Maggie Riggs – Editor

One of the most important things I have learned in my decade-plus of working with authors is how important support during the writing process can be. My goal for every project I have the privilege of working on is to give writers the tools they need to find their voice and to tell the best possible version of their story--and to be that support they need.

At Viking (Penguin Random House,) I worked closely with debut novelists and seasoned historians, comedians and ballerinas, journalists and scientists, and helped authors at all stages of their careers transform their work from solid drafts to publication-ready projects. As a literary agent, I honed and identified ideas and stories that were working and guided writers toward producing polished, submission-ready work from the very earliest stages of a manuscript's development.

As an independent editor, it is very exciting to put all of these skills and experiences to work with authors at all stages of their careers, and especially those who are just beginning their journeys. From a manuscript assessment to a full developmental edit or advisement on the query letter process, I am happy to work with you on developing a plan together that best meets your specific needs and goals.

In short, I am passionate about getting great stories out into the world, and I would love to help you tell yours!

"Working with Maggie on my novel was a joy. Her notes and edits were thoughtful, precise, and full of insight, and I appreciated that she showed a deep understanding of the story and where it needed to go. She has the rare ability to see where editorial changes are needed while also knowing when to let the story breathe, and her warm and supportive approach ensures the writer-editor relationship is a productive and enjoyable one."

--Emma Sloley; Macdowell Fellow, Pushcart Nominee, and author of DISASTER'S CHILDREN