Gina Sorell

Gina Sorell – Editor

Author of THE WISE WOMEN, a NYTBR Editor's Choice, GMA Book Buzz, People, WaPo, pick. Specializing in contemporary fiction. Let's connect!

Overview

I've been where you are. I've looked for an agent, been published by an indie press and also published by one of The Big Five. I've had manuscripts rejected and fought over, and know that through all of it the only thing we can control is the work. Which is why putting your work forward is crucial. But it doesn't have to be scary or dispiriting—it can be exciting and collaborative. Let's work together to make your manuscript the best it can be before it goes out into the world!



Praise:

"An Author to Watch" (Globe and Mail)

"Sorell knows her stuff" (The Toronto Star),

"Riveting" (Good Housekeeping)

"A Best Book Pick of 2017" (Refinery 29)

"A Great Group Reads" (Women's National Book Association).


Testimonials:


"Every writer needs a developmental editor--you cannot do it yourself. And that is why I cannot imagine writing a book without the help of Gina Sorell. She's been with me for my last three novels, two of them which were New York Times Bestsellers. Gina worked with me from synopsis to first, second and third draft. She found things I never would have seen, and deepened the writing until it shone."


-Caroline Leavitt, New York Times Bestselling author of Pictures of You, Is This Tomorrow, and Cruel Beautiful World


"I met Gina Sorell when we were both students in a novel writing class at the UCLA Extension Writer’s Program. In class, I remember being immediately drawn to Gina’s insight and story perspective on the work I submitted for workshop. Not only my stories, but other students work as well. I knew then that I wanted to keep in touch with Gina and continue to work with her. We have. Over the past several years, Gina has edited my work for live readings and has copy edited my work for print. She has been an invaluable resource for my writing and is a valuable resource to any writer looking for a keen eye for detail and story. For these reasons, I highly recommend Gina Sorell."


-Natashia Deon, Author of GRACE, Counterpoint Press, PEN Emerging Voices Fellow and Pushcart Prize Nominee​


"I call Gina Sorell a 'plotmaster' because of the ideas that spring effortlessly from her head. When faced with a problem, her close reading of the work will mean she is in a position to suggest a range of solutions. Speaking with her is enormously energizing, as anyone who has dealt with her can attest. Her imagination and experience will improve your work."


-Author, Eric Rubin, author of SCHOOL OF VELOCITY, Doubleday.

Services
Fiction
Chick Lit Contemporary Fiction
Languages
English (CAN) English (US)
Awards
  • Nominated for the James Kirkwood Literary Award
  • Great Group Reads Selection
  • Book of the Month Winner, Long and Short Reviews
  • Sundance Pilot Lab- Finalist
Certifications
  • UCLA Writers Program

Work experience

Self-employed

Oct, 2003 — Present

When not working on novels, I'm the Founder and Creative Director of my Words Make The Brand. I work with Fortune 500 Companies, as well as start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs, creating memorable names and compelling copywriting. To me it's all about telling a great story, be it with a one word name, a five word tagline, or an 80,000 word manuscript.

Portfolio

Caroline Leavitt is at her mesmerizing best in this haunting, nuanced portrait of love, sisters, and the impossible legacy of family. It’s 1969, and sixteen-year-old Lucy is about to run away with a much older man to live off the grid in rural Pennsylvania, a ... read more
A “mesmerizing and quietly revealing” novel about a woman’s quest to understand her glamorous, cruel, recently deceased mother (Publishers Weekly). “My father proposed to my mother at gunpoint when she was nineteen, and knowing that she was already pregnant wi... read more
Daddy's Blue Eyes is a story about a little girl whose father died and how much she misses him. But this little girl was given a gift-her daddy's blue eyes.Eyes that help her to see all the things her daddy can't see anymore. Eyes that help her to remember all... read more
Pictures of You

Caroline Leavitt

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER“Magically written, heartbreakingly honest.” —Jodi Picoult Two women running away from their marriages collide on a foggy highway, killing one of them. The survivor, Isabelle, is left to pick up the pieces, not only of her own life, ... read more
In 1956, Ava Lark rents a house with her twelve-year-old son, Lewis, in a desirable Boston suburb. Ava is beautiful, divorced, Jewish, and a working mom. She finds her neighbors less than welcoming. Lewis yearns for his absent father, befriending the only othe... read more
School of Velocity

Eric Beck Rubin

A wrenching and deceptively spare debut novel about an electric friendship between two boys that slowly reveals itself as a deep and lifelong love.Jan de Vries is a virtuoso pianist who would be in the prime of his career but for the crippling auditory halluci... read more

Gina has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Mallory W.

Mallory W.

May, 2021

Gina Sorell was truly a pleasure to work with! She provided me with a positive, insightful edit of my novel in a consultation letter and in markup notes on the manuscript. Specifically, Gina offered valuable feedback addressing my concerns integrating frontstory and backstory, along with character/plot issues that had passed under my radar. I am currently revising my novel with confidence, tha...
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Philip C.

Philip C.

Jul, 2020

Gina Sorell is a treasure. Lots of "show don't tell" instruction but with just enough suggestions to actually make that happen. I unequivocally recommend her as a fictional editor. You will be dealing with a careful reader who will point out your novel's strong passages as well as the ones that need shoring up. In the end, you will be getting honest and valuable help to make your story a more c...
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