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
Fiction
Languages
Awards
- Upton Sinclair Award for Journalism
- Multiple award winner Western Publications Association
- Finalist, National Magazine Awards
Work experience
Self-employed
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
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
Joie has 44 reviews
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Sep, 2023
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Jul, 2023
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Mar, 2022
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Dec, 2024
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Oct, 2024
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