Donato M., Ph.D. – Editor

People often ask me: "What's the secret to becoming a successful writer?" The answer: effective editing.

Whether your project is in its early phases or is in need of that final push and polish, I can help you. I am keen to take on projects with writers at any level of experience, and/or writing projects at any stage of development. I have worked with established authors and eminent scholars, as well as with beginners and with highly talented first book authors.

In practice, my editing style is interactive — sensitive to the needs of the occasion. My goal is not only to help you improve your manuscript, but to provide you with tools and inculcate habits that will make you a better writer overall.

Projects I have worked on include books of fiction, poetry, linguistics, medieval studies, law, and art criticism. As an omnivorous, well-rounded reader, I can accurately tune in to the stylistic requirements of any genre.

I offer copy-editing, substantive editing, developmental editing, book project mentorship, as well as fact-checking and simple proofreading. In addition, I can offer expert research assistance and grant writing services.

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Testimonials

I've had the pleasure of working with many prominent Canadian literary editors. I can state without hesitation that my collaboration with Dr. M. has been the most productive editorial relationship I have enjoyed to date. Dr. M. displays an intuitive understanding of authorial intent, and an impressive capacity for offering suggestions about the best methods to attain those objectives. His approach is responsive and collaborative. He's adept at establishing and maintaining a truly supportive relationship. - Mike Blouin

Donato is the kind of editor who isn’t interested in simply drywalling away the holes in the walls. He will be your assistant architect and will help you envision a new structure out of the foundation that you have already constructed. As I have completed two books of poetry with his editing suggestions, I can attest to his skill at disrupting my inner solipsist. What’s wonderful about Donato is that he doesn’t tell you what to think, rather he offers multiple potentialities. Donato is not some cursory copy-editor; he will open things up and allow you to surprise yourself. - Tom Prime

I recently approached Dr. Donato M. with the goal of learning how to write a short story. He set the bar high right from the start, but he also provided me with enough practical knowledge to approach the task with confidence. That is saying a lot, due to the fact I'm a neophyte at writing fiction. A series of highly instructive revisions followed wherein I gained insights into different aspects of writing, such as effective story structure and the value of dramatic irony. Dr. M.'s encouragement and professionalism helped make the entire learning process a rewarding experience. - Tom Koperwas