Mar Fenech

Mar Fenech – Editor

Professional editor, specializing in historical fiction, dystopia, sci-fi, and YA. Best-selling author, screenwriter, husky mom, adventurer.

Overview

**CURRENTLY ACCEPTING CLIENTS WITH DEADLINES AFTER JULY 15, 2024**


For almost two decades, I have provided freelance editorial services to writers. Many of their manuscripts now occupy shelves in bookstores.


While I work mainly in the genre I write, historical fiction, I accept dystopia, sci-fi, adventure, thriller, mystery, crime, fantasy, and young adult.


I appreciate the importance of having a strong editor—I was fortunate enough to have worked with several throughout my writing journey. The role a mentor plays in helping you develop your story is invaluable, from the preliminary stages to the final line edits.


Since 2006, I’ve critiqued thousands of pages and have delivered editorial feedback to aspiring, indie, and traditionally published authors—prominent, award-winning Canadian historical writer Marsha Skrypuch among them. Publisher Douglas & McIntyre hired me to provide cultural perspective, nuance, and edits on highly-acclaimed author Robert Hough's work of literary fiction, The Marriage of Rose Camilleri. I am also the copy editor for the Canadian publishing house Rising Action Publishing Collective.


I offer actionable suggestions, a keen eye for detail, and knowledge of both the traditional and indie publishing landscapes.


What I will not do is change the intention of your writing or tamper with your voice.


Let's collaborate and crush clichés, one "single tear streaming down a glistening cheek" at a time.

Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Dystopian Fantasy Historical Fiction Post-Apocalyptic Space Opera Thriller & Suspense Young Adult
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Circa Historical Screenplay Awards - 1st place
  • 2020 Coffee Pot Book Club Award - Gold Medal
  • 2020 Coffee Pot Book Club Award - Silver Medal
  • Author Elite Award Top Ten Finalist
  • Humber College Student Literary Competition - 1st place
  • League for Innovations Short Story Competition - 1st place
Certifications
  • Ontario College of Teachers

Work experience

N/A

Jan, 2006 — Present

Provides copy, line, and developmental editorial services.

Accepts historical fiction, dystopia, sci-fi, space opera, post-apocalyptic, young adult, fantasy, thrillers, contemporary, mystery, and crime.

"My story flow and delivery have dramatically improved as a result of Mar’s edits."

— Fred Kennedy, radio personality on Q107 and host of the Issue Zero podcast

"Mar is an excellent, dedicated, and insightful editor, offering useful as well as affirming advice. I was grateful to have her work on my novel, The Cloud Riders."

— James Bow, author of Icarus Down

"Mar provided detailed, thoughtful, and insightful edits. Her feedback has pulled a better writer out of me. She gives your work the attention it deserves. Her style is both motivating and constructive. I will continue to recommend her to any author I know looking for the highest quality editorial assistance!"

— Marie Still, author of We're All Lying

N/A

Jul, 2011 — Present

Author of three number-one bestselling historical novels
Eight Pointed Cross, 2011 (second edition, 2020)
Falcon’s Shadow, 2020
Ash Fall, 2022
Published and distributed by BDL Publishing
All titles are available as ebooks, paperbacks, hardcovers, and audiobooks

TCDSB

Mar, 2010 — Present

As a certified high school English teacher for over twelve years, I can identify areas of writing that require development and demonstrate how to avoid common mistakes by providing thorough explanations and examples.

Moreover, my experience as a high school teacher has made me an effective editor of YA stories as I am often immersed in the world of young adults.

Various

Jun, 1994 — Jan, 2005 (over 10 years)

Oxygen Magazine 2002-2003 Mississauga, Ontario
• Wrote feature articles
• Edited section pieces
Canadian Natural Health Retailer 2003-2005 Toronto, Ontario
• Wrote a weekly health column promoting natural health, organic food, and alternative personal care to consumers
Planet Oz Magazine 2002-2003 Toronto, Ontario
• Executive editor of conservation/environmental magazine
• Wrote features on plight of Algonquin Wolves
Out There Magazine 2003 Toronto, Ontario
• Section editor of summer Lifestyles magazine
• Wrote several travel features
Sweat Magazine 2003 Toronto, Ontario
• Executive Editor of the official Ontario Colleges Athletic Association magazine
• Responsible for managing and editing the work of 20 reporters
• Wrote a feature about violence in women’s sports
Dudu Planet 2002-2003 Malta
• Wrote pop culture features
• Editor
Stone Def, March 1994, Issue 3 Maine, USA
• Review of Def Leppard’s Seven Day Weekend Tour

Portfolio

Awakyns

Lee, KF

New Haven

Kirstein, Adam

SEGFAULT: Fragments of Sol

Dzhidzhiyeshvili, Vlad M

Where to Nest

Van Nest, Kristen

If I Lose Her: A Novel

Sommerville, Brianne

The Roads We Take

Christy K. Lee

Blood Oath

Cummer, Don

Broken Worlds

Robinson, Anitha

A Family for Faru

Rao-Robinson, Anitha

Don't Tell the Nazis

Skrypuch, Marsha Forchuk

Dickensen Academy

Grabowski, Christine

We're All Lying

Still, Marie

Mar has 28 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Kristen W.

Kristen W.

Mar, 2024

Mar was incredible! She had amazing insights and really challenged me to take the novel to the next level. As a first time author, having someone with her expertise was a must. Her response time was fast, and her notes were very thorough, direct, and supportive. Aside from the edit work, Mar has given me great advice on where to go for next steps, demonstrating her true commitment to my success...
Read more
Alan H.

Alan H.

Mar, 2024

Even being a writer, I still find lack of words to thanks Mar for her critique and guidance she provided that helped me to develop strong and beloved characters and a well-structured plot for my debut novel. I will definitely work again with her on my next upcoming book, and highly recommend her for anyone looking for a professional to make their written-work better.
Geoffrey R.

Geoffrey R.

Feb, 2024

Working with Mar has been an absolute pleasure. She has helped me improve my novel and provided useful tips about the publishing business. Her responsiveness was better than I could have hoped for, which is important when you are nervous about how your work will be received. For me, she was certainly the right editor at the right time. She was encouraging and optimistic; she asked smart questio...
Read more
Mat V.

Mat V.

Feb, 2024

Working with Mar was a fantastic experience. Not only was she knowledgeable, approachable, and flexible (especially given the relatively tight deadline), she was passionate about the project and invested in the story. This meant that in addition to her edits being thoughtful and thorough, her feedback on all aspects of the manuscript (from its characters, to the setting, and everywhere in betwe...
Read more
Ajay K.

Ajay K.

Jan, 2024

Mar helped me proofread my novel “Tangled in 1984,” but she went beyond the proofreading and provided terrific feedback that helped me finish the book. The personal attention she provided and her effort to build an emotional connection with the story kept me excited throughout the process. She responded to queries promptly and provided updates and feedback throughout the review. I hope we get t...
Read more

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Mar and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Mar

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Alice N

Alice N.

Publisher of memoir, genre fiction, non-fiction and art books. Penguin Random House, Orion, Titan, Hayward Gallery and British Museum.

98% reply rate

View profile
Vaneesa Cook

Vaneesa C.

A PhD historian offering editing and indexing. I am a scholar at your service with the skills of an editor and the mind of a historian.

Milwaukee, WI, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Ross Angelella

Ross A.

Editor w/20+ years experience, specializing in literary, contemporary, romance, historical, sci-fi, supernatural, crime, thriller and YA.

Baltimore, MD, United States

98% reply rate

View profile