Diane O'Connell

Diane O'Connell – Editor

I'm an expert book editor and coach, dedicated to helping first-time authors achieve publishing success.

Overview

Guiding unpublished writers to successful careers has always been my mission — especially during my years as an editor at Random House.

I know what it’s like on both sides of the editor’s desk. I know what editors look for, and I understand the passion that drives authors, their desire to follow their dreams, and their determination to create their own publishing destiny.

I work with authors at every stage of the writing and publishing process: whether you are just starting out and need help developing your idea, or have a complete manuscript and need a full developmental edit.

Over my 25+ years in publishing, I have nurtured the careers of numerous first-time writers, some of whom have become bestselling authors. I thrive on working with truly committed writers and will push you to be the best writer you can be so that you end up with a book that makes you proud.
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Health & Wellbeing Inspirational True Crime
Fiction
Historical Fiction Mystery & Crime Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Gold "IPPY" Independent Publishers Award for Best Writing/Publishing Book of 2015
Certifications
  • B.A., Hunter College, Media Studies

Work experience

Self-employed

Oct, 2007 — Present

Write to Sell Your Book is a book development company dedicated to helping first-time authors write, revise and publish their books. We work with fiction, nonfiction and memoir authors.

Portfolio

Crossing the Horizon

Deanna Emberley Bailey

Engulfed by a deadly house fire on Christmas morning, 12-year-old Solon and 10-year-old Liam Bailey succumb to the smoke and leave their bodies on Earth below. As their souls navigate a mysterious new realm, the boys yearn to return home — but discover any att... read more
Plunder of the Ancients is a rare look inside an undercover investigation in which special agent Lucinda Schroeder reveals the details of her case in which she was assigned to expose Indian Art thieves and dealers in Santa Fe, New Mexico, who out of unmitigate... read more
Smokescreen

Khaled Talib

At an ancient café in Cairo, two veteran spies plot a covert mission to resolve - once and for all - the Israeli - Palestinian conflict. The pledge: Israel will make a major concession as part of the peace treaty. In Singapore, Jethro Westrope, a magazine jour... read more
James Marshall Smith has been praised as a master of suspense and one of the year's best newcomers. His debut thriller, Silent Source, was an international finalist for the prestigious Clive Cussler Grand Master Award. The hate is deep. The death is slow. The ... read more
The Painter of Time

Matthew S O'Connell

Contemporary/Historical Suspense set amid the art world of modern day NYC and the dawn of the Renaissance in Italy Bronx born and bred, Mackenzie Ferrara is both nervous and excited to begin her career as a restorer of fine art at the prestigious Cloisters in ... read more
This practical and humorous guide establishes the ground rules for successfully spending time with those people who are most dear to us: our family and friends. From visiting with and hosting children to pets and older adults, this book has it all. The "Visit ... read more
Although parenting approaches change, attitudes about only children remain stuck in the past. The negative stereotypes―lonely, selfish, bossy, spoiled, socially maladjusted―make parents think their child will be at a disadvantage when compared to those who gro... read more
Once, Special Agent Smoky Barrett hunted serial killers for the FBI. She was one of the best–until a madman terrorized her family, killed her husband and daughter, and left her face scarred and her soul brutalized. Turning the tables on the killer, Smoky shot ... read more
Earnest

Kristin von Kreisler

“Von Kreisler takes us deeper into the powerful connections between humans and animals.”--Jacqueline Sheehan From the bestselling author of An Unexpected Grace comes a richly insightful novel of matters of the heart—both human and canine—in an uplifting story ... read more
Are you struggling to turn your great idea into an even better novel? Learn how to craft a compelling story right from the start. Is your dream of writing a novel sitting in a desk drawer or in a forgotten folder of your computer? Have you spent countless hour... read more

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