Mary Crum

Mary Crum – Editor

Freelance editor with ten years of experience. My goal is to improve the lives of everyone around me using the magic of the written word.

Overview

Are you looking for an experienced editor who can also function as a cheerleader and mom-friend? I love helping others achieve their dreams of writing and publishing.

It is my goal to provide my clients with the polished, unforgettable novel that they imagined upon first writing it. Sometimes editors treat you and your manuscript as nothing more than a robotic transaction, but that is not the case when you work with me. I understand your manuscript is meaningful and important, and I will treat it and you with respect.

I have a bachelor's degree in English with a concentration in professional writing and a minor in marketing. I have ten years of experience editing fantasy, paranormal, new adult, young adult, and romance novels of various lengths.

"A thorough and thoughtful editor. I cannot imagine publishing a book without her critical eye. She’s great at giving my book the final polish it needs and giving insightful feedback and suggestions on my prose when needed." - review from author Nicolette Andrews

Services
Fiction
Epic Fantasy Paranormal Romance Romantic Fantasy Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Bachelor's of Science in English

Work experience

Self-employed

Nov, 2015 — Present
Performed structural and copy edits on manuscripts to prepare them for publication. Communicated ideas for improvement with authors to help create the best novel possible.

The Red Bay News

Sep, 2011 — Aug, 2016 (almost 5 years)
Developed news articles and proofread them prior to publication. Managed special sections and created new content.

Portfolio

Finvarra's Circus

Sanz, Monica

Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching

Mary has 7 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Rachel M.

Rachel M.

Dec, 2025

I am continuing to work with Mary on a long-term project. She is extremely knowledgeable about the industry, and I really value her patience and expertise.
Jerry S.

Jerry S.

Aug, 2025

Mary was amazing! She was flexible in our work schedule, her feedback and comments were insightful and pragmatic, and she was very kind and patient throughout. I very much enjoyed my time working with Mary and look forward to working with her again on a future project. Throughout the course of o...
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Rachel M.

Rachel M.

Jan, 2025

Mary is so helpful, offering insight into the full process from coaching in the early days of drafting to marketing the end product. I have learned so much from her and am enthusiastic to work with her again in future.
Bradley S.

Bradley S.

Oct, 2024

I am so happy with having worked with Mary, she helped me at the start all the way through to the end. Mary was kind and thoughtful with my work she offered good insight, she brought my book to life. Thank you Mary, I would love to work with you in the future.
Alexzandria F.

Alexzandria F.

Jul, 2024

Mary has been an incredible guide for me as a first-time writer. She illuminated the importance of purpose, helping me bind my characters to both past and present settings while mastering pacing. Mary asked insightful questions that pushed me to develop the behind-the-scenes elements of my story ...
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