Celia Chalfoun - Editor

** Science fiction/fantasy**(scroll down for Life sciences/Nature/Travel)

As an editor fluent in English and French (and currently learning Hindi/Spanish), I read speculative fiction from all over the world. Reading stories from as many countries and cultures as possible is essential to being a good editor. It challenges my habits and thoughts, and I'm constantly learning something new. Speculative fiction is all about exploring new horizons and gaining new perspectives to add to our collective wisdom.

I dive into your unique world while maintaining the objectivity needed to provide you with insightful notes and suggestions. Some things I'll analyze and advise you on: infodumping/incluing (a term coined by the amazing Jo Walton); choice of narrator - limitations, pros and cons, how it serves the story and your voice; character development, to paint your characters in all their complexity; World building, to ensure your world makes sense and does wonders. And much, much more!

**Life sciences/Nature/Travel**

I've been reading and annotating nature books forever - and that's when I'm not busy taking online classes in astrobiology, microbiology, or mycology. There's so much we know about nature, yet so little. The application of non-human animal ethics and queer theory to life sciences has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life! And the recent mainstream appeal for fungi is also helping people all over the world reconsider their understanding of collaboration, gender... the list goes on.

There's a particular skillset involved in choosing to write these essays. Often the line between non-fiction and storytelling gets blurred and it's wonderful, but also tricky to navigate. As your editor, I'll make sure to understand your voice and lift it. We'll look at how to engage the targeted audience; ponder language intricacies that will make all the difference in how you portray nature and other beings; we'll discuss outlines and how to choose a structure carefully.

📒 About me 📒

⏳ 14+ years as science fiction, fantasy, and travel editor + in writing, publishing, and content development

🌻 Background in anthropology, biology, and languages (Mandarin, Hindi, Spanish)

🏳️‍🌈 I’m a queer person who’s deeply committed to lifting voices from the community

🖋️ A writer myself, I understand the work that comes with the craft. I work with two perspectives — the writer’s and the editor’s

🌏 Lived in France, the U.S. and in Canada

🔥 5 reasons we should work together 🔥

⚡ We stay connected throughout the project! I’ll send you reading suggestions and/or writing exercises, so you can start thinking about/working on the next steps!
✨ My job: story shiner! I’ll read your manuscript twice to understand your story in-depth and suggest improvements that keep the spirit of the story intact.
🎶 I’ll help you find/refine your voice. My notes are full of suggestions and examples to arm you for any roadblock, now and in the future.
💪🏻 I’ll challenge you: I’ll ask you to go deeper and question things you didn’t think about, and I’ll tell you why and how.

Please feel free to contact me with any question. Always happy to talk!

Celia