Cynthia-Marie O’Brien, Editor in New York City, NY, USA

Overview

I am an editor who began her career in higher education, teaching others to write. I believe that every word counts. As an award-winning essayist, I am passionate about helping you to share your work with others. I have worked extensively with scholars in all fields of study and also have experience with fiction, memoir, spirituality and social science for general audiences. I'm a collaborative editor who uses the editing experience to also help you improve as a writer through our interactions and my feedback. I have an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Columbia University and a BA cum laude with High Honors in English Literature and Creative Writing from Dartmouth College. I have taught writing at Columbia University and Central European University, among other schools.

I specialize in developmental editing, helping you to conceptualize and structure your project, as well as copyediting, making sure that your sentences are as polished as possible and your work is error-free.

Services

Developmental Editing

Copy Editing

Proofreading

Non-Fiction

Biographies & Memoirs Religion & Spirituality

Fiction

Contemporary Fiction

Languages

English (US)

Awards

Best American Essays Notable Selection 2011
Queens Council on the Arts, New Work Grant, 2020

Work experience

Freelance Editor, Proofreader, and Writer

Self-employed

Oct, 2011 — Present

I provide developmental and copyediting to writers from all backgrounds. I am passionate about helping you generate ideas before you implement them and about helping you to make every word count in conveying your message to readers. Whether you need to work on structuring your writing or to ensure that it is error-free, my experience and attention to detail can improve your project. My background as a writing professor sets me apart.

Sample clients have included numerous Simon and Schuster imprints, Columbia University Center for Oral History, Archdiocese of New York, Booklist, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, America Magazine, and The Literary Review. I have worked with numerous scholars on peer-reviewed journal articles, specializing in economics.

I hold an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Columbia University and a BA cum laude with High Honors in English Literature and Creative Writing from Dartmouth College.