Holly Welker

Holly Welker – Editor

I'm a skilled editor who loves memoir so much I got a PhD in it. I'm interested in your story and want to help you share it with the world.

Overview

I have an MFA and a PhD in literary nonfiction (memoir, essay, autobiography) from the University of Iowa. If you want to write a memoir, I will help you do it. If you've written a memoir, I will help you make it better.


I spent more than three decades studying and teaching literature at the college level. I'm automatically attentive to the traditional elements of good literature, including character development, plot, pacing, dramatic tension, scene, dialogue, etc., but I'm also not put off by unusual or experimental approaches. I have an excellent command of the basics of good prose (and poetry), and can quickly assess a work's strengths and weaknesses on the sentence, paragraph, chapter, and manuscript level.


I like to work collaboratively and check in frequently with writers, so that I know I'm providing feedback that makes sense to clients and actually helps them improve their work. I am candid, thorough, and tactful when offering criticism, especially when something needs revision. I figure writers would rather hear from me when something isn't working, while they still have the option to fix it, instead reading about it over and over in one-star reviews on Amazon or elsewhere.


I know what it takes to produce publishable work: I’ve published poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, opinion, journalism, book reviews, blog posts, and scholarly essays in a variety of venues, including "Best American Essays," "The Iowa Review," the "New York Times" Modern Love column, "Slate," "TriQuarterly," etc. I offer coaching, developmental editing, and copyediting in all those genres.


I've helped people who don't consider themselves writers produce work that nonetheless passes academic peer review. The editor who oversaw the publication of my books at a university press told me, "Your manuscripts were easily the cleanest that I’ve ever worked on."


I'm always delighted to work on a book about a topic a bit outside my comfort zone, but I'm especially interested in projects dealing with family relationships, trauma and recovery, illness, caregiving, history, politics, and religion. Although I left the faith of my childhood, I remain interested in religion and both the good and the harm it can do. I’ve helped those who no longer believe write about a loss of faith and helped those who remain committed to their faith articulate why they believe and how faith helps them. In other words, I'll use all my insight to make sure YOU write the book you want to write.


I spent the better part of a decade caring for my father and allowing him to remain in his home as he developed dementia. I spent covid lockdown with someone who did not and could not understand why he could not go anywhere. He died at home of Alzheimer’s in May 2023. I'm passionate about meeting the needs of elders and supporting those who care for them.


I'm an Arizona native and love the beauty of the desert. I also love gardening and textiles.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Health & Wellbeing History LGBTQ Non-Fiction Religion & Spirituality Sex & Relationships Weddings
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • PhD in English literature, University of Iowa
  • MFA in nonfiction, University of Iowa
  • MFA in poetry, University of Arizona

Work experience

self employed

Jul, 2008 — Present

I've provided developmental and copyediting on novels, poetry collections, and memoirs on a dozen different topics, as well as on scholarly works of religious history, literary criticism, and communication studies.

family

Feb, 2015 — May, 2023 (over 8 years)

I provided full-time in-home care for my father as he developed and died of Alzheimer's.

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College

Aug, 2003 — Jun, 2008 (almost 5 years)

Taught literature, creative writing, and literary nonfiction writing to undergraduates.

University of Iowa

May, 2000 — Jul, 2001 (about 1 year)

Maintained database of news items about the University of Iowa; drafted letters from and speeches for the president of the University.

University of Iowa

Aug, 1994 — Jul, 2001 (almost 7 years)

Taught literature and creative writing courses to undergraduates.

Chinese Academy of Sciences

Sep, 1991 — Dec, 1991 (3 months)

Taught English as a Second Language to college students majoring in the sciences.

University of Arizona

Aug, 1988 — May, 1991 (almost 3 years)

Taught first-year composition and creative writing to undergraduates.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Edward Eberstadt & Sons: Rare Booksellers of Western Americana

Vinson, Michael

The Arthur H. Clark Company

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Finding Feminism: A Memoir

Overvoll, Rachel

Peacock Proud Press

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Method infinite: Freemasonry and the Mormon Restoration

Bruno, Cheryl L.

Greg Kofford Books, Incorporated

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing

Holly has 4 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Anna D.

Anna D.

Jan, 2025

Holly helped me a lot, and I hope we will continue to collaborate on future projects. She's clear and professional, and her editing is top-knotch!
Raymond L.

Raymond L.

Dec, 2024

My work wasn't the easiest to flesh out and to put in a professional manner. She was very patient, detailed, and provided me great feed back and clarity. Her worked greatly improved my project. Thanks to Holly I will now move forward with getting this to final completion! I would highly recommend her. Ray Lawler
Mark R.

Mark R.

Dec, 2024

Great to work with. Professional, experienced, and qualified.
Mark R.

Mark R.

Nov, 2024

Skilled, quick, and ready with honest criticism. I recommend Holly.

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