Doreen Martens - Editor
Grammar guru ready to help authors of YA, sci-fi and fantasy get their books into shape. I also love travel, historical fiction and memoirs!
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Overview
I'm a professional editor with more than 25 years' experience at newspapers in the US and Canada and as a freelance book editor. I specialize in substantive and copy editing and have worked in a wide variety of genres, including sci-fi, fantasy, historical fiction, action-adventure, memoir, romance, travel, business and nature books and YA novels. I have degrees in English lit and journalism, as well as university-level credentials in publishing, with an emphasis on developmental, line and copy editing. Known as a "grammar guru" to the young writers I coached in my journalism career, I can ensure perfect copy editing that helps your writing sing! I truly enjoy the collaborative process of helping writers make their work the very best it can be. Let's chat about your project!
Languages
English (CAN)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Christian Non-Fiction
Nature
Travel
Fiction
Fantasy
Historical Fiction
Science Fiction
Women's Fiction
Work experience
Editor
Self-employed
July, 2016
–
Present
(about 5 years)
Since returning to my first love, books, full time, I've edited a wide variety of popular novels (sci-fi, fantasy, action-adventure, historical, YA and more) and nonfiction, including memoirs, nature, travel, self-help and business books. I enjoy collaborating with independent authors but have also worked with a number of small publishers such as Hancock House, Contento de Semrik and Integrative Ink.
Team Editor
Toronto Star
July, 1999
–
September, 2016
(about 17 years)
Supervised writers from interns to pros, worked with them on developing story ideas and refining their writing, ensured stories were free of mechanical errors and legal issues.
Features copy editor
Orange County Register
October, 1990
–
July, 1999
(over 8 years)
Portfolio (69 selected works)
Unwanted (The Unwanted Trilogy Book 1)
Nathan Deen
She’s been raised to be a slave, sold to the highest bidder. He’s been raised to be a soldier in a military experiment. Now a world unknown to them awaits, but can this new world handle them?Georgia and Kyle are both Unwanteds — children born outside of a federal child-restriction law, stolen from their parents, and used for a totalitarian government’s own purposes. They’ve spent the first twe... read more
Hitching for Hope: A Journey into the Heart and Soul of Ireland
McKiernan, Ruairí
Flying to Extremes: Memories of a Northern Bush Pilot
Prinet, Dominique
LILACS in the DUST BOWL
STEVAN, DIANA
A Toxic Ambition
Otto, Erik A
Alice's Universe: The Discovery of a New Cosmos - Twice
Montlick, Terry
Purple Sky Woman
Kovacs, Victoria, Martens, Doreen
A Lap Around America
Shawn Inmon
Have you ever wanted to quit your job, jump in the car with the person you love the most, and see what's around the next bend in the road? I did. My wife and I were crazy enough to quit good jobs, pack our suitcases and head for the open road. We took two months and drove through thirty states, visited more than a dozen national parks, and put thirteen thousand miles of twisting country roads ... read more
The Girl with Stars in her Hair
Alexes Razevich
A cursed daughter. A stolen son. Time is running out. When her brother is kidnapped, Cassie Goodlight is determined to save him--even if it means learning the magic that nearly destroyed her mother. But how can she beat a shape-shifting sea goblin that taunts her at every turn? Cassie must find a way before a year is up or her brother will be lost forever. And who, or what, is the handsome str... read more
Scott Massey shares his story in the hopes that others who have experienced bullying and addiction may benefit.
Victor
Tami Lykens
A story of homesickness, surprise friendships, and learning that your place in this world is often more important than you thought.Eleven-year-old Ardith is forced to leave her homeland of Sweden when her father is stationed as king over conquered Estonia. At the start, Ardith is bitterly homesick. Later she starts to feel at home at the stables when she meets the new foal with a silver mane, ... read more
Dark Vampire (The Wickedest Witch Book 2)
Meg Xuemei X
Betrayed by Akem and ambushed by his army of monsters in the deadly jungle, I allow the vampire horde to capture me so my mate can escape. The consequences are direr than I thought. Determined to make me hers, the vampire princess pumps half of her black blood into my veins and snuffs out my Flame. I'm desperate to return to my witch, but I've failed time and again to break out of the supernat... read more
All Michael Hollister wanted was death.What he got was time travel.Convicted of murder, and with nothing left to live for, Michael commits suicide in his jail cell in 1977, then opens his eyes in 1966, in his eight year old body, all memories of his previous life intact.His first thoughts are of the dark intentions of his father. When the man who raised him once again tries to do the unthinkab... read more
All You Can Eat : Financial Knowhow to Build a Fit Business (Series )
Kevin Howell, Torian Mitchell
This guide provides insights for how business managers measure and monitor the financial health of their businesses. Managers will understand that neglecting to take control of their business’ revenue, risks and returns are sure recipes for mediocre performance—and in many cases their business’ demise. All You Can Eat is compact with only 256 pages of real-business application, Fitness Workout... read more
Know Thy Self (The Entrepreneur Series)
Henok Yeshanew
Mоѕt ѕuссеѕѕful еntrерrеnеurѕ ѕееm tо hаvе paved their wау to ѕuссеѕѕ bу unlосking ѕоmе special secret. Oftеn, it iѕ a wоndеr hоw these еntrерrеnеurѕ were able to visualize new соnсерts and consistently climb thе ladder to ѕuссеѕѕ. The key lies in recognizing these сеrtаin ѕесrеtѕ which are crucial to success as an entrepreneur. Thе tор ѕесrеt оf аll flourishing еntrерrеnеurѕ ѕееmѕ to be: act ... read more
A Graves Temptation
Jonathan Lesser
In this hilarious sequel to A Graves Undertaking, Londoner Benjamin “Bennie” Graves, having adjusted to the unique ways of Vaca Seca, the tiny northern New Mexico town where he now runs the Dos Abuelas cafe, faces two new challenges: an egotistic Hollywood producer and a pair of California hippies. Can Bennie survive these new invaders?
Campaign (Blades VR Book 2)
Terry Schott
The players gather...They crave adventure, but what kind?The game's creator continues to search for his missing partner who may be the only person capable of stopping the digital world from crumbling around those immersed in it.And what about the Scouts?Who are they?Where do they come from?Are they a threat to the digital fantasy world, or its only hope for salvation?
A Lap Around Alaska: An AlCan Adventure
Shawn Inmon
If you dream of packing up your four-wheeler, your snow boots and camera, and setting off to explore the wilderness, A Lap Around Alaska will give you a rare glimpse into the Land of the Midnight Sun, of moose, bear, and bald eagles, of monumental glaciers and scenery so staggering it brings tears to your eyes.Find out what it's really like to cross 1,400 miles of the Alaskan Highway and trave... read more
Why do only a small percentage of people rise to the very top of their fields while the majority barely cope with their stress? Why do some entrepreneurs remain optimistic and filled with boundless energy, while most become exhausted, overwhelmed, and burned out? Why do some health care professionals thrive under pressure, while most are crushed by it?In this important book, mindset management... read more
Raid (Blades VR Book 3)
Terry Schott
Beta Testing Continues...With Fen as his guide, Isaac enters Blades VR, hoping to find Sebastian and fix the game before it crashes.Seabastian and his friends discover that NPCs are suddenly driven to kill every player they meet.And a godling stands in front of a dark tower, surrounded by mages who will do everything in their power to stop her should she try to leave...
THE WILDERNESS ISN'T READY FOR ZEB CARTERThe remote wilderness of Idaho has become home to Namir, the most wanted terrorist in the world, who is planning a vicious attack on America.Zeb Carter is in the same jungle. He has to protect an innocent, stop Namir, and combat the terrorist's newest ally, a Mexican cartel.Zeb doesn't fear dying. But this time, he can't afford to die as long as the ter... read more
THERE'S NO MANUAL TO SAVING THE UNIVERSEWhen the Dracons show up, the Neathans have no choice but to fight back. There's is a losing war however. The invaders are the most advanced species in the universe, their weapons systems and technology is ahead of that of any other race.With defeat and slavery staring at him in the face, General Tauxol, head of the Neathan military, turns to his friend,... read more
HUMANITY NEEDS A HERO. IT GETS A THIEFYear 5050.Earth is a radioactive wasteland. The few million humans who survived, escaped to Calara, a planet in the Icarus Galaxy.Life on the new planet hasn't turned out the way they hoped.Their President, a sentient AI, has effectively enslaved them by curtailing their freedoms and controlling every aspect of their lives. He brutally stamps out any rebel... read more
A humorous and pithy guide to the craft of writing a screenplay and the business of being a screenwriter.Seeing your name on the silver screen beneath the words "Written By" is a moment most writers only dream of. But for those daring and talented few, brave enough to take their hopes to Hollywood, there are clear and tangible steps to achieve that goal if one knows the path. The Aspiring Scre... read more
ASSASSINATING THE PALESTINIAN NEGOTIATORS WAS THE BEGINNING. NOTHING WOULD BE THE SAME AGAIN'You know what's happened?' Avichai Levin, Director of Mossad, was grim.Zeb Carter nodded. Mossad was accused of assassinating Palestinian negotiators.'You've seen the situation in the streets?''Yeah.' Riots had broken out in Gaza and in the West Bank. Israel's enemies had threatened war if the assassin... read more
the Ward (the Advent Trilogy Book 1)
Terry Schott
Alex WolfsonLegendary titan of business and industry around the globe.Said to possess a net worth greater than the twenty wealthiest countries in the world.It is rumoured that his control over world leaders and governments is absolute.An icon of his age, a name known to all.Yet no one has ever seen his face, or heard his voice.Until now…An incorruptible senator forced to choose between maintai... read more
The Nine Bishops
Jonathan Astashinsky
On the verge of 18, Mika is preparing, with the help of her kindly uncle Sam, to run away from the circus where she toils as a member of the despised, magic-less class known as the Filth. Then a terrible accident unleashes powerful magic Mika had no idea she possessed. It’s a discovery that will separate her from everything she has known, sending her on an arduous journey through the Kingdom o... read more
COLLECTION OF THE NEGATIVES (THE BLOOD RISING Book 1)
Violet St. Karl
What's your blood worth? In a world with skyrocketing inflation and unemployment, blood has become a new commodity and the rarer your blood type, the more it's worth. After losing her job at WNN followed by months of unemployment, Liri is persuaded to sell her blood to ABO Blood Group, but unbeknownst to Liri, her Rh-negative blood is the rarest and an integral part of opposing agendas on Eart... read more
the Source (the Advent Trilogy Book 2)
Terry Schott
From the author of the Game is Life series, comes a brand new Trilogy that begins in the Wardand continues here, in the Source...Visit the Source world and see how the story began ...
the Exception (the Advent Trilogy Book 3)
Terry Schott
The thrilling conclusion to the Advent Trilogy from Terry Schott!It began in the Ward and continued in the Source. Now see how it all ends in the Exception.Will Alex and Gudrun succeed, or has centuries of planning, scheming and manipulation been for nothing?
A TERRORIST INTENT ON DESTRUCTION. HIS TARGET, NEW YORK'S G20 SUMMIT. HIS WEAPON, FIREWhen an assassin burns innocents in New York, Zeb Carter knows they aren't the acts of a random killer.That close to the biggest event in the city, the G20 Summit, they are the signs of a terrorist planning to bring down the world order.The mastermind behind the terrorist is an old enemy, one who wants to bri... read more
The Cooper's Hawk: Breeding Ecology & Natural History of a Winged Huntsman
Robert N Rosenfield
The Cooper's Hawk presents the general reader and professional biologists interested in birds and nature, with an authoritative account of the breeding biology of the what is perhaps the most abundant, backyard breeding raptor in North America. This urban status exists despite cross-generational human persecution through shooting of individuals and indirect felling of forests, their apparent p... read more
Community Healing: A Transcultural Model
Geneva Ensign
Through simple words and illustrations, this book presents a powerful, practical and visionary model for community healing. It outlines a healing process for individuals and communities that is universal and goes to the core of what it means to be a member of the human family.The Transcultural Model emerged from a forty-year career of individual and group psychotherapy at the grassroots level ... read more
BETH AND MEGHAN PETERSEN HAVE NEVER LOST A CASE. THERE'S ALWAYS A FIRST TIME, THOUGHIt starts off with the twins protecting Angie Konstantin and investigating who's behind the attempts on the her life.Hiram Konstantin, her father, billionaire, has no lack of enemies. Angie herself is a tantrum-throwing heiress.Despite that, the sisters find there's no link between the attempts and the way fath... read more
Midnight Sky (Sky Brooks Series Book 7)
McKenzie Hunter
Being part of the Midwest Pack isn’t easy—especially now.Sky’s life has never been simple—and it only gets more complicated. The Alphas, Ethan, and several key players in the otherworld go missing, thrusting Sky into the position of Elite Alpha and tasking her with finding them. The list of suspects grows as Sky realizes that her mating with Ethan has caused allies to become enemies. Will she ... read more
Mountain Ranch at the End of the Road: horses, cows, guns and grizzlies in the Canadian wilderness
Tom Hook, Gary Brumbelow
Why would a Colorado rancher sell the home place—the ranch his family had owned and operated for four generations—and move the entire operation to a remote 300,000-acre spread in British Columbia, Canada? For the adventure! And adventure is what Tom and Connie Hook and their sons found.Two miles above the mighty Fraser River, the Empire Valley Ranch headquarters lay 80 gravel miles beyond the ... read more
Guide to Indigenous Artifacts of the Northeast
Roger Moeller
The Indigenous peoples who once inhabited New England as long as 10,000 years ago left behind many artifacts that are of particular interest to the archaeologist studying early Indigenous culture. A careful examination of the remnants that have been excavated in this region provides an insight into the activities and development of the native inhabitants of North America. Artifacts such as too... read more
Observations of Golden Eagles in Scotland: A Historical & Ecological Review
Adam Watson, Stuart Rae
Spend less on what you don’t care about and more on what you do.Ready to make peace with your budget? You can save and still enjoy your best life! This quick read is packed with simple ways to carve more out of your budget for the things you love. Easy to understand and easy to get started. You will . . .Learn the 10 Simple Strategies that can start saving you money todaySee how sorting your m... read more
Are you living your dream life? CBAR is a handbook for people looking to imagine and fulfill their life dreams. Learn and understand... ▪️Your life purpose ▪️The power of your mind, paradigms and the ego ▪️The seven universal laws including the Law of Attraction ▪️The four steps to manifest anything into your life ▪️The true secret to happiness, life balance and real wealth ▪️Working through t... read more
The Fire Within The Cult: Based on a True Story
Courtnie J Christensen, Angela E Powell
A religious cult, militia conspirators, and an FBI standoff. Can a nine-year-old girl survive them all? Sophia's mom has been promised Zion after meeting and marrying a fanatic religious cult member. Sophia is left to protect her younger sister while facing severe punishments, strange rules, and meetings meant to indoctrinate them. Will Sophia have the strength to break free from this nightmar... read more
★★★★★ 'An OMG, Freaking-Fantastic, Unputdownable, Unmissable, Unforgettable, Running-Out-Of-Superlatives, One-Click Thriller'★★★★★ 'Hands down, the best thriller of the year'What if the lone-wolf terror attacks around the world weren't random?Terror attacks are surging around the world. Each day a new shooting, a vehicle driven into a crowd.People wait in dread for the next attack. That fear t... read more
A Bolshevik Christmas
Yoel Bereket
What happens when the world's most beloved holiday falls into the hands of communists? Life in the North Pole isn’t quite what it’s cracked up to be. Ever since Santa and his toy sweatshop moved into town, it’s been nothing but back-breaking labor for the native elves. In the factory the air is hot, the pay low, the food lukewarm. Suffering under the thumb of capitalism and a dictator grown fa... read more
A candid memoir of an introvert's international search for his faith, family, and belongingBeing given away for adoption just days after being born left a mystery around Scott Sullivan's life that tugged at his analytical mind, fueling a sense of self-doubt throughout his introverted life that affected his friendships, his faith, and amplified his insecurities.Hoping to uncover his past and fi... read more
All Dogs Go to Heaven: What My Dogs Taught Me About God and Life
Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson
Henry was the first Newfoundland dog I adopted from rescue. Then there was Georgie, Charlie, Kiki and now Buddy.With Henry’s passing, Kiki and Buddy are a new generation of adopted Newfoundland dogs sharing my home. Ten years of rescued dogs, who have actually rescued me more times than I can count.I never quite decided to write a book of essays about my dogs. That is, until I realized they we... read more
EDEN QUEST: Before the Beginning (The Songstone Series Book 1)
Ken Urbansky, Bob Mertes
EDEN QUEST, Before the Beginning:Lucifer’s rebellion has cast the entire universe into chaos.Millions of innocent lives have been subjected to futility, corruption, and slavery. Lucifer's failed attempt to overthrow Elohim, the Creator, has left him bitter enraged and vengeful. So, surrounded by his defeated and exiled angelic cohorts, he devises a new plan. “If we cannot rule the Creation, we... read more
How far must a man go to outrun the sins of war?The year is 2062. Somewhere between Earth and Mars, the deep-space freighter Odysseus travels toward the asteroid belt on a routine cargo haul. Paul Owens—formerly one of the military’s most elite augmented soldiers, and now a convicted prisoner—works off his sentence as a member of the small crew. As they journey deeper into space, the captain b... read more
A Promised Land: Nephi's Journey Through Arabia: valuable insights for Latter-Day Saints
Gavin Rundell, Randall Floyd
“Therefore I did obey the voice of the Spirit, and took Laban by the hair of the head, and I smote off his head with his own sword.” (1 Nephi 4: 18)A murder without a suspect...... a country on the brink of war.Will the search for Laban’s killer bring justice, or something else? ___Aziz was having a normal day...for a bounty hunter. He got into a street fight, had sand thrown in his eyes and b... read more
Heritage Churches of the Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia - chronicles existing church structures that dot the Indigenous landscape across what was once, a wild frontier and a thriving fur-trading empire. A beautifully illustrated work, with over three hundred colour photographs that will take the reader into urban, rural and remote areas of our beautiful Province of British Columbia.Fro... read more
The Stars That Beckon (StarPath - Book 1)
Simington, Kevin J
Towers: The Exigency Chronicles:Book 1
Schott, Terry
Ghost (The Exigency Chronicles Book 2)
Schott, Terry
Caught on the Trail: Nature's Wildlife Selfies
Bakken, Dale, Lynch-Bakken, Sandra
Through My Eyes: Bystander Glimpses of Jesus
Ndunaga, Chijioke
Universal Symphony: A Guide With Scientific Literature, Poetry And Tales For Self-healing
Ozsunar, Yelda, Martens, Doreen, Kaya, Fatma
Rise of One: Blood Brute - Book 1
Reuel, Dixon
Dreidel To The Grave
Bereket, Yoel , Lee, John, Martens, Doreen
Soul of Stone: A Mythological Fantasy Novella
Amitrani, Michele
Union of Worlds: Revolution
Ryan, Kieran
In the Presence of the King
Rowland, J.E
Doreen has 30 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
This is the second book I've had Doreen edit for me and I live working with her! She has a quick turn around time, great suggestions, and really seems to get where I'm trying to go with my stories even if I'm struggling to explain it.
Angela Powell, June 2021
Doreen was very thorough, insightful and helpful. I am very grateful for her attention to detail. Thank you.
Mark Duff, June 2021
Reply from Doreen Martens
Working with Doreen was awesome. Her editing transformed my manuscript into something really terrific. She noticed everything -- weak spots that needed elaboration, places where continuity was lacking, plus when and how a character should react to something said. And, of course, she performed superb copy editing. When she had suggestions about improving a sentence or paragraph, I used them all...
Read more
Terry Montlick, May 2021
Reply from Doreen Martens
I HIGHLY recommend Doreen. She offered practical feedback and suggestions to improve my novel (and found a continuity error that neither I nor my beta readers caught, even after several readings), as well as perfected the grammar and punctuation. She made this a very pleasant collaboration. Trust her; she knows what she's doing!
Victoria Keffer, May 2021
Reply from Doreen Martens
Doreen provided prompted and comprehensive copy-editing and proof-reading for a reasonable fee. She was excellent in communication and open to discussing editorial decisions.
Rbin Yuan, March 2021
Reply from Doreen Martens
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Neil Gordon
Getting feedback doesn't have to be an overwhelming experience. I work to ensure your hand is held through every step of the process.
Los Angeles, CA, United States
Kendall Davis
Writer at Nerdist, HelloGiggles, and Geek & Sundry. Editor at Penguin Random House for 5 1/2 years working in fiction and non-fiction.
Colorado Springs, United States
