Mar Fenech

Mar Fenech – Editor

Professional editor, specializing in historical fiction, sci-fi, YA, fantasy. Bestselling author, screenwriter, husky mom, adventurer.

Overview

**Currently accepting clients with deadlines AFTER January 15, 2024


For almost two decades, I've provided freelance editorial services to writers. Many of the manuscripts I've worked on now occupy shelves in bookstores across Canada and the US.


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 also offer critiques on shorter nonfiction pieces.


I appreciate the importance of having a strong editor—I was fortunate enough to have worked with several. 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 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

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 22 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Angus M.

Angus M.

Nov, 2023

Thanks, Mar!.. and thanks for highlighting the POV shift in the chapter's showstopper scene—I've spent two straight days rewriting it! :) I'm going to have a sign made to hang over my writing desk; NO HEAD HOPPING ZONE! ;)
Myron S.

Myron S.

Nov, 2023

Mar was excellent. Our communication was frequent and provided valuable assistance to me in the development of my manuscript. She identified events which needed improvement as well as many of my writing habits which I readily agree need improvement. I was extremely happy with Mar's professionalism and and earnest desire to help me improve my manuscript. I absolutely recommend Mar, a successful ...
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C.C. H.

C.C. H.

Nov, 2023

Very professional, forthcoming, helpful, does the extra steps, really cares and helps out with extensive knowledge about the industry. Would only recommend
Angus M.

Angus M.

Oct, 2023

Another great outing with Mar! She never fails to spot the things that I and Iskra have missed, or hadn't paid enough attention to. Mar dives into your story and makes sure you're not missing a trick. Get ready, Mar... because the next chapter you're in for an eventful sojourn with our fast-living courtesan and would-be nun—Valerie. “Sister Valerie, I should fall dead away if I knew for wha...
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Lesli W.

Lesli W.

Oct, 2023

Mar was, in a word, amazing. Not only was her evaluation of my manuscript complete and thoughtful, but her delivery was also professional, enthusiastic, and inspiring. Her feedback and guidance made my manuscript better, helping me put the polish on it that turned it from a reviewed draft into a solid story. If she'll have me, I'll come back to Mar with every novel I write from now on.

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