Brittany Dowdle - Editor
Experienced editor of NY and small press books, specializing in speculative/sci-fi, crime/mystery, historical fiction, and select NF.
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Overview
When an author’s text is clear and accessible to readers, it’s like a key that turns easily in a lock. The reader can open the door and step inside the author’s world.
As an editor, my job is to help you make that transition natural, even inevitable, for the reader. Once you’ve taken your book as far as you can on your own, it’s time to consult a professional editor, which is where I come in.
If you’ve taken your book as far as you can on your own, email me to talk about how we can work together to make it ready for publication.
***
I’m active in these professional organizations:
• Editorial Freelancers Association: I’m a founding member of the EFA Diversity Initiative and the co-director of the Diversity Initiative Welcome Program.
• ACES: The Society for Editing
• Bay Area Editors’ Forum
I’m a lifelong learner, continuing my professional education through coursework and independent study:
• The Author-Editor Clinic: Developmental Editing
• Editorial Freelancers Association: Developmental Editing Series (Three-course series); Book Mapping for Developmental Editors; Additional Continuing Education (line editing, etc.)
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What my clients are saying:
"Working with Brittany is a pleasure. Every book we place for copyediting receives the same excellent and professional edit with an attention to detail that never fails to impress. Highly recommended."-- Debra Dixon, Publisher, BelleBooks/Bell Bridge Books
"Brittany may be the best copyeditor I've ever had. She queries where needed, she knows her grammar and checks for consistency and never goes too far. I would crawl on glass to have her copyedit my books."--Diana Pharaoh Francis, Author
"I'm finally getting thru the details of your edits and they are amazing--you have far exceeded my expectations. I am so impressed by your attention to detail, how thoroughly you look at the big picture and give a global view as well as a line-by-line view . . . I will never work with anyone else."--Shannon Hammer, Author
"Brittany is a versatile proofreader and copyeditor. She has handled different fiction genres and has always been reliable and efficient."--Robin E. Cook,Production Editor, Kensington Publishing
As an editor, my job is to help you make that transition natural, even inevitable, for the reader. Once you’ve taken your book as far as you can on your own, it’s time to consult a professional editor, which is where I come in.
About me: I’m an experienced editor who believes that the best editing combines balance and deliberation, passion and purpose. Since opening Word Cat Editorial Services in 2011, I've worked with major New York publishers and small presses, as well as independent authors, on both fiction and nonfiction projects. (My clients include St. Martin's Press, Kensington Publishing, and Girl Friday Productions, among others.)
My favorite genres are science fiction/speculative fiction, historical fiction, mystery/thrillers (police procedural, historical, cozy), and romance, but I also enjoy nonfiction—from quirky pop culture to women’s history to the economics of the Star Trek universe.
As a developmental editor and manuscript evaluator, I balance enthusiasm for my clients’ projects with the objectivity needed to provide an actionable analysis of story structure, characterization, narrative voice, and more. I also offer coaching on a case-by-case basis, if you need help incorporating structure and accountability into your writing practice.
As a copyeditor, I’m proficient with Chicago style and Merriam-Webster (despite my unrequited love for the OED!). I understand industry standards and best practices, and I edit to ensure consistency and maintain the author’s voice. In fact, I’m known for my solution-oriented queries that make it easy for authors to implement revisions. I believe there’s tangible value in creating a positive editing experience for authors, and I enjoy being part of that process.
If you’ve taken your book as far as you can on your own, email me to talk about how we can work together to make it ready for publication.
***
I’m active in these professional organizations:
• Editorial Freelancers Association: I’m a founding member of the EFA Diversity Initiative and the co-director of the Diversity Initiative Welcome Program.
• ACES: The Society for Editing
• Bay Area Editors’ Forum
I’m a lifelong learner, continuing my professional education through coursework and independent study:
• The Author-Editor Clinic: Developmental Editing
• Editorial Freelancers Association: Developmental Editing Series (Three-course series); Book Mapping for Developmental Editors; Additional Continuing Education (line editing, etc.)
***
What my clients are saying:
"Working with Brittany is a pleasure. Every book we place for copyediting receives the same excellent and professional edit with an attention to detail that never fails to impress. Highly recommended."-- Debra Dixon, Publisher, BelleBooks/Bell Bridge Books
"Brittany may be the best copyeditor I've ever had. She queries where needed, she knows her grammar and checks for consistency and never goes too far. I would crawl on glass to have her copyedit my books."--Diana Pharaoh Francis, Author
"I'm finally getting thru the details of your edits and they are amazing--you have far exceeded my expectations. I am so impressed by your attention to detail, how thoroughly you look at the big picture and give a global view as well as a line-by-line view . . . I will never work with anyone else."--Shannon Hammer, Author
"Brittany is a versatile proofreader and copyeditor. She has handled different fiction genres and has always been reliable and efficient."--Robin E. Cook,Production Editor, Kensington Publishing
Services
Languages
English (US)
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Cultural & Ethnic
Historical Fiction
Mystery & Crime
Romance
Science Fiction
Thriller & Suspense
Urban Fantasy
Certifications
- The Author-Editor Clinic Developmental Editing Course
- Developmental Editing Series (Intro-Advanced)
- Book Mapping for Developmental Editors
- Bachelor of Arts in English, Rollins College and NGCSU, graduated summa cum laude
Work experience
Editor
Self-employed
July, 2011
–
Present
(over 9 years)
Since 2011, I’ve been providing authors and publishers with professional editing services, including developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading. If we work together, your manuscript will receive a balanced, professional edit, and you’ll be treated with respect and consideration. I’ll be candid, courteous, and help you make your work the best it can be.
Freelance Proofreader and Copyeditor
St. Martin's Press
August, 2012
–
Present
(about 8 years)
Freelance Copyeditor and Proofreader
BenBella/Smart Pop Books
February, 2012
–
Present
(over 8 years)
Freelance Copyeditor
Belle Books
December, 2011
–
Present
(almost 9 years)
Freelance Copyeditor and Proofreader
Kensington Publishing
December, 2011
–
Present
(almost 9 years)
Editorial Intern
Peachtree Publishers
January, 2006
–
April, 2006
(3 months)
Portfolio (34 selected works)
A heart-pounding novel of unspeakable crimes and unforgivable sins from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Sound of Rain.Homicide detective Nicole Foster has finally balanced an unsteady life and is anxious for a second chance. There’s no better place to start over than at the beginning—back at her childhood home on the Washington coast, where’s she raising her niece and keeping a... read more
The Summer Children (The Collector Book 3)
Dot Hutchison
This FBI agent has come to expect almost anything—just not this…When Agent Mercedes Ramirez finds an abused young boy on her porch, covered in blood and clutching a teddy bear, she has no idea that this is just the beginning. He tells her a chilling tale: an angel killed his parents and then brought him here so Mercedes could keep him safe.His parents weren’t just murdered. It was a slaughter—... read more
Storm Rose
Corina Bomann
When newly single Annabel Hansen moves to the coastal town of Binz, all she wants is to leave her former life behind. Soon after settling into a beautiful home overlooking the Baltic Sea, she stumbles upon an old fishing boat in a nearby harbor and discovers another purpose: to convert the bullet-riddled Storm Rose into a floating café.Yet there’s more to this project than peeling paint and a ... read more
Trace of Magic (The Diamond City Magic Novels Book 1)
Diana Pharaoh Francis
4 ½ Stars TOP PICK --RT Magazine"Best book of the year!" --Faith Hunter, New York Times Bestselling Author of the Jane Yellowrock series Even the most powerful tracers can't track you if the magical trace you leave behind is too old. But I can track almost anything, even dead trace. That makes me a unicorn, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, and the Loch Ness Monster all rolled into one. In a ... read more
Dreaming of Antigone
Robin Bridges
"Heartfelt and emotional." --Rebecca Phillips, author of Faking Perfect"I can't ever be the blazing star that Iris was. I'm still just a cold, dark satellite orbiting a star that went super nova." Andria's twin sister, Iris, had adoring friends, a cool boyfriend, a wicked car, and a shelf full of soccer trophies. She had everything, in fact--including a drug problem. Six months after Iris's de... read more
Cry Love
Eve Gaddy
An undying love. An enduring threat.When Claire Westbrook and Jonas Clark meet, the attraction is instantaneous. And dangerous. Neither plans a workplace romance. Jonas is a top notch neurosurgeon, single with no plans to change. Claire is a trauma surgeon with a failing marriage. The last thing either one wants is to become embroiled in what promises to be a very complicated relationship. Fro... read more
The Visitant: A Venetian Ghost Story
Megan Chance
A crumbling palazzo in nineteenth-century Venice holds a buried secret.After she nearly ruins her family with a terrible misstep, Elena Spira is sent to Venice to escape disgrace and to atone by caring for the ailing Samuel Farber. But the crumbling and decaying Ca’ Basilio palazzo, where Samuel is ensconced, holds tragic secrets, and little does Elena know how profoundly they will impact her.... read more
Stormy Cove
Bernadette Calonego
As a globe-trotting freelance photographer based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Lori Finning has seen just about everything. But when she lands an assignment on the barren, snow-swept island of Newfoundland, she finds herself in harsh and unfamiliar territory.During the long, dreary winters in the isolated fishing community of Stormy Cove, gossiping is the primary pastime. So Lori is surprise... read more
Darkness: Captain Riley II (The Captain Riley Adventures Book 2)
Fernando Gamboa
From European shores to the heart of the African jungle, Captain Riley’s Pingarrón embarks on new action-packed adventures.On their last mission, Captain Riley, his loyal crew, and his girlfriend, Carmen, bravely averted a global disaster. Now, while World War II rages on, they hope that they are on more solid ground working for the US Navy. But when a job goes awry, the team finds itself taki... read more
Out of Sorts
Aurélie Valognes
Ferdinand Brun hasn’t always been a grumpy old man. Many years ago, he was a grumpy young man. Now he’d much rather spend time with his canine companion, Daisy, than any of his nosy neighbors. But as his behavior becomes increasingly peculiar, his daughter grows concerned and begins to consider moving him into a retirement home.In order to maintain his freedom, Ferdinand must submit to an apar... read more
Abomination
Gary Whitta
"Whitta is a master of suspense. Abomination grabs you and doesn't let go." —Hugh Howey, New York Times-Bestselling Author of WoolHe is England's greatest knight, the man who saved the life of Alfred the Great and an entire kingdom from a Viking invasion. But when he is called back into service to combat a plague of monstrous beasts known as abominations, he meets a fate worse than death and i... read more
Keep Quiet
Lisa Scottoline
New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award winning author Lisa Scottoline is loved by millions of readers for her suspenseful novels about family and justice. Scottoline delivers once again with Keep Quiet, an emotionally gripping and complex story about one man's split-second decision to protect his son - and the devastating consequences that follow.Jake Buckman's relationship with his sixtee... read more
No Ordinary Love
J.J. Murray
Nurse Trina Woods never really expected to make the reality-show cut for Rich Man, Lucky Lady. She's used to losing in love, and past believing in fairy tales. So she's sure the handsome plain-talking man she encounters on her lunch break is just a shy eccentric…Until he turns out to be reclusive award-winning musician “Art E.” Soon his unique sensitivity and gentle ways are inspiring her to s... read more
Some Kind of Magic (Flirting with Fame)
Mary Ann Marlowe
“An amazing first novel.” –Sydney Landon, New York Times bestselling authorIn this sparkling debut novel, Mary Ann Marlowe introduces a hapless scientist who’s swept off her feet by a rock star—but is it love or just a chemical reaction?...Biochemist Eden Sinclair has no idea that the scent she spritzed on herself before leaving the lab is designed to enhance pheromones. Or that the cute, grun... read more
Stranded
Anne Bishop, Anthony Francis, James Alan Gardner
On the edge, all things are possible...From Stranded, by Anthony FrancisShe crested a ridge overlooking the wreck--and froze, bewitched.Climbing from the ship were the most beautiful people she'd ever seen.They wore armored spacesuits, patched in a thousand places, and painted to look like animals. Helmets folded back revealed inner pressure suits decorated too: one girl in a leopard outersuit... read more
Shadow Lover
Anne Stuart
Victim. Lover. Both? His dark game is seducing her-- just as it was when they were young.How can he still have that power over her? Eighteen years ago, she saw him die. Wealthy, selfish, and greedy, the McDowell family raised Carolyn McDowell--a foster child--like a modern Cinderella. Neglected and ignored, good-hearted Carolyn adored scion Alexander despite it all, though even he tormented he... read more
"A charming portrait of the Smokies, their people, and a wonderful way of life." --Deborah Smith, New York Times bestselling authorSet in Tennessee's postcard-perfect Smoky Mountains, Lin Stepp's Makin' Miracles is an inspiring tale that reveals why love and forgiveness are most important just when they seem most impossible. . . Zola Devon has always been a little different. Half Tahitian, wit... read more
Earnest
Kristin von Kreisler
“Von Kreisler takes us deeper into the powerful connections between humans and animals.”--Jacqueline Sheehan From the bestselling author of An Unexpected Grace comes a richly insightful novel of matters of the heart—both human and canine—in an uplifting story of love, loyalty, and new beginnings… Earnest. It’s the perfect name for a sweet, eager-to-please yellow Labrador retriever. Anna and he... read more
Vengeance Is Mine
Joanne Fluke
A KILLER IN THE DEAD OF WINTER… As a family clinic administrator, Michele Layton has seen her share of suffering. But never anything like this. Not here in St. Cloud, Minnesota. A local activist has been found murdered, his body frozen like a statue and placed in a Winter Carnival ice sculpture display. Next a vicious hate crime puts a man in the ICU. And locked away in the Holy Rest mental wa... read more
Spring is just a few weeks away, but winter is still digging its claws into Moosetookalook, Maine. With business at the Scottish Emporium frozen up, Liss MacCrimmon is cautiously optimistic when a twist of fate lands her on a reality competition show—until the contest gets a little too cutthroat . . .While driving on an icy road one night, Liss swerves her car when something darts out in front... read more
She had Mr. Right all sewn up . . . until Mr. Wonderful came along. Ethan is smart, funny, kind, gentle, great with Arianna's toddler son, a fantastic lover, and finally ready to settle down to a teaching job in Manhattan after years of nomadic work as a freelance photographer. Plus he's the adoring brother of Arianna's best friend, Rachel.He's a truly special man, and the time seems right for... read more
Murder in Retribution (A New Scotland Yard Mystery)
Anne Cleeland
Two of Scotland Yard’s most gifted detectives navigate the darkest corners of London to solve a series of murders that will blur every line between right and wrong… Chief Inspector Michael Sinclair, Lord Acton, and rookie detective Kathleen Doyle ruffle more than a few feathers at CID Headquarters when their relationship comes to light. But office politics quickly become trivial amid a rash of... read more
Hunting Eve: An Eve Duncan Novel
Iris Johansen
#1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen brings us book two in a heart-stopping new Eve Duncan trilogyThe stakes are raised even higher in Hunting Eve as Eve battles the man who is holding her prisoner. Secrets about why Eve has been targeted come into the light, bringing Eve even closer to danger. With its cliffhanger ending, Hunting Eve sets up perfectly for the finale, Silencing Eve.
Tidewater Murder (A Carolina Slade Mystery Book 2)
C. Hope Clark
"Terrific. Smart, knowing, clever...and completely original. A taut, high-tension page-turner--in a unique and fascinating setting. An absolute winner!" Hank Phillippi Ryan Agatha, Anthony and Macavity winning author In the deep waters off the coast of Beaufort, South Carolina, corpses are turning up faster than dolphins chasing a shrimp boat . . . When federal agricultural investigator Caroli... read more
The Ridge
John Rector
“A creeping, pitch-black window into a suburban America like nothing you’ve ever read....You know something is deeply wrong with this neighborhood, and yet nothing will prepare you for the mind-melting final pages.” —Blake Crouch, international bestselling author of Dark Matter and the Wayward Pines SeriesWith its manicured lawns, pastel houses, and quiet, tree-lined streets, Willow Ridge seem... read more
When Anne McCaffrey passed in November 2011, it was not only those closest to her who mourned her death; legions of readers also felt the loss deeply. The pioneering science fiction author behind the Dragonriders of Pern® series crafted intricate stories, enthralling worlds, and strong heroines that profoundly impacted the science fiction community and genre.In Dragonwriter, Anne’s son and Per... read more
Baby Grand (Baby Grand Trilogy Book 1)
Dina Santorelli
Runner-up, 2016 Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book CompetitionHonorable Mention, Genre Fiction, 21st Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book AwardsSelf-e Selection, Library Journal A compelling, fast-moving contemporary thriller: In Albany, New York, the governor's infant daughter disappears without a trace from her crib at the Executive Mansion. Hours later, newly divorced and down-and-out writ... read more
Trekonomics: The Economics of Star Trek
Manu Saadia
"Manu Saadia has managed to show us one more reason, perhaps the most compelling one of all, why we all need the world of Star Trek to one day become the world we live in." — Chris Black, Writer and Co-Executive Producer, Star Trek: Enterprise What would the world look like if everybody had everything they wanted or needed? Trekonomics, the premier book in financial journalist Felix Salmon's i... read more
Good Sam (A Kate Bradley Mystery)
Dete Meserve
Ten seemingly random people in Los Angeles just found $100,000 sitting on their porches. No one knows where the money came from or why. When seasoned TV news reporter Kate Bradley starts asking questions, this feel-good story becomes a mystery. How far will Kate go to identify the generous soul known as “Good Sam,” who doesn’t seem to want to be found?With all the imposters, red herrings, and ... read more
The Last Thing She Ever Did
Gregg Olsen
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author comes a psychological thriller exploring the things we dare to do when no one is looking . . .The community along Oregon’s Deschutes River is one of successful careers and perfect families. For years, up-and-comers Liz and Owen have admired their good friends and neighbors, Carole and David. They appear to have it all—security, happiness, and a bea... read more
The Murder of Willie Lincoln is an exciting historical fiction debut by award-winning political journalist and Washington insider Burt Solomon.Washington City, 1862: The United States lies in tatters, and there seems no end to the war. Abraham Lincoln, the legitimate President of the United States, is using all his will to keep his beloved land together. But Lincoln’s will and soul are tested ... read more
The Northern Cross (A Baltic Sea Crime Novel Book 2)
Hendrik Falkenberg
A mysterious wooden cross appears on a hilltop, towering over the craggy Baltic Sea coastline. The body of a young man hangs from the cross, nailed by the hands and feet.Detective Johannes “Hannes” Niehaus arrives at the scene, hoping to make quick work of this grisly case and prove himself to his new partner. But this is not a simple incident of religious fanaticism. The killer’s motive prove... read more
The Warner Boys: Our Family's Story of Autism and Hope
Curt Warner, Ana Warner
An emotional, revealing memoir of one family’s life in seclusion—and the love, strength, and faith it took to save it.Seahawks star running back Curt Warner and his wife, Ana, were prominent figures in Seattle in the early 1990s. When they dropped from the public eye after Curt’s retirement, everyone assumed it was for a simpler life. But the reality behind their seclusion was a secret they hi... read more
The Boy Between Worlds: A Biography
Annejet van der Zijl
From the Amazon Charts bestselling author of An American Princess comes the true story of an unconventional family divided by war and prejudice during WWII.When they fell in love in 1928, Rika and Waldemar could not have been more different. She was a thirty-seven-year-old Dutch-born mother, estranged from her husband. He was her immigrant boarder, not yet twenty, and a wealthy Surinamese desc... read more
Brittany has 1 review
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
I am very pleased with Brittany's advice for my novel. She has an excellent understanding of my theme and the story line. Her comments are easy to understand, yet professional and knowledgeable. She provided a progress report while she was working. Her communication with me was regular, purposeful and encouraging. I will be spending the next few months working on revisions and correcting pun...
Read more
Doug Saldivar, August 2020
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