Michael Sanders

Michael Sanders – Editor

After 10 years editing at Simon & Schuster, I wrote 5 of my own books, 3 published by HarperCollins. I know my craft and publishing.

Overview

I started out as a nonfiction editor at Simon & Schuster in NYC before morphing into a writer as well. Today I do a mix of projects, with a preference for long term collaborative editing, and work with a team to provide all services from interior and cover design through upload and print distribution, even publicity.

I have worked with C-suite execs in a hurry to get their thought leadership books out to the world through a traditional publisher, and also with individuals who will likely only publish one or two books ever, a self-published memoir or personal story intended for family and friends. To all clients I bring the same intensity and knowledge, particularly trying to respect the golden rule of editing: First, do no harm. It is YOUR book, YOUR ideas, YOUR words, and my job is to help you put your best out there while changing the least to do so.
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits Technology
Fiction
Historical Fiction Mystery & Crime
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2008 — Present

Historical fiction, autobiographical nonfiction, business innovation, mystery--these are just a few genres in which I have worked long-term with a variety of authors published by mainstream houses like St. Martin's Press and Chelsea Green and self-published as well.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
For a century, the Bath Iron Works has been building some of the finest, dealiest ships in the U.S. Navy. But now the Maine shipyard is facing mounting competition and a pressing need to moder... read more
Book Coaching
Rediscover the true meaning of fear in this collection of horror stories from New York Times bestselling author Clive Barker.“The most provocative tales of terror ever published.”—The Washingt... read more
Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
The author relates her struggle as a teacher in a New York City school and her battles against bureaucracy and functionally illiterate students
Copy Editing
The Making of a Cop

Harvey Rachlin

Following 860 men and women through a typical training regimen in the New York City Police Academy and then into the streets of New York, the author reveals how young civilians are transformed... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Mainely Power

M. Langdon Cost

Big money run the state of Maine, colliding with the interests of many of its citizens; corporate groups vie with environmental groups. Mainely Power traces what happens when these interests c... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
I am Cuba

Matthew Langdon Cost

Who was Fidel Castro? In the summer of 1958, 300 bearded revolutionaries, led by a 30-year-old lawyer named Fidel, turned the tides of war in Cuba by defeating 12,000 soldiers in combat. How w... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
From Here,You Can't See Paris is a sweet, leisurely exploration of the life of Les Arques (population 159), a hilltop village in a remote corner of France untouched by the modern era. It is a ... read more
Book Coaching
The Genomic Kitchen is a system of cooking and eating that directly connects the food you eat with the behavior of your genes. Flexible to your needs, it's easy to follow framework helps you c... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
In the 2nd edition of Fresh From Maine, author Michael Sanders takes you deep into the world of 25 Maine chefs, their stories, challenges, secrets, and triumphs. More than 80 recipes, nearly h... read more
Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
Joshua Chamberlain and the Civil War: At Every Hazard is a historical novel about one of that war’s genuine heroes, a college professor with no formal military training who, together with a sm... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Query Letter Review Book Coaching
Taste, Memory traces the experiences of modern-day explorers who rediscover culturally rich forgotten foods and return them to our tables for all to experience and savor. In Taste, Memory auth... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
What if your customers had a vested interest in guiding your company toward greater success? What if your employees had a personal as well as professional commitment to elevating your organiza... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment

Michael has 18 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Kraig K.

Kraig K.

Jun, 2024

I worked with Michael starting in December 2023 and our job ended sometime in April 2024. He conducted deep-dive edits to include a developmental edit, copy edits, and a proofread. Michael is an experienced editor and knows how to make your book better. But you had better bring your A-game as he will push you for your best work. I feel my book after the editing phase is ready to be released...
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Michael S.
Kraig was a superlative collaborator because he understood a few things. He had to trust me. He had to work hard. He had to make significant changes and rethink some characters. He had to approach ...
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Paula H.

Paula H.

Apr, 2024

Why I recommend Michael as a book editor. Michael is experienced in the art of writing and editing. He understands what it takes to turn a drifting but nagging thought into a complete work. Michael's keen eye for details and ability to hone your personal writing style, helps to ensure your work is told in a clean and clear voice that resonates with readers. If the relationship of an author an...
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Peter R.

Peter R.

Mar, 2024

Michael is a professionally adequate editor for query letters. He offered good and relevant suggestions and comments.
Michael S.
Some people are hard to please. But we try and are always professional.
Kealy D.

Kealy D.

Nov, 2023

Michael replied promptly in all communications. He also completed the assignment two days early.
Marion A.

Marion A.

Feb, 2023

Provided a lot of food for thought. Much of the edit I agreed with immediately but need some time to collect my thoughts and ask questions. about other issues. Michael is happy to give me that time. I am pleased with edit and when eventually finish rewrite would like to work with Michael again.

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