Bronwyn Kato

Bronwyn Kato – Ghostwriter

Fiction editor and book coach with 20 years’ experience working on award-winning titles for Penguin and other publishers.

Overview

Since 2003, I've worked on over 400 titles in my role as consultant, editor, proofreader, beta-reader, writer and ghostwriter.


I’ve collaborated with all kinds of writers, at every level, editing books that have been nominated for or won literary awards (see the first seven titles in my Portfolio below), and working with renowned authors such as André Brink (twice nominated for the Man Booker Prize).


I am passionate about helping people express themselves through writing. Themes and genres that interest me include art, mindfulness, psychology, philosophy, neurodiversity, Japanese fiction, coming-of-age stories and LGBTQ literature.


HOW I WORK

I currently offer the following services. I usually recommend starting with a book plan, after which you can decide how you want to proceed.



1. BOOK PLANNING / OUTLINING PROCESS

· Brainstorming and conceptualizing

· Creating a comprehensive outline with chapter summaries

· Notes on structure, theme, pacing, style, content/plot, voice, setting and themes

· Character sketches (detailed profiles of distinctive traits, motivations, etc.)


2. CONSULTING

· Conceptualizing

· Defining goals and creating a schedule

· Defining content, structure, themes, voice and writing style

· Compiling an outline

· Building characters

· Editorial feedback

· Motivation, guidance, and support


3. BETA-READING / EDITORIAL REPORTS




TESTIMONIALS

“One of our trusted and valued freelancers, Bronwyn McLennan is commissioned regularly by us to edit manuscripts and write reader reports on novels being considered for publication. We appreciate her keen eye for quality writing, her suggestions for improving a manuscript, the warm and constructive working relationships she forms with the writers whose novels she edits, and her general care and precision in her work. She is also very reliable and delivers on time. Thank you, Bronwyn!” – Catriona Ross, Managing Editor, Local Fiction, Penguin Random House South Africa



“I must say, I found the editing magnificent and sensitive. I hope I can work with Bronwyn again!” André Brink, author of OTHER LIVES (Penguin Random House)



“This book would not be anything without the wonderful editor I was blessed to have, Bronwyn. Thank you for making sense of my book and turning it into something people can understand and relate to. It has been a pleasure working with you as I found you to be open and sensitive to my needs as the author. I challenged you and questioned you during the editing process but you always responded with further suggestions and ideas. It is a difficult thing to give over your creative work and allow someone to fiddle with and tweak it. You were keenly aware of my discomfort at times, and showed such patience and understanding. I gave you vegetable soup, you returned to me with comments attached, and with my added comments it looked like my dog’s breakfast, but you whipped it into a gourmet soufflé of haute cuisine standard! I don’t know how you did it, but well done!” Toni Lee, author of YOU’RE HAPPY … YOU JUST DON’T KNOW IT YET (Penguin Random House)






Services
Fiction
Coming of Age Contemporary Fiction LGBTQ Fiction Magical Realism Middle Grade Women's Fiction Young Adult
Non-Fiction
Religion & Spirituality
Languages
English (SA) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Freelance

Jul, 2005 — Present

Working on 400+ titles, including a number of prize-nominated and award-winning novels, memoirs and biographies, for publishers such as Penguin Random House. Please see examples of books I have edited in the Portfolio below.

Penguin Random House

Jun, 2009 — Jun, 2010 (about 1 year)

Evaluating manuscripts, preparing and presenting submissions for editorial meetings, liaising with authors and reviewers, editing, and writing blurbs, author biographies and promotional material.

Juta Publishers

Dec, 2003 — Jun, 2005 (over 1 year)

Project management (overseeing the execution of projects from rough to final manuscript), editing and writing.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing
The Tearoom

Haley, Gretchen

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Not a Fairytale

Ali, Shaida Kazie

Developmental Editing
Love Interrupted

Malatji, Reneilwe

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Mirage

Viviers , David Ralph

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Nomtombomsa and the Sacred Pool

Reid, Chris Ntombemhlope

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Woman, Trashed

Brodie, Joanne

Developmental Editing

Bronwyn has 7 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

heather Z.

heather Z.

Mar, 2024

👍
Miriam C.

Miriam C.

Mar, 2024

From the moment I entrusted Bronwyn with my work, she demonstrated an unparalleled level of commitment and skill that exceeded my expectations. Bronwyn's editorial report was not only comprehensive but also delivered with a keen understanding of my vision for the manuscript. Her insights were invaluable, offering constructive feedback that truly elevated the quality of my work. What impressed ...
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Bronwyn K.
Working with Edee on her book has been an absolute pleasure on every level. She writes beautifully and has a clear, inspiring vision for her story, addressing themes with which I strongly resonate....
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Nicole S.

Nicole S.

Oct, 2023

I had the tremendous honor and pleasure of collaborating with Bron, and I cannot praise her skills and dedication enough. Her keen eye for nuances, meticulous research, and ability to bring out the narrative's emotions were exceptional. What struck me most was her commitment to incorporating diversity and her graceful, empathetic navigation of sensitive topics in the text. Bron was an incredibl...
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Bronwyn K.
Working with Nicole was a fantastic experience – rewarding, fascinating and fun. She is extremely thoughtful, considerate, passionate about the messages she wants to share, dedicated, and also an i...
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Elizabeth J.

Elizabeth J.

May, 2023

Bronwyn is always such a pleasure to work with! She is so kind, professional, and a wonderful writer. I 100% recommend her services! I can't wait to collaborate on more projects with her in the future. :)
Bronwyn K.
Another wonderful experience collaborating with Liz. She is a fantastic creator and the loveliest person to work with. Thank you, Liz! 😊 I look forward to our next project.
Elizabeth J.

Elizabeth J.

Feb, 2023

This is my second time working with Bronwyn and she never fails to amaze me with her beautiful writing skill and wonderful personality. She is a pleasure to collaborate with and I couldn't be happier with the two projects we worked on together! I am always sad when our collaboration comes to an end and I very much look forward to future projects with Bronwyn! I highly recommend her for her prof...
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Bronwyn K.
Working with Liz was a joy from start to finish. Liz creates the most wonderful characters and stories, and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process of bringing them to life. She is such a lovely per...
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