Overview
You know those catchy phrases writers like to toss around at conferences and in critique groups: Compelling characters. An original voice. A plot that evolves naturally. Then there’s pacing and structure, point of view and tone. Oh, and all those things have to work together, with nary a misspelled word to ruin the experience. But sometimes you don’t know what your manuscript needs. Or, even if you do, you don’t know exactly how to achieve it.As a freelance editor and book doctor, that’s where I come in. (I’m still a writer, so believe me, I GET IT.) I’ll help you pinpoint what’s working well in your manuscript, and what still needs work. Then, I’ll make concrete suggestions for revisions. It's your book, though, not mine, and as an editor, I'm not going to tell you what to do. Instead, my job is to help you find and carry out your vision.I've worked with established authors published by major houses, to kick an already-solid manuscript up to the next level, as well as emerging writers wrestling with their first book and still learning how to lay the foundation. We'll start wherever you are.
Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Middle Grade
Women's Fiction
Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Work experience
Self-employed
Jan, 2000 —
Present
I've been a freelance writer for about 30 years, and a freelance editor for about half that. I write both fiction and non-fiction for kids and teens, and edit the same. Listed below are some of the books I've written (helpfully identified by the fact they have my name on them) and some I've edited (didn't get my name on the cover with those!)
Portfolio
In this kids' biography, discover the inspiring life story of Mohandas Gandhi, who successfully used his teachings of non-violence to win his country's freedom.Mohandas Gandhi was born at a time when his home country was choked under the oppression of British ... read more
Jeter Publishing presents a brand-new series that celebrates the unsung heroes of history—men and women who altered the course of history but may not be as well-known as their counterparts. Ida B. Wells was an African-American journalist and activist who led a... read more
Learn how Fred Rogers, a minister and musician from Pennsylvania, became one of America's most beloved television personalities and everyone's favorite neighbor.Even though he's best known for his successful PBS series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Fred Rogers ... read more
The University of Kansas basketball team has the most winning seasons of any team in college basketball. The history of KU basketball goes back 115 years. This volume describes many unbelieveable game-stopping moments in the history of the game, as well as the... read more
Suzanne Collins is the critically acclaimed author of the Hunger Games trilogy. But how did she get her start? Where does she find her inspiration? This biography of the media-shy Suzanne Collins offers a peek into the life and career of one of today's most su... read more
Long ago, vampires were sometimes used to explain what science could not. Since then, the power of the vampire myth has reached a thrilling realism through the magic of film, television, literature, and popular culture. This book explores the evolution of the ... read more
The legacy of past civilizations is still with us today. In Ancient Greece, readers discover the history and impressive accomplishments of the people of ancient Greece, including their extraordinary cultural achievements and feats of construction. Engaging tex... read more
How the Automobile Changed History examines the automobile's start as a motorized carriage, how it works, and its evolution into the world's principal method of transportation with significant cultural, industrial, and environmental influences. Features includ... read more
When the Sweet Adelines International Barbershop Competition brings Tina's chorus to San Antonio, she kicks back. For a week, she can forget about her career as a police officer. Time for fun, glitz, and as much a cappella singing as she wants-and she wants to... read more
Discover 50 fascinating top-ten lists full of facts and trivia about planet Earth in this engaging nonfiction book!This book contains fifty lists of the most extreme and unusual facts about our planet. From the highest peaks, longest rivers, and most dangerous... read more
You want intense? How about rocketing into the air off a vert ramp and sticking the landing in front of a cheering crowd? Skateboarding has evolved from a fun hobby for kids to an international sporting spectacle. Find out how it made that journey, meet the wo... read more
You want intense? How about zipping across the ocean faster than a freight train? Kiteboarders ride both the wind and the waves, battling the elements with strength and skill. Meet the world's best kiteboarders, learn how this awesome sport got started, and di... read more
You want intense? How about riding your motorcycle through mud and muck, soaring over jumps, and battling the world s top racers? Motocross racing calls for guts, skill, and goggles! Learn all about the top riders, find out how the sport got started, and take ... read more
At fifteen, Iris is a hobo of sorts—no home, no family, no plan. Her mother died when she was six, and her father focuses on his new girlfriend and his shoe business and has no time for his daughter. Without consulting her, he hires Iris out as a companion to ... read more
At sixteen, Wendy Redbird Dancing flies her freak flag high; she’s a scary-smart white girl with a hippie mom, a missing father, and a rarefied Michael Jackson obsession. It doesn’t help that her mother just uprooted them yet again, this time from California t... read more
Thirteen-year-old Lamar Washington is the maddest, baddest, most spectacular bowler at Striker's Bowling Paradise. But while Lamar's a whiz at rolling strikes, he always strikes out with girls. And Lamar's brother is no help—Xavier earns trophy after trophy on... read more
In this uplifting debut novel about determination and the rewards of hard work, a preteen girl struggling with ADHD must stick with a summer taekwondo class to prove that she's dedicated enough to pursue her true passion of cake decorating. Eliza has had many ... read more
The 2nd novel from the winner of the ALA's YA Debut Award is Tamora Pierce meets THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER -- a thrilling fantasy about a thief at a snowbound castle, caught in a simmering rebellion .In a glamorous castle full of Llyvraneth's elite, Celyn Cont... read more
When Willie arrives in Indian Territory, she knows only one thing: no one can find out who she really is. To escape a home she doesn't belong in, she assumes the name of a former classmate and accepts a teaching position at the Cherokee Female Seminary.Nothing... read more
The gold thread promises Charlotte Miller a chance to save her family's beloved woolen mill. It promises a future for her sister, jobs for her townsfolk, security against her grasping uncle -- maybe even true love. To get the thread, Charlotte must strike a ba... read more
Diane has 19 reviews
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May, 2025
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Jul, 2024
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