Overview
With ten years in the literary agency world, I bring an experienced eye, nurturing warmth, and big brainstorming energy to my editorial process. Whether you're stuck cycling through ideas or have all your words on the page, I can help your manuscript become its best self. My favorite thing about editing is the way it marries creativity and logic: I will bring my objectivity and distance to your close-up, in-too-deep creative dilemmas and help you find solutions that work with your authorial vision and satisfy your audience.
My particular passion lies with fiction, all sorts, though I dare to include memoir in that category. (After all, the best memoirs read like page-turning novels -- except the stories happen to be true!) I unabashedly love a beautiful sentence, and I strive to make sure every story has enough urgency and plot to propel the reader along. I read with meticulous attention to detail, and while I critique as honestly as possible, I'll deliver the news, the praise and the criticism, with warmth and care. We're a team, writer and editor. I'm here to help you make your work shine, not shut you down.
Moreover, if you find yourself near the finish line with your novel, let's talk submission letter and sample. I read dozens of query letters every week, and know all too well the pet peeves and pitfalls that get a pitch tossed out before it's been seriously considered. Together, we'll make your query letter and sample as bulletproof as possible.
So bring me your thorniest plot problems and character woes, your writer's block and your notebook of ideas, even your Best Man speech notes (we'll make them laugh or cry -- up to you!) and we'll get to work!
Services
Fiction
Languages
Certifications
- BA in English and Theater with Honors, Davidson College
- Concentration in Creative Writing with Creative Honors Thesis, Davidson College
Work experience
The Gernert Company
Over ten years, I've worn many hats within the same agency, assisting with foreign rights, royalties and accounting, and lots of slushpile reading -- where I've found many talented writers who've gone on to traditional publishing deals. I've extensively edited client work for multiple agents, providing fresh eyes and insights on hundreds of manuscripts, and proudly cultivated writers of my own.
Portfolio
Ellen has 16 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
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Ruhi C.
Apr, 2024
Abby S.
Apr, 2024
H. S. M.
Jan, 2024
Douglas G.
Nov, 2023
H. S. M.
Oct, 2023
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