Overview
I love working with writers and poets, especially calls to discuss the editing work where we brainstorm and rev you, the writer, up for revision. So many great ideas come out of those conversations and it's rewarding to hear my clients excited about their work. Besides that call to discuss the work, my services include a free reread of up to 25 revised pages and unlimited follow up questions by email. You can email me four years later and I will remember you and your writing project.
I offer developmental editing and editorial assessment services for writers of fiction, nonfiction/creative nonfiction, and poetry. The ideal client is one who is passionate about writing and learning how to improve his/her/their skills and who is ready for constructive critique/edits to move to the next level. My work is thorough and insightful, but also includes as much instruction on craft as I can squeeze in, while honoring your voice and vision for the manuscript. My goal is to provide you with the tools and skills to empower and inspire you as you revise your current work and begin future projects.
Through my residencies, teaching experience, the conferences I attend, and my contacts, I stay up to date on what agents and editors are looking for and can point you in the direction of some fantastic resources that will get you face time with editors from leading publishing houses and hot new agents.
As a former arts and grants administrator at a state arts agency for 11 years running programs, grants, competitions, and residencies for students and writers of all ages all over the state, and working with national and federal organizations and agencies like the National Endowment for the Arts, I can also point you in the direction of resources for grants, residencies, fellowships, online communities, and contests, as well as make suggestions for publications to subscribe to and keep informed on the latest news and opportunities in the writing world. I will make the appropriate suggestions after working with you on your book, as appropriate or consult.
I am happy to advise you on writing and revising your pitch, query letter, or synopsis--documents that are required during the agent and publishing submission process, so you're ready to showcase your book.
Services
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Languages
Awards
- Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowship, The Poetry Foundation and Poetry Magazine
- First Runner Up, Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award, Poets & Writers
- Individual Artist Award in Fiction, Maryland State Arts Council
- Lizette Woodworth Reese Poetry Prize, Goucher College
- Patterson Residency, Creative Alliance
- Creative Fellowship (Fiction), Virginia Center for the Creative Arts
- Tuition Scholarship, A Room of Her Own Foundation Conference
Certifications
- M.A. in Creative Writing, Hollins University
- M.F.A in Poetry, University of Maryland College Park
Work experience
Maryland State Arts Council
Administer grants and provide technical support to Maryland writers and literary arts organizations. Partner for projects such as Literary Arts Week, literary arts summits, and literary arts/book festivals with local, regional, and national writers and organizations. Administer the Maryland Poetry Out Loud program for the National Endowment for the Arts and The Poetry Foundation. POL is a national recitation competition for high school students that teaches them about their literary heritage and builds their confidence and public speaking skills. The Maryland program was the fifth highest in the country in 2015 (tenth anniversary of the program), with 16,000 students participating.
Self-employed
I'm a manuscript editor who cuts through the myths and delusions about the writing process, while honoring a writer's unique vision and voice. I edit fiction (all genres), nonfiction, and poetry. I have often been called a guru of plot, structure, and character. I work with writers of prose and poetry, all genres, proving critique and developmental editing services.