MY WRITING & PUBLISHING CREDITS

My young adult novels deal with topics and issues near and dear to my heart, such as mental health, gendered violence and abuse, and LGBTQ+ equality. On the middle-grade side, I love to create worlds that are full of imagination, centering around family, friendship, and the challenges of growing up. These titles include The Way I Used to Be, The Last to Let Go, Something Like Gravity, and Code Name: Serendipity. I also contributed to the nonfiction young adult anthology, Our Stories, Our Voices. Each of these books received accolades in the form of awards, honors, critical acclaim…and some have even been NYT bestsellers! Prior to turning my attention to fiction full-time in 2015, I authored or co-authored numerous nonfiction books on the topics of art, history, culture, and biography, while editing and managing dozens more.

TEACHING & EDITING EXPERIENCE

Since 2016, I have led dozens of writing workshops and presentations across the country, speaking to students, classes, and writing groups of various ages and levels. During this time, I also began offering freelance editing services, and I have grown to cherish these interactions and relationships. There’s nothing that compares to helping a writer make a breakthrough in their work or seeing them not give up on their dream.

SO, IN A NUTSHELL

I have extensive experience working with industry professionals in a broad range of publishing scenarios and I’m passionate about helping others to find their voice and tell their stories. If I sound like the kind of person you want in your writing corner, I’d love to hear from you.