Carlo DeCarlo

Carlo DeCarlo – Editor

I specialize in fiction (focusing on romance, thriller, and fantasy/sci-fi), narrative non-fiction, and how-to books on writing.

Overview

How did I get my start? I honed my skills working in publishing for more than 25 years as a proofreader, copy editor, and editor.

And what about my writing and story skills? I developed a keen ear for character and voice and a solid feel for plot and story by studying with Emmy award–winning writers and published authors in comedy, screenwriting, and novel workshops.

Do I play well with others? I developed and co-authored two published narrative non-fiction books. I’ve also co-created and written four TV pilots (which we’re still trying to get produced). Also, check out my client recommendations below.

So… what can I do for you? The services I offer include developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, and proofreading. In case you’re not sure what each is: A developmental edit occurs during and/or after the initial creative process of your detailed outline and/or your first draft; the line edit follows the developmental edit after your story manuscript's plot is set, no sooner than after your second draft or third draft (depending upon your writing skill level); a copy edit is done after the author reviews line edit notes and makes the appropriate changes; and the proofread is the final step and done as a final pass. Since Reedsy doesn't specify the difference between line edits and copy edits, I'll briefly clarify: The job of a line editor is to help you tell a better story; the job of a copyeditor is to make sure the grammar is correct.


NOW CHECK OUT THESE CLIENT RECOMMENDATIONS:

“I can't say enough good things about Carlo. He’s a superb editor, both in line editing and developmental editing. I’ve hired him numerous times, and on each project, he made my work better through his insightful notes and suggestions.”

—D.B. Gilles; screenwriter, playwright, and fiction and nonfiction author


“Carlo and I first worked together on my nonfiction book chronicling my experiences as a psychologist. Originally, he was meant to copyedit the book, but his early notes prompted me to ask him to step in as co-author. In doing major rewrites, he taught me how to be a better writer. When I started writing fiction, I asked him to be my editor. He has edited all my novels. I’m awed by his talent in story development, characterization, and dialogue; sometimes he simply moves a few words around, changing the whole feel of the scene for the better.”

—Jacqueline Simon Gunn; fiction and nonfiction author


“Carlo tuned in right away to what I wanted to accomplish with the story, applying his years of experience to the problems. He provided useful assistance with plot points, character development, and pacing. This book is now my bestseller thanks to his input.”

—Jason Dias; sci-fi/fantasy author

Services
Fiction
Romance Science Fiction Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Young Adult
Non-Fiction
Self-Help & Self-Improvement Writing & Publishing
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • PAGE screenwriting competition; Finalist for BACK HOME original TV pilot
  • PAGE Screenwriting competition; Finalist for TRUTHIES comedy feature
  • Acclaim Film and TV Competition; Finalist for BACK HOME original TV pilot
  • TVWriter.com Spec Scriptacular Competition; 2nd place for the KING OF QUEENS spec "When the Floodgates Open"
  • Movie Script Contest; Finalist for TRUTHIES comedy feature
Certifications
  • CUNY copy editing program
  • Rutgers University B.A., English and Communication
  • Robert McKee STORY seminar
  • Robert McKee Comedy seminar
  • Robert McKee Thriller seminar
  • John Truby THE ANATOMY OF STORY seminar
  • Max Timm's STORY FARM program

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2005 — Present

--Edited an astrology newsletter and website that introduced the opportunity to develop and co-author a narrative non-fiction book.
--Copy edited non-fiction writing books for traditionally published projects.
--Developed and co-authored a non-fiction narrative psychotherapy book.
--Story developed, line edited, copy edited and proofread fiction and non-fiction projects for indie authors.
--Crafted story synopses and book marketing materials.

Bauer Publishing

Apr, 2007 — Sep, 2019 (over 12 years)

--Served as copy editor for leading international consumer magazines including Woman's World Weekly, In Touch Weekly, First for Women, Celebrate with Woman's World, and numerous special issue projects.
--Focus was on health and diet; lifestyle; craft projects; recipes (I edited more than 10,000 recipes during my tenure); and romance and mystery short fiction.

Northstar Travel Media

Mar, 1999 — May, 2005 (about 6 years)

--Oversaw all functions of editorial/media coordinator department for more than 16,500 pages annually from layout to blue lines/finals.
--Supervised up to 18 editors/media coordinators on six quarterly publications.
--Wrote a web-based training manual for editor/media coordinators.

Dakini Magazine

Nov, 1996 — Jun, 1998 (over 1 year)

--Principal founder of this monthly women's business magazine start-up.
--Wrote several articles per issue.
--Generated story ideas and editorial planner.
--Delegated stories to and reviewed submissions from staff and freelance writers.
--Evaluated writer abilities to determine appropriate story assignments and conducted research and interviews.

Portfolio

Bare: Psychotherapy Stripped

Jacqueline Simon Gunn

“The jock,” “a whore,” “a closet case,” “a paranoid schizophrenic,” and “a killer.” In life, in entertainment, in myth, we feel drawn to archetypal personalities—to their drama, to their denia... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Query Letter Review Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Query Letter Review Book Coaching
Made with Reedsy
Writing By Length: How to Write Length-Based Literature

Resimont, Bill

Prevalent Publishing

Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
The Henchman and the Midnight Auctions

Taylor, Harrison

Metal Rooster Publishing

Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
The Red Door and Other Stories

Karl, K. E.

Copy Editing Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Cloning the King

Brown, Timothy B.

Developmental Editing Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Athena Unknown

Mallin, Andrew

Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Vale: The Wizard's Ward

McAleese, Jules

Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
The Chests Mystery: Deliverance

Naumov, Nikita

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Chests Mystery: Heritage

Naumov, Nikita

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Pillars of Destruction

Naumov, Nikita

Copy Editing
Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
The Last Bus Ride

Teller, C.M.

Copy Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Iris Woke Up

Dura, Anne Athena

Copy Editing Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
The Monster She Trusted

Bates, R. L.

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
In Defense of Cupid

Aarini, Riya

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Kingdom of Heaven

Lewis, Evelyn M

Copy Editing
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Chasing Kat (Hudson River Book 3)

Simon Gunn , Jacqueline

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
Among the Common

Haas, Margo

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Running isn’t just good for us physically it teaches us how to live more fulfilling lives. In the Long Run presents reflections from the road, showing how running offers lessons for better liv... read more
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Noah's Story

Jacqueline Simon Gunn

TROUBLING AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING - Readers’ Favorite Thirteen years ago, Noah Donovan betrayed the woman he loved. Now she is ready to give him another chance. Finally. It's what he wants. What... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
What He Didn't See

Jacqueline Simon Gunn

One reckless night nineteen years ago, Jacob Temple made a mistake that would alter the course of his life.Caught between the chokehold of his conservative upbringing and the freedom of follow... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
She loved him, then hated him, but did she kill him?Forensic psychology student Kadee Carlisle never believed in love at first sight. Beautiful and bold, with a flair for neurotic intellectual... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
A gruesome murder…Radio psychologist Jacob Temple is found dead on the floor of his den. A gaping wound in his neck, lacerations crisscrossing his chest, a fork bored into each eye. No break-i... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
Psychological profiler Kadee Carlisle works with New York City Homicide Detectives Poole and Gibbs to solve murder cases. In their most recent case, they learn the two people charged with the ... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
The second year of graduate school started out as a new beginning. I felt stronger. My heart had stitched itself up. I had finally healed enough on the inside to let love flourish once again. ... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
Where You'll Land

Jacqueline Simon Gunn

After a bad breakup, I packed up my life and moved to Miami to study for my doctorate in psychology. I made one promise to myself: Do not get romantically involved while I was in school. I nee... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
On a dark night in the secluded backwoods of an Ohio landscape, fifteen-year-old Helen Wren kills a man, drags his body across the dirt and buries him. But why? And who? Her memory is blocked ... read more
Copy Editing
You're Funny! is the next best thing to being in a comedy writing class. It covers the different ways to earn a living as a comedy writer, including writing sitcoms, jokes for late night talk ... read more
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
In a funny and honest style, Your Screenplay Needs A Little Work takes screenwriters through all the various stages of writing a screenplay from idea to outline to first and second draft. Pick... read more
Copy Editing
There's an eerie correspondence among the 12 stages of the Hero's Journey, the 12 steps of AA recovery and the sometimes challenging experience of becoming a professional writer.Filled with to... read more
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
In a funny and honest style, this book takes the beginning screenwriter through all the various stages of writing a screenplay. Using both pop culture references and one's own personal history... read more
Copy Editing
Nine-year-old Tandy Wheeler is convinced that her new neighbor, a crotchety old lady named Drusilla, is a witch. But she’s not sure because Tandy has a habit of thinking that normal people are... read more
Copy Editing
Renowned fact checker Peter Hillyer is found dead at the foot of Cleopatra’s Needle, the Egyptian obelisk in New York City’s Central Park. He’s wearing late 19th century clothing, carrying 19t... read more
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Plum the Pug, lives in Paris with his human mom, Juliet, a student at the renowned culinary school, Le Cordon Bleu. When a van carrying wine (after all, it is Paris) hits little Plum, his life... read more
Copy Editing
50 Screenwriting Tips For $5 is a like a cool screenwriting class to go.In less than 100 fast-paced pages, Script Consultant, Writing Coach and New York University Film School Professor D.B. G... read more
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Escoffier's Menu

D.B. Gilles

A 7-course meal prepared only once in 1892 by legendary chef, Auguste Escoffier (considered the father of modern cooking) for a group of 19th century personalities including Mark Twain.Since t... read more
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
The path to hope is straight through despair.It's Jaye's 21st birthday, but since she was raised on Mars, it passes just like every other day: harvesting mushrooms from the grow room, tending ... read more
Proofreading

Carlo has 29 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

John G.

John G.

Oct, 2024

This is now multiple collaborations with Carlo, and as usual, it was a wonderful team effort. Carlo is top-notch and I intend to continue working with him on all of my projects. Highest recommendation!
John G.

John G.

Sep, 2024

Carlo is an exceptional editor and his services have been nothing less than spectacular. I have now worked it Carlo in the creation of three books and I intend to continue utilizing his services as long as I'm writing. In every category that can be imagined, I would give Carlo five stars.
James R.

James R.

Aug, 2024

Recommendation and Evaluation for Carlo DeCarlo as an Editor. I apologize to Reedsy and Carlo DeCarlo for taking so long to write this review for such an outstanding editor. Unfortunately, a nasty neck surgery almost took me out and ended up knocking me down for the last three months. As a senior citizen writing his first book, my research showed me what a poorly written manuscript could look ...
Read more
John G.

John G.

Jul, 2024

Once again, Carlo is knocking it out of the park. I chuckled giving him five stars for Value - the value is the quality of work and the collaboration Carlo delivers. I hope we can work together indefinitely.
Jesse J.

Jesse J.

Jun, 2024

From our first contact through the completion of my screenplay edit, Carlo was exceptional. Up against a deadline, I asked for a quicker turn-around than may have been fair, and he delivered on time or ahead of schedule each step of the way. Furthermore, Carlo took the time to explain his notes, offering encouragement, and, perhaps most importantly, constructive criticism in the truest sense. C...
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