Fiona McLaren – Editor

As a long-time editor and author, I'm fully aware that writers need a solid support system around them to enable their writing to progress from a dream into a reality. Working with both new and experienced writers has given me the opportunity to develop writers from their very first drafts straight through to their polished manuscripts.

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My job is to ensure you can see where your writing shines and what skills you excel at (which is just as important as knowing what you need to work on), as well as showing you how to improve your craft, build a strong, engaging plot, and create characters who leap off the page. I can help you create the best possible version of your book and your vision, staying true to the story you want to tell.

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Authors I have had the pleasure of dealing with have been published by HarperTeen, Macmillan, Entangled Teen, Swoon Romance, Holiday House Inc, etc., with two authors who have sold motion picture rights.

I have a strong interest in diverse projects: #ownvoices and LGBTQ+ projects very welcome. I am a sensitivity reader for epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and Ace characters.

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Testimonials:

"Before my agent sees my latest book, I send it to Fiona. Her insight is spot on, and her notes always take my work to the next level. She was influential in the book that landed my lit agent as well as the one that published. I am now represented by a major Hollywood agency and have a television production deal. Through it all, Fiona has been my most trusted CP."

-Kes Trester - A Dangerous Year (Curiosity Quills)

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"Fiona has been my critique partner and editor for four years. She was also my PitchWars co-mentor for two years, so I can attest without reservation that she is an astute, intuitive, and professional editor of the highest standard. She is equally adept at providing structural feedback on characters, plot, pacing, and tension as she is on assessing the details like passive writing, show not tell, overused words. She is also a tireless champion and coach, exactly the type of motivating editor every writer needs in their corner!"

-Dionne McCulloch, Reedsy Editor, Bath Novel Award judge

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"I've worked with Fiona for years on my novels. She has a keen eye for details and execution, extensive knowledge of the craft of writing, and is always on point with what needs to be done to make the project shine. Fiona is also a complete gem and is the perfect combination of constructive and supportive. I cannot recommend her enough."

-Jesskia Fleck - Beware the Night (Swoon Reads/Macmillan), Defy the Sun (Swoon Reads/Macmillan), and The Castaways (Entangled Teen)

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"Fiona is a writer’s guardian angel. She clears away the excess gunk to find the beating, pulsing heart of your writing and brings it to life."

Lisa Amowitz - Breaking Glass (Spencer Hill), Until Beth (Spencer Hill), Fractured (Spencer Hill), Vision (Spencer Hill)