Joie Davidow – Editor

For more than a decade, I have been working 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 bear. As much as possible, I explain the changes I make in the hope that I will not only improve the book but help the writers to improve their skills, as well.

My published books include "Infusions of Healing" (Mexican-American Traditional Medicine, pub. Simon & 5) and my memoir, "Marked for Life" (pub. Crown). I edited two volumes of short memoirs for Alfred A. Knopf ("Las Christmas," "Las Mamis"). My published novels include "I Wouldn't Leave Rome to Go to Heaven" and "An Unofficial Marriage," a historical novel published by Arcade in March 2021. My latest book, "Anything But Yes," a historical novel set in 1749 Rome, was published by Monkfish in October 2023.

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, overseeing the culture and entertainment coverage and writing a weekly Style column.

As an editor, my aim is to help the author deliver his or her message with clarity, ease, and precision without altering your 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, and I will edit a page or two so you get an idea of my work before we get started. Editing samples are available on request.

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

Hoping to hear from you!

Joie