Bronwyn Kato – Ghostwriter

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, including the Sunday Times Literary Award (see the first nine 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)