David Larkin – Editor

I started out as a newspaper reporter but spent most of my early career writing for corporations. I still write, primarily for a wealth management firm. Leaving the corporate world to write my novel, I found I didn’t have the necessary imagination, but that disappointment opened the door to collaborating with and nurturing writers who did, both those starting out and those with several books under their belt.

My focus is copy and line editing: fixing mistakes, improving sentences, and clarifying thoughts. I find productive author-editor relationships start with an initial dialogue, either over the phone or by email, where we find out if we’re a match—if what the author is looking for matches my strengths and if we can develop a productive rapport. A good way to start is with a free sample edit of a few hundred words. The writer sees what I can do, and I learn if the writer wants strict adherence to proper grammar or if they prefer a style that might bend the rules a bit. I sometimes help with development editing, but that’s not my forte; helping writers express themselves clearly is.

I enjoy my work. It’s rewarding to use my skills to improve an author’s book, to develop a relationship with them in the process, and to deliver a manuscript we’re both prouder of.

Testimonials

“Getting in touch with David was the best thing that happened to my book and to me as an author. Finding a good editor is a long process. When I met David, I got what I had been looking for all along—an affordable, trustworthy, professional editor and a companion who engaged himself in my process and actually enjoyed the journey with me.

Anette Christensen, Mercedes Sosa - The Voice of Hope

Dave improved the manuscript in countless ways with comments large and small.”

John Oller, White Shoe and the forthcoming Rogue’s Gallery

“Knowledgeable and proficient, Dave is a fine nuts and bolts editor. But more importantly he recognizes and respects the voice and works within the context of the context. All of his suggestions are worthy of consideration.”

Philip Persinger, Tools of the Trade

“David’s a consummate professional. He consults with me frequently and thoughtfully. He polishes my manuscripts with his editing and offers content suggestions that improve the story. David is always readily available, responsive, and helpful.”

Dan Petrosini, Am I the Killer; Vanished; The Serenity Murder; Third Chances; Uncertain Stakes; Silencing Salter