Laura Apgar - Editor
Romance and Mystery/Thriller Editor prev. for Penguin Random House (Berkley), Hachette (James Patterson), and Hooked. Let's perfect a story.
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Overview
Hi! My name is Laura Apgar (née Fazio) and I have ten years of editorial editing commercial fiction. Prior to freelance editing, I worked at professional publishing houses and companies for nine years. I love working on all kinds of stories, but over time, I have specialized in the Mystery, Thriller, and Romance genres. I've worked on many New York Times, USA Today, and nationally bestselling novels and stories that have reached millions of people.
Previously, I worked as the Editorial Director for the #1 storytelling app, Hooked. I also worked as an editor at two of the big five publishers: Penguin Random House and Hachette Book Group. At the latter, I was the sole editor who helped James Patterson launch a new imprint that debuted on the New York Times bestseller list.
Evaluating, brainstorming, and revising fiction are all elements of my true vocation, and I am looking forward to working with anyone who also has a passion for the craft — regardless of their skill level. As a voracious reader, I love to applaud strong sentences and ideas just as much as I like to give strengthening advice in my developmental edits. That's because I see it this way: We've chosen to work on the very best product in the world (books, of course!), so we might as well have some fun while doing our jobs [cartwheel emoji]
I like to bring my very best work to the table, so I have built a review service into my Developmental Edit and Query Letter Review processes. This means that you and I will choose a set period of time for you to revise your work with my comments in mind, and I will review that revision. I'll often refer to this as your "cold read."
I will strive to help you:
—Increase the pacing of your plot
—Construct real, three-dimensional characters
—Bury the lead in your mysteries
—Make readers swoon from your romances
—Write cleanly and concisely
—Tackle that dreaded "show, don't tell" adage
—And address any other storytelling needs as I see them
Since every project is different, I work with an hourly rate. I always request a 1000-2500 word document prior to pricing out my services. If you have any exceptional budgetary needs, please indicate that information when you contact me.
Looking forward to creating something magical together :)
Testimonials:
"No one provides editorial support with the intelligence, the diligence, and the humility of Laura Apgar."
—James Patterson
“Laura is an editor whom I have been with through two publishers, and I’ve now followed her into her freelance work — because she’s just that good. She has a keen developmental eye that has helped me take my craft to a new level.”
—Lauren Hawkeye, New York Times bestselling author
Previously, I worked as the Editorial Director for the #1 storytelling app, Hooked. I also worked as an editor at two of the big five publishers: Penguin Random House and Hachette Book Group. At the latter, I was the sole editor who helped James Patterson launch a new imprint that debuted on the New York Times bestseller list.
Evaluating, brainstorming, and revising fiction are all elements of my true vocation, and I am looking forward to working with anyone who also has a passion for the craft — regardless of their skill level. As a voracious reader, I love to applaud strong sentences and ideas just as much as I like to give strengthening advice in my developmental edits. That's because I see it this way: We've chosen to work on the very best product in the world (books, of course!), so we might as well have some fun while doing our jobs [cartwheel emoji]
I like to bring my very best work to the table, so I have built a review service into my Developmental Edit and Query Letter Review processes. This means that you and I will choose a set period of time for you to revise your work with my comments in mind, and I will review that revision. I'll often refer to this as your "cold read."
I will strive to help you:
—Increase the pacing of your plot
—Construct real, three-dimensional characters
—Bury the lead in your mysteries
—Make readers swoon from your romances
—Write cleanly and concisely
—Tackle that dreaded "show, don't tell" adage
—And address any other storytelling needs as I see them
Since every project is different, I work with an hourly rate. I always request a 1000-2500 word document prior to pricing out my services. If you have any exceptional budgetary needs, please indicate that information when you contact me.
Looking forward to creating something magical together :)
Testimonials:
"No one provides editorial support with the intelligence, the diligence, and the humility of Laura Apgar."
—James Patterson
“Laura is an editor whom I have been with through two publishers, and I’ve now followed her into her freelance work — because she’s just that good. She has a keen developmental eye that has helped me take my craft to a new level.”
—Lauren Hawkeye, New York Times bestselling author
"Laura is one of my all-time favorite editors whom I've worked with throughout my career. She is thoughtful, kind, and pushed me to be a better writer."
—Amanda Flower, USA Today bestselling author of the Magical BookShop series
—Amanda Flower, USA Today bestselling author of the Magical BookShop series
Fiction
Contemporary Romance
Cozy Mysteries
Espionage
Historical Romance
Paranormal Romance
Psychological Thriller
Romantic Comedy
Romantic Suspense
Certifications
- BA in English from Boston College
Work experience
Freelance Editor
Self-employed
August, 2019
–
Present
(over 3 years)
Editorial Director
Hooked
April, 2017
–
August, 2019
(over 2 years)
Editor
Hachette, James Patterson's BookShots
November, 2015
–
April, 2017
(over 1 year)
Associate Editor
Penguin Random House
January, 2011
–
November, 2015
(almost 5 years)
Portfolio (19 selected works)
Texas Ranger
James Patterson
Instant #1 New York Times bestsellerIn James Patterson's white-hot Western thriller, a Texas Ranger fights for his life, his freedom, and the town he loves as he investigates his ex-wife's murder. Across the ranchlands and cities of his home state, Rory Yates's discipline and law-enforcement skills have carried him far: from local highway patrolman to the honorable rank of Texas Ranger. He arr... read more
Dare to Run (The Sons of Steel Row Book 1)
Jen McLaughlin
The New York times bestselling author of the Out of Line Novels takes readers to Boston where one gang of criminals knows how being bad can be so good... She knows what he’s like on Boston’s mean streets. Now she’s going to find out if he’s got some heart. Lucas Donahue is not ashamed of his criminal past, but after a brief stint in prison, he’s ready to go legit and live a normal life. The pr... read more
Midnight Captive (A Killer Instincts Novel Book 6)
Elle Kennedy
“For those who enjoy their romantic suspense on the dark and steamy side,”* here’s the blisteringly sexy new novel in the Killer Instincts series by the author of Midnight Action and Midnight Pursuits...Former CIA agent Bailey Jones has spent months trying to forget her night of passion with mercenary Sean Reilly. An elite and methodical assassin, she has no room in her life for a reckless, ru... read more
Crime and Poetry (A Magical Bookshop Mystery Book 1)
Amanda Flower
From the national bestselling author of the Amish Quilt Shop Mysteries comes the first charming caper in the Magical Bookshop Mystery series.Rushing home to sit by her ailing grandmother’s bedside, Violet Waverly is shocked to find Grandma Daisy the picture of perfect health. Violet doesn’t need to read between the lines: her grandma wants Violet back home and working in her magical store, Cha... read more
The author of By Book or By Crook returns to the Outer Banks and the Lighthouse Library, where Lucy Richardson must shed light on a shocking murder…Lucy has finally found her bliss as a librarian and resident of the Bodie Island Lighthouse. She loves walking on the beach, passing her evenings with the local book club, bonding with the library cat, Charles, and enjoying the attention of not one... read more
Just Say Yes (A Strictly Business Novel Book 2)
Elizabeth Hayley
From the author of The Best Medicine comes the latest Strictly Business novel—and this time, for one woman, finding the ideal man can be a pretty tall order… Magazine columnist Quinn Sawyer has always attracted sweet, innocent, and safe men. And something tells her it’s because she’s just as harmless. So when she starts craving a guy with an edge, she realizes she may have to get one for herse... read more
Riding the Wave (A Pacific Blue Novel Book 1)
Lorelie Brown
The gray-green swells of San Sebastian haven’t changed in ten years, but Tanner Wright has. The last thing he expects to find back on his home turf is the love of his life.... With a make-or-break world championship on the line, professional surfer Tanner Wright has come back to the coastal California hometown he left a decade ago, carrying only his board and the painful knowledge of his fathe... read more
Rising Fire (A Novel of the Stone Circles Book 1)
Terri Brisbin
The first Novel of the Stone Circles from the USA Today bestselling author of Raging Sea and Blazing Earth.What if the standing stones and stone circles across the old Celtic world had a secret origin and use? What if some opened into another world? What if the goddess of fire was trapped beneath one? Lovely and innocent Brienne of Yester has always been able to manipulate fire, but when her p... read more
The Witnesses (BookShots)
James Patterson, Brendan DuBois
In this thrilling BookShot by James Patterson....The family next door has a very dark secret. The Sanderson family has been forced into hiding after one of them stumbled upon a criminal plot. Or so they think. No one will answer their questions. And the terrifying truth may come too late....BookShotsLIGHTNING-FAST STORIES BY JAMES PATTERSON Novels you can devour in a few hours Impossible to st... read more
The Medical Examiner: A Women's Murder Club Story (Kindle Single) (BookShots)
James Patterson, Maxine Paetro
In James Patterson's #1 New York Times bestseller, the Women's Murder Club tracks down two bodies at the morgue-but one of them is still breathing . . . A woman checks into a hotel room and entertains a man who is not her husband. A shooter blows away the lover and wounds a wealthy heiress, leaving her for dead. Is it the perfect case for the Women's Murder Club . . . or just the most twisted?... read more
Stingrays (Kindle Single) (BookShots)
James Patterson
A world class crime-solving team faces a murder mystery in the Caribbean unlike anything they've ever seen.When a teenager goes missing on a Caribbean beach, the local police are baffled. It's up to the Stingrays, a world class team that solves the unsolvable, to unearth the truth: a truth that no one will believe. BookShotsLightning-fast stories by James Patterson Novels you can devour in a f... read more
Christmas Sanctuary (Kindle Single) (BookShots Flames)
Lauren Hawkeye
Emma Kelly needs a Christmas miracle. Nick Shepherd loves his life in Salt Spring Island, where he sculpts in a studio with the grizzled and talented artist Mike Nagorski. Mike's estranged daughter, Emma Kelly, arrives in their quiet haven, and though Nick is immediately drawn to her, he tries to resist his feelings. There may be Christmas magic in the air, but Nick knows it can't last forever... read more
Bedding the Highlander (Bookshots Flames)
Sabrina York
A 2018 HOLT Medallion Award WINNER!Only a Scot can steal her heart. There's nothing ladylike about Katherine Killin. She's a spitfire who cannot be tamed. To rid himself of her, and to honor a truce set by the Duke of Glencoe, her father agrees to wed her to his clan's mortal enemy, Ben Rannoch. But when Katherine meets the enticingly masculine Kirk Rannoch, brother of her betrothed, she sudde... read more
The McCullagh Inn is hosting the event of the century. Chelsea Holland is used to dealing in secrets, and this one's proving to be the most exciting one yet: her old friend Grace is marrying a European prince, and Grace wants to host the wedding at the McCullagh Inn. But is Chelsea willing to put herself and her inn in the public eye--especially after being on the run?BookShots FlamesOriginal ... read more
White Roses and Starlight
Rhonda Woodward
A brand new and original Signet Regency Romance from InterMix by award-winning author Rhonda Woodward—the story of a woman whose heart has been captured by two men… The small, provincial town of Parsley Hay is ready for a new era of excitement when a group of notorious rakehells arrive to enjoy the hunting season. Luckily, Miss Marina Buckleigh prides herself in the sound judgment her father L... read more
Malicious: A Mitchum Story (BookShots)
James Patterson
A Navy SEAL dropout will break every rule to expose the truth -- even if it means destroying the people he loves.Mitchum is back. His brother's been charged with murder. Nathaniel swears he didn't kill anyone, but word on the street is that he was involved with the victim's wife. Now, Mitchum will do anything to get even . . . no matter what the cost.BookShotsLightning-fast stories by James Pa... read more
The Shut-In (Kindle Single) (BookShots)
James Patterson
A woman who watches the world from her studio apartment is determined to solve a murder -- but only if the killer doesn't find her first.Confined to a studio apartment, Tricia Celano watches the outside world through a flying drone. But when her high-tech toy records a vicious murder, she's determined to track down the killer -- a killer who knows she's being watched. BookShotsLightning-fast s... read more
The House Husband (Bookshots Thrillers)
James Patterson
Harry Posehn is the best dad and the best husband . . . or is he? Detective Teaghan Beaumont isn't sure.Detective Teaghan Beaumont is getting closer and closer to discovering the truth about Harry Posehn. But there's a twist that she-and you-will never see coming.BookShotsLightning-fast stories by James PattersonNovels you can devour in a few hoursImpossible to stop readingAll original content... read more
Raging Sea (A Novel of the Stone Circles Book 2)
Terri Brisbin
From the USA Today bestselling author of Rising Fire comes the next novel in the spellbinding series that explores the wondrous and tantalizing mystery of the Celtic stones...Eons ago, seven ancient deities trapped the goddess of chaos under a ring of stones. But now, in the darkest days of the 13th century, Chaela threatens to escape, leaving the fate of all humanity in the hands of two young... read more
Laura has 36 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Laura was incredibly friendly, professional, helpful, and had lots of great insights and ideas about my project. I definitely hope to work with her again!
Melissa Pavy, January 2023
Working with Laura was a joy. She was prompt, personable, and helpful every step of the way. Since having my query package reviewed by Laura, I was able to enter the traditional publishing querying stage with confidence. I would recommend working with Laura to anyone hoping for an industry professional that will leave you with a polished final result.
Kjersten Gresk, January 2023
I absolutely loved working with Laura on developmental edits. She has a talent for finding the heart of a story and enhancing it, which is very difficult to do. I'm so pleased with my edits that I hired her again to work on revising and relaunching a backlist series of four titles.
Karen Kincy, January 2023
Laura gave me the honest review I was looking for. She didn't hold her punches, but any opinion that does isn't worth having.
Matthew Stephen, November 2022
Working with Laura was so nice I had to use her twice! (Back-to-back, actually.) It was a pleasure working with someone who comes with as much experience as Laura. I am very new to self-publishing and Laura put me at ease, offered substantive revisions to my work, and drastically improved my novels. I can't wait to work with her again.
Rasheem Rooke, November 2022
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