Joie Davidow

Joie Davidow – Editor

I am a nationally published American author and editor who has worked with writers from beginners to prize winners for more than 35 years.

Overview


For more than thirty-five years, I've worked with writers as a freelance coach, book doctor, and editor in genres ranging from memoirs to historical novels, sci-fi, and fantasy. My goal is to help the writer achieve their goals for the book and use my experience with agents, publishers, and readers to guide them toward publication. As much as possible, I explain the changes I make in the hope that I will not only improve the book but also help the writer improve their skills.


My traditionally published books include "Infusions of Healing: Mexican-American Traditional Medicine (Fireside/Simon & Schuster,) a memoir, "Marked for Life" (Fireside/ Crown), two historical novels, "An Unofficial Marriage" (Arcade) and "Anything but Yes" (Monkfish). I am the co-editor of two volumes of short memoirs, "Las Christmas," and "Las Mamis" (Vintage).

I was the founder and editor-in-chief of two national magazines, "L.A. Style" and "Si," and the co-founder and editor of the "L.A. Weekly" newspaper.


As an editor, my aim is to help the author deliver their message with clarity, ease, and precision without altering their unique voice. Anything that distracts from the message, anything that causes the reader to stumble, needs fixing.


I'd be happy to arrange a conversation with you at your convenience. I like to begin my client relationships that way so I'm sure I understand their needs and concerns. I will edit a page or two before we get started so you get an idea of my work.


I am a member of the Authors Guild, the Editorial Freelancers Association, and the European Association of Creative Writing Teachers.


Hoping to hear from you!

Joie

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Historical Fiction Historical Romance Literary Fiction Short Story Women's Fiction
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Upton Sinclair Award for Journalism
  • Multiple award winner Western Publications Association
  • Finalist, National Magazine Awards

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2008 — Present

I provide developmental and line editing, as well as coaching and encouragement to writers in all genres, working with books in all stages of completion . I will help a writer take an idea and develop it into a ready-to-publish manuscript, and I can put the final polish on an almost-finished draft. I refine the language of a manuscript without losing the author's voice, help structure a book to hold the reader's interest and improve the skills of writers who work with me.

American Express Publishing

Mar, 1985 — Dec, 1992 (almost 8 years)

I was the founder and editor-in.-chief of this award-winning publication. I left to found Sí magazine, serving Latinos in the United States, before becoming a freelance author and book editor.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Heaven Below

Niccolls, Edwin

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Nopales: Journey Through La Frontera

Cabrera, Cesar

Developmental Editing
Attractive and successful, Joie Davidow presents a confident face to the world. But her carefully applied makeup conceals a secret she has kept for decades. Marked for Life chronicles Joie's struggle to overcome feeling that she was grotesquely flawed, while h... read more
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
The Rolling Pin

Kennedy, M. A.

Developmental Editing
Twenty-five celebrated Latino writers delight and move us with their recollections of Christmas in this splendid holiday extravaganza.From Julia Alvarez's tale of how Santicló delivered a beloved uncle from political oppression to Junot Díaz's story of his own... read more
Una maravillosa nueva antología de las editoras de Las Christmas en la que nuestros más admirados autores latinos comparten las memorias de sus madres. Las mujeres retratadas cariñosamente en Las Mamis son una muestra representativa de la vida y cultura latina... read more
NATURAL REMEDIOS FOR EVERYDAY AILMENTS When the Spaniards conquered the Aztecs, they stumbled upon a treasure trove ultimately more valuable and lasting than the glittering mounds of Moctezuma's gold -- the herbal remedies and medicines developed by the Indian... read more
In this wise and funny novel, three single women, all expatriates living in Rome, face middle age: Margaret walked out on her husband as soon as her son was old enough to leave home, and she's never regretted it. She relishes her solitary lifestyle until illne... read more

Joie has 44 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Charles F.

Charles F.

Sep, 2023

Pinned
The collaboration with Joie on my book was a wonderful experience. Her edits were very appropriate and improved the readability. I plan on using her again in the future for additional help with the project.
David F.

David F.

Jul, 2023

Pinned
Joie was wonderful to work with. She transformed my my dream of writing my novel inot reality.She was masterful transforming my manuscript into a coherent flowing novel. She has excellent command and knowledge of the rules of grammatical writing. In addition to her expertise she is a great listener, and easy to work with. I love her style of writing. Listen, if you’re a novice author intereste...
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Edwin N.

Edwin N.

Mar, 2022

Pinned
Joie is a superb editor, was a delight to work with, and I hope we have a chance to work together again in the future. She highlighted important issues while at the same time had great attention to detail. Her work streamlined the narrative and smoothed the flow, yet she had a light touch so as to maintain the feel and substance of the book. She completed the assignment ahead of schedule. ...
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Joie D.
Thank you, Ned. I enjoyed working with you.
Harry B.

Harry B.

Dec, 2024

I enjoyed working with Joie, and her experience and judgment made my story a significantly better one.
Chuck D.

Chuck D.

Oct, 2024

Joie-D did an excellent job helping me fine-tune my manuscript by making it clear and concise while keeping my voice. As a first-time author, I was skeptical of the process, but after getting a sample of what she offered, "Yes, please!" Besides her copy editing skills, she pointed out some development issues to allow for better flow. After reviewing the edits, she offered a Zoom call, which all...
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