Erik Klass

Erik Klass - Editor

Los Angeles, CA, USA

From the minutiae of copy editing to the employment of craft and the development of style, I will help take your writing to the next level.

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Overview

As a writer, I have published stories and essays in a variety of literary journals, including New England Review, Slippery Elm, Summerset Review, Yemassee, and many more, and I have been nominated for multiple Pushcart Prizes. I have a novella forthcoming from Buttonhook Press.

As an editor, I have worked with dozens of professional writers, including Erin Rose Belair (Glimmer Train, Narrative, Greensboro Review), Becky Tuch (McSweeney's, Virginia Quarterly Review, Salt Hill, Best of the Net), and Dominica Phetteplace (Zyzzyva, Copper Nickel, Ecotone, multiple Pushcart Prizes). Stories and essays I've edited have been published in scores of literary journals, including Southern Indian Review, Chicago Literary Review, The Summerset Review, Rappahannock Review, and tons more (see Gallery below).

How do I edit?

Yes, of course, I’m concerned with plot. And yes, of course, characters. Yes, of course structure and scene and action and point of view and tension and resolution. These things are important. Your writing must “work.” (And needless to say, it must be grammatically impeccable, following the standard usage rules of the English language.) All good editors must consider these things.

But, when I edit, I like to go beyond these fundamental elements of your writing and focus on what we writers call “craft.” I want to scrutinize your language. I want to listen to the sound of your prose. I want to push you in the direction of beauty. Different writers will employ craft in different ways, for example with vivid descriptions, figurative language, narrative thickness, variety of sentence structure, interesting use of vocabulary, formal experimentation, subtlety (minimalism), and more.

The extension of craft is “style.” Every writer, I believe, is on a lifelong journey to find a style. Style encompasses the textures of your writing voice, the play of your words, the melodies of your language. It is the poetry in your prose—sometimes (often) quiet and barely noticeable, sometimes conspicuous. It is your linguistic fingerprint.

From the minutiae of copy editing, to broader topics such as character, language, and voice, to the use of craft and the development of style, I will help you take your writing to the next level. I look forward to working with you.

Testimonials:

"Erik brings kindness, wisdom and deep knowledge to the editing and submission process.” —Dominica Phetteplace (Pushcart Prize, Zyzzyva, Copper Nickel, Ecotone, and others)

"Erik was prompt, responsive, cordial, and a pleasure to work with. His comments and suggestions improved my essays and stories immensely. And he placed all three of my pieces [in literary journals] within three months. He totally knows his stuff!" —Dvora Wolff Rabino (The Ignatian Literary Magazine, Linden Avenue Literary Journal, The Lascaux Review, and others)

"Getting published in a literary journal was a lifelong dream of mine. After years of rejections, Erik helped me get there! His sensitive and thoughtful editing and comments made my stories better. I’m deeply thankful and urge writers to give him a try.” —Jane Van Cantfort (Fiction on the Web, and others)

Languages
English (US)
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Historical Fiction
Literary Fiction
Short Story
Non-Fiction
History
Writing & Publishing

Certifications

  • UCLA: Bachelor's of Engineering (minors in History and Music)
  • UCLA: Masters of Engineering (minor in Business)
  • Berklee College of Music: Degree in Music Performance

Work experience

Editor & Consultant

Self-employed
January, 2017 – Present (about 6 years)

I've been working with writers for years as an editor and consultant. Everything from flash fiction to novels. My goal is help get their work ready to be published, especially in literary journals. I also help my clients target the journals that will likely accept their work. And the results are in: 66% of the stories I receive find a home in a literary journal.

Editor & Writing Coach

Self-employed
January, 2005 – Present (about 18 years)

I've been working with students on college essays and SAT/ACT writing prompts for years. All the rules of good grammar and proper usage apply.

Erik has 21 reviews

Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality

TK Haines
Erik's comments and advice were clear and invaluable in helping to improve my short story. He responded to emails quickly and I would be happy to work with him again.

TK Haines, February 2023

Erik Klass
Thank you, TK. I've truly enjoyed working with you.

Reply from Erik Klass


HQD HQD
I enjoy working with Erik, he is very professional and with a level of honesty that I find extremelly useful. he has given me tips that are making me a better writer. so thank you Erik.

HQD HQD, December 2022


Cherie Magnus
Erik was thoughtful and perceptive in his notes. And very kindly offered to answer more questions if I had them. Because I had him do only a "read only" report, I felt he was frustrated in that he had so much more to say. I wouldn't hesitate to use him for a complete edit.

Cherie Magnus, December 2022

Erik Klass
Hi Cherie. Thanks for the review. Yes, read-only reviews give me only a limited time to comment on the work—they're really just about general impressions. And yes, I'd love to jump in for a full li...
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Reply from Erik Klass


Tony Covatta
Erik's work is marked by diligence, punctuality, perceptivity and a keen sense of where the story is going and whether that is where it should be headed. He has a great ear for good prose and a strong sense of logical connection and the need for it. On top of all that, he has a great sense of humor and knows how to impart advice without destroying the super sensitive ego of the would be ...
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Tony Covatta, October 2022

Erik Klass
Thank you, Tony! As you know, I love working with you. I'm truly grateful you found me. I look forward to continuing to read your work.

Reply from Erik Klass


Gaurav Bhalla
Professional and Productive interaction. Exactly as I wanted and expected. Wonderful experience.

Gaurav Bhalla, October 2022

Erik Klass
Thank you, Gaurav. A pleasure reading your work, and working with you.

Reply from Erik Klass

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