Geoff Smith - Editor
I specialize in developmental editing and copy editing. My job is to work with you until your book is in the best possible shape it can be.
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Overview
I have edited hundreds of novels, memoirs, textbooks, and other fiction and nonfiction titles, many of them during my six years as a Supervising Editor for Scholastic Inc. I take manuscripts and improve their story arcs and characterizations and fix all grammatical and stylistic errors. But most of all, I punch up the prose—I make it more vivid and concise, and the dialog sound more interesting and natural.
Languages
English (US)
Fiction
Action & Adventure
Fantasy
Mystery & Crime
Thriller & Suspense
Young Adult
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
History
True Crime
Work experience
Freelance Editor
Self-employed
January, 2012
–
Present
(about 11 years)
“Geoff brings an uncommon sensitivity and thoughtfulness to his edits.” —Wilson Muir, author of Citizen Lansky
“I loved Geoff’s work and I’m so happy we chose to work with each other. He did what a good editor should do—take a writer who’s in shorts and a T-shirt and put him in a fine suit. It's still the writer, but he looks freakin' awesome!” —Scott Service, author of Lines in the Sand: An American Soldier’s Personal Journey in Iraq
“I eventually hit the ‘accept all’ button as I went through Geoff’s incredible edits. All of his comments were truly spot on as well, which brilliantly helped to flesh out where I was trying to go.” —Tiffany FitzHenry, author of Animus
“Geoff really pushed me to think at a deeper level—his feedback helped me as a writer and a human being.” — Suma Subramaniam, author of Being Gandhi
“It was a pleasure to work with Geoff, who was always challenging me to create a better story. I am very happy with the way it turned out. I am grateful for all his hard work and thoughtful analysis.” —George Tan, author of Declaration
“I am so happy with the great editing job Geoff did on my manuscript and book blurb! Both are now hugely improved; his outstanding work made everything more colorful and fun.” —Jane Koprucki, author of Suddenly Single at Sixty
“I am SO SO pleased with the improvements Geoff’s edits have made to my manuscript. The improved word flow, the more interesting details, the character development, and a special bonus has been his knowledge of China and Mandarin, electronics, and of course the Mets.” —Valerie Stauffer, author of Shanghaied
“It was great to work with Geoff. He did a wonderful job cutting out a lot of extraneous verbiage and sharpening the book, and I think the pace and flow of the story is much, much better. I couldn't have done it without him!” — Greg Emmerth, author of The Game
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Geoff, and he is a consummate professional. A talented editor with a keen eye for detail, Geoff always offers fresh and creative ideas to help strengthen my prose without compromising my voice. If you are looking for a caring, prompt, thorough editor, he is definitely the person to contact.” —Lisa Fox, author of Knightly Desire
“Geoff did a fantastic job. He was on time, did more than he had to, had excellent ideas in developmental editing, and provided very detailed copyediting. I chose him over cheaper bids and am happy to say he's worth every penny if you want a quality product.” —Don McGann, author of Stilettos in Vegas
“Geoff was fantastic and patient with me while I learned to write my first novel. Thank you so much for everything.” —Tess Manchester, author of Pivot Point
“Choosing the right editor is essential to maximizing a story’s potential, and I was very lucky to have found Geoff. He did an exceptional job of editing, formatting, and proofreading my debut novel. After he purged the superfluous text, he meticulously prepared the manuscript for publication, seemingly leaving no word unturned. If you are seeking an editor who not only has a superior command of the English language but is also passionate about making your work the best it can be, I decidedly recommend Geoff. I’ll certainly be utilizing his talents again.” —Brian Sloan, author of Double-Crossed
“Geoff vastly improved my novel. There was a lot of stuff that he cut and while sometimes my first reaction was ‘why did he cut this?’ usually after comparing the ‘before’ and ‘after’ it was better with the cuts, which definitely reduced a lot of redundancy. He actually really helped me see what I was doing wrong and I think this will help when I write my next book.” —Michael Seidelman, author of The Garden of Syn
“Geoff edited my manuscript and he did an amazing job. He’s a pro who knows the ins and outs of editing, style, diction, chapter headings, the works. He doesn’t miss anything. Again and again, he figured out what I was trying to say, then said it in fewer words, better words, cleaner images, tighter logic, and style.” —Tom Sulcer
“Geoff has an amazing ability to boil it down to the best moments in the least amount of words! I really like all the sophistication he brings to the writing. Casual tone but with varying sentence structures that keep it interesting.” —Eileen Wacker, author of The Mom’s Code
“I probably used 95–97% of Geoff’s edits. He was the biggest help I’ve ever received in my five years of developing this story, and he was amazing with the action scenes. THANKS SO FRICKIN’ MUCH!” —David Farris, author of The Jestivan (Erafeen)
“Geoff’s a mad genius! His edits were phenomenal!” —Tiffany FitzHenry, author of Aurora
“Two years into writing my book, I found myself suffering from a serious case of writer’s block and the anxiety that comes with it. I sought help from freelance editor and book doctor, Mr. Geoff. With his insightful guidance and development edits, I found my stride again. Another year passed, and I again found myself struggling to come up with additional material to finish the book. For a second time, I sought the help of my amazing editor, Mr. S. He resurrected my dream from the bottom of the grave by providing fresh insights that I needed to continue writing. He later provided the final ‘spit and polish’ by working his copyediting magic and providing yet more sage advice.” —Mike Kowis, author of Engaging College Students: Cursing, Dirty Jokes, and Other Effective Tips
“Working with Geoff has been stress-free and a pleasure. He is extremely responsive with his communications and goes the extra mile. Geoff understood the nuances of our project and helped craft it into a much better product. We will definitely work with him again!” —Michael Garcia
“Geoff did a developmental edit of my book. This was my first experience with a freelance editor. I thought my manuscript was nearly ready to be submitted for publication—I was wrong. Geoff sent me 184 suggested changes, and he gave me sound advice on how to restructure my story. You can be sure that I will not send another book to a publisher without first having Geoff edit the manuscript.” —William Turner
“Feedback from Geoff’s other clients doesn’t even come close to describing the great work that he does.” —Phillip Miller, author of A Call for Fire
“I didn’t like Geoff’s edits—I LOVED THEM!!! He’s a genius! He really made my characters pop!” —Yveta Germano
Supervising Editor
Scholastic
April, 2007
–
December, 2011
(almost 5 years)
• assigning and editing book-length nonfiction manuscripts for middle schoolers
• writing sidebars, online copy, and manuscripts
• website development (wireframing, designing, and bugging webpages)
• program development (creating concepts for series of books)
• developing eBooks for tablets (bookmapping, layout, assets, functionality)
• website management (trafficking digital assets; coordinating between editorial, design, and engineering teams)
• copyediting, proofreading, indexing, factchecking
Portfolio (26 selected works)
Classified Information
Sarah Gallaway
Olivia Fairchild thought she would be a top runway makeup artist by now when she followed her dreams of pursing a career in the beauty industry. Instead she still is working at a makeup counter, in the busy Woodfield Mall of Schaumburg, Illinois. She truly begins to question the choices that have led her here. Surely there must be more she could be doing with her life, and something she should... read more
Forever Nineteen
Robert Hill
Eric and Christin are teenagers from two different worlds. Eric is from a small country town and Christin is from the big city. Eric likes taking risks like driving fast and flying his airplane upside down. Christin likes going to the Mall and reading a good book. Then one day, Christin takes a ride in Eric’s plane and things were never the same for them again. When opposites attract, a bond c... read more
The Oldest Soul - Animus
Tiffany FitzHenry
Eve has no idea she’s the oldest soul on earth, with a pre-wired connection to every other soul on the planet and that the boy she’s mysteriously drawn to, named Roman, has been her soul mate, her love of nearly three hundred lifetimes—until he tells her.But what Roman doesn’t mention is that the new genetic test called Animus will soon expose what she is to the whole world and that he’s being... read more
Switchblade Heart
Denning
Reno Villarrubia has killed more men than she has kissed. A fierce Colombian bodyguard who carries a switchblade in her boot, she protects a blackmarket kingpin named Victor Pagnolli.When Pagnolli is blackmailed by a cop who knows more than he should, Reno must stay alive on a reckless one-hundred-mile journey through the criminal underworld surrounded by treachery, murderous jealousy, and pur... read more
No One Dies in the Garden of Syn
Michael Seidelman
Synthia (Syn) Wade is a teenage girl who struggles with cystic fibrosis, an incurable life-threatening disease. One day she is pushed into a pond by an unseen figure and wakes up in a new world – a mysterious garden where illness and death don’t exist.Welcomed by the garden’s residents and now free of her symptoms, Syn decides to stay. But, before long, she realizes that this apparent utopia h... read more
A bad boy can make a girl feel so good.Grace’s attraction to her new web designer, amateur boxer and all-around playboy, Ryan Granger, is off the charts. But the bad boy of programming is not someone she needs to get entangled with. She’s got too many responsibilities and no time for games. She has deadlines to meet and a sick father to care for. Ryan is tempting, but being with him is complet... read more
Stilettos in Vegas
Valerie L. Diamond, Dr. Don McGann
Learn about the business of strip clubs and how strippers are misunderstood outcasts through the experiences of Las Vegas stripper Sapphire, a 23-year-old African American from New York. Risking arrest for big tips, she services the fantasies of various customers--married and divorced men, rappers, and Chinese billionaires. After having a child with Spider, a Vegas player, her daughter is take... read more
Lines in the Sand: An American Soldier's Personal Journey in Iraq
F. Scott Service
For F. Scott Service, a five-minute phone call one peaceful morning was all it took. Faced with the terrible dichotomy of his moral opposition to war and an innate sense of duty, little did he realize that when he was called for deployment in Iraq that his would be a tour of duty destined to change him forever.Witnessing the violence of a country ravaged by chaos and facing the disintegration ... read more
The Jestivan (Erafeen Book 1)
David Farris
When birthed into the world as the son of the great Mendac LeAnce, miraculous feats are expected from you. Mendac was the Fifth of Five, making him the final hero in the Of Five--a five-part series of fairy tales that stretches over 1,500 years.Bryson, unfortunately, was given the impossible task of following in his dead father's footsteps. And after sixteen years of mediocrity, the only time ... read more
Features stories from several teenagers that focus on the good and bad choices they made and the lessons learned from their experiences.
When life throws a curveball at teens and tweens, point them in the direction of Scholastic Choices - the hip guide to life that tackles the tough challenges kids face every day with cool quizzes, real-life stories, and practical advice about what hurts and what helps.
Features: - Engaging biographies of famous and infamous figures in history- Sophisticated design will attract high-school and middle-school struggling readers, yet on-target reading level makes these books accessible to readers of all levels- Controlled vocabulary and sentence length make these books highly readable- Directly Correlated to Social Studies Standards for Middle and High School St... read more
Adolf Hitler (Wicked History)
Sean Price
- Opening quote by or about the featured villain/villainess- Historical map, annotated with key locations from person's life- "A Wicked Web" featuring allies and enemies- Historical photos and etchings- Boxes with additional information- Photo documentaries: six to eight pages of photos and captions telling the person's life- Timeline, glossary, additional sources- Engaging narrative nonfictio... read more
Henry VIII: Royal Beheader (Wicked History (Paperback))
Sean Stewart Price, Sean Stewart
- Opening quote by or about the featured villain/villainess- Historical map, annotated with key locations from person's life- A Wicked Web featuring allies and enemies- Historical photos and etchings- Boxes with additional information- Photo documentaries: six to eight pages of photos and captions telling the person's life- Timeline, glossary, additional sources- Engaging narrative nonfiction ... read more
Eisenhower called it "the Great Crusade," but the Battle of Normandy was a nightmare for the rookie soldiers who fought it. Be there if you dare as they storm the beaches, facing assault from every side in a fight for freedom unlike any the world had seen before.
Features: - Exciting new journalistic design uses bold graphics and dramatic photography- In-the-moment reporting allows readers to experience historic events as they unfold- Highly visual front matter includes facts and figures about the topic as well as introductory information presented in an FAQ format- Each section opens with a photographic spread that includes a brief introduction to the... read more
- Exciting new journalistic design uses bold graphics and dramatic photography- In-the-moment reporting allows readers to experience historic events as they unfold- Highly visual front matter includes facts and figures about the topic as well as introductory information presented in an FAQ format- Each section opens with a photographic spread that includes a brief introduction to the themes ad... read more
Features: - High interest/low reading level books for middle- and high-school students- Attention-grabbing opener to provide immediate visual introduction to each book- Mock dialogues to present crucial vocabulary terms in context- Compelling visuals and information to help students build a background in each topic- Real-life case studies to show scientists' problem-solving processes- Portfoli... read more
The Forensic Files subset examines the forensic sciences behind the most fascinating solved and unsolved cases, from autopsies to facial reconstruction, and more.
You Wouldn't Want to Be a Civil War Soldier!
Thomas Ratliff
Its 1861. War has broken out between the United States and the Confederate States of America, and you have answered President Lincolns call for volunteers to fight for the Union. What are your chances of surviving Americas bloodiest war? This new extended edition includes a Civil War timeline, details of major battles, and fascinating information on the role of women in the Civil War.
It's not so bad being a slave in ancient Pompeii. Your owners treat you well and youlive in a thriving city. But what's up with the dead fish floating in the river and thegas smell escaping from the ground? You better say your prayers, because whenMount Vesuvius blows its top, no one will be spared!
Scholastic Ultimate Guide to Baseball (Scholastic Ultimate Guides)
James, Jr. Buckley
The Scholastic Ultimate Guides will provide the fun facts that kids want to know about sports, history, entertainment, and other topics. Presented in easy-to-grab, cool-to-browse, fun-to-read style, every page of this new series will be chock full of information. From the basic to the obscure, from the well known to the brand-new, fans of these sports will all find tons of info to enjoy.
This action-packed book covers the National Football League from top to bottom, beginning to end, inside and outside—including a complete two-page profile of every team. Here sports fans will learn who "The Stork" was and why a "snot-bubbler" is even grosser than its sounds. They'll take a trip back to football's earliest days, revisit the most recent Super Bowl heroics, and lots more.
Benito, You Can Do It!: Vol1. The News
Alan Quinonez
This English/Spanish children's book helps kids diagnosed with cancer and their parents gain a basic understanding of the disease and the team that will be helping them. Encourages cancer survivors to step into the limelight and reach out to those who might lose faith.
Closed Feedwater Heaters for Power Generation: A Working Guide
Stanley Yokell, Michael Catapano, Eric Svensson
Best practices for using closed feedwater heaters in power generation plants Based on the authors’ decades of industry experience, this book explains how to improve cycle efficiency and reduce the cost of fuel used to produce electricity using closed feedwater heaters. This practical guide describes the steam cycle and contains detailed information on how manufacturers build feedwater heaters.... read more
Quality Improvement Through Planned Experimentation 3/E (Mechanical Engineering)
Ronald Moen, Thomas Nolan, Lloyd Provost
The latest experimental design techniques for quality improvement "The methods taught in this book are a major contribution to statistical methods as an aid to engineers, as well as to those in industry, education, or government who are trying to understand the meaning of fi gures derived from comparisons or experiments." -- W. EDWARDS DEMING Co-written by three recipients of the Deming Medal ... read more
Geoff has 37 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Geoff was a pleasure to work with. As a pretty green beginner, it took some prodding to gather up the courage to put my thoughts out there. Geoff was so nice. His comments were kind and constructive. I am inspired to integrate his recommendations and have gained confidence in my story. I hope to work with Geoff again in the near future.
Amber Lake, March 2023
I received a great edit. Geoff respected my voice, understood what I was trying to do and in many ways enhanced my work. I really have the impression it improved a lot. His suggestions made sense. I highly recommend him as a developmental editor.
Mirko Neumann, July 2022
Geof is an amazingly effective and practical editor. His developmental recommendations were spot-on. His copyediting was straight-forward and effective. In short, he exceeded my expectations. An author could not ask for more.
GLENN HARVEY, March 2022
Geoff was fantastic to work with. I am a first-time author and Geoff was responsive, supportive and didn't mind explaining some of the basics to me. He provided an incredible number of edits and suggestions (my lack of experience required them!) and was also patient with the UK/US differences. He made some useful suggestions to improve the prose, as well as even testing a few things in the real...
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Chris Barker, November 2021
Geoff produced a detailed and thorough edit of my first novel. Of course every novel has different issues, but my issues often involved unnatural, stilted language sneaking into dialogue and into character's thoughts. Geoff has an ear for dialogue. Along with making changes to the novel based on Geoff's work, I took careful notes regarding the types of errors he found. I am certain that he has ...
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Joe Henderson, October 2021
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