Melanie C.

Melanie C. – Editor

Award-winning author with 8+ years experience mentoring writers, specializing in PB/MG/YA and romance. I can help you with your story!

Overview

Are you trying to figure out what to do with your draft? Do you need feedback before you query agents? Would you like a professional to edit your work before you self publish? I can help you take the next step on your writing journey!


WHO AM I?

I’m an award-winning author published with Penguin, Disney, Little, Brown, and Macmillan. My novels have won awards such as Bank Street Best Children’s Book, the International Literacy Association Teacher’s Choice Award, and nominations to five state reading lists. I'm experienced in editing for publication, from developmental to line edits, and have been a writing mentor at First Five Pages and WriteOnCon for 6+ years. My mentees have gone on to sign with agents and my editorial insights have contributed to the publication of over a dozen novels at Big Five publishers.


HOW I CAN HELP

My goal is to understand your objective and help you achieve it. I get genuine satisfaction from solving story problems, providing clarity in line edits, and talking through solutions. My pep talks leave writers invigorated and optimistic, because I focus on what you can DO. I am excellent at analysis and communication, and I will leave you with an action item list to get you moving forward with your story, synopsis, or query letter.


TESTIMONIALS

“Melanie’s feedback is really helpful and I’ll be working to change some things based on her suggestions!”

— Monica B.


“Great feedback and extremely useful comments as well as some wonderful compliments on my writing that I really needed at the time.”

— Kim W.


“Thank you so much for your detailed comments! They will be very helpful when I dive back into revisions.”

— Jen M.


"I really appreciate your feedback! Thank you for putting in the time and energy to provide me with such thoughtful notes. They’re so helpful!"

— Darianne S.

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Middle Grade Picture Books Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • 2022 Nebraska Golden Sower Award Nominee for 2022-2023
  • 2020 A Mighty Girl’s Books of the Year Selection
  • 2020 Amazon Teacher’s Pick Selection
  • 2020 School Library Journal Best Summer Reads
  • 2018 Finalist for the Missouri Mark Twain Book Award
  • 2018 Finalist for the Iowa Children’s Choice Award
  • 2018 Finalist for the Illinois Bluestem Award
  • 2018 Finalist for the Arkansas Charlie May Simon Award
  • 2017 Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year Selection
  • 2017 SCBWI Crystal Kite Awards Finalist
  • 2017 International Literacy Association’s Teachers’ Choices Selection
Certifications
  • Bachelor's in Industrial Design
  • Minor in English Literature

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2014 — Present

Provided critiques of manuscripts, queries, and synopsis to critique partners for several dozen MG/YA/adult novels. Following publication, I became a writing mentor at First Five Pages and WriteOnCon, providing critiques of pitches, queries, opening pages, and full manuscripts. Services included developmental editing, line editing, proof reading, query review, synopsis review, and mentoring throughout the publication process.

Self-employed

Jan, 2014 — Present

Pursued publication through cold querying, secured an agent, and sold my debut at auction. My subsequent novel also sold at auction in a significant deal. I have since sold 4+ projects on submission or proposal in multiple categories and markets.

Various

Jan, 2001 — Jan, 2016 (about 15 years)

Prior to writing, I worked in consumer product development with companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Swingline, Papermate, Wilton, Dremel, Haier, Crate & Barrel, Fiskars, and Medela. My products secured dozens of patents and won awards such as Business Week's International Design Excellence Award, the JPMA Innovation Award, the Good Design Award, Industrial Design Excellence Awards, and CES Best of Innovations Award. I’m an expert in consumer advocacy and strategic development in a wide range of fields. I relish exploring and mastering new topics, and my unique perspective allows me to tap into what truly resonates with consumers.

Melanie has 6 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Whitney J.

Whitney J.

Feb, 2024

I love working with her, she gave me new ways to think of more ideas into writing my story. I will definitely be working with her again.
Renee R.

Renee R.

Feb, 2024

Collaborating with Melanie for my children's book manuscript was a good experience. Email discussions were had prior to the offer and acceptance. Her copy edit process was very thorough and included, line edits, tracking changes and comments within the manuscript. I especially liked how she heard the main character's voice as I envisioned her speaking. That meant a lot because although I wante...
Read more
Bryan C.

Bryan C.

Dec, 2023

Melanie is an exceptionally meticulous developmental editor, whose dedication for her craft shines through in every aspect of her work. The thoroughness of her notes are a testament to her commitment, reflecting a level of thoughtfulness that goes far beyond the norm. Her ability to provide clear literary references is invaluable. Melanie's understanding of fundamental storytelling principles...
Read more
Cynthia R.

Cynthia R.

Dec, 2023

Melanie was such a great help to me! She gave me very helpful feedback on how to make my PB story stronger. She also had a call with me and was happy to answer all my questions. She explained in more details on ways to revise my book and gave me really good advice on what I should do. I highly recommend her! I will definitely be reaching out to Melanie again in the future!
Kyle M.

Kyle M.

Oct, 2023

Melanie was highly communicative and had very helpful feedback that reflected her expertise in the craft of writing. Her notes were thorough and when we talked on the phone, she willing answered all my questions with clear and practical advice. Her rates were very reasonable considering all she does for you, and I would highly recommend her services!

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Melanie and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Melanie

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Patricia Cone

Patricia C.

I'm an experienced editor, proofreader and wordsmith ready to help YOU put the finishing touches on your manuscript.

100% reply rate

View profile
April Rondeau

April R.

Copyeditor and proofreader with over a decade of NYC publishing experience, with focus on social sciences, memoirs, and computer/Internet.

Port Jefferson Station, NY, USA

98% reply rate

View profile
Jen Boles

Jen B.

Experienced editor with 9+ years working with indie authors. 4+ years editing for Hallmark Publishing.

Kansas City, MO, USA

100% reply rate

View profile