Marissa Graff – Editor

🚨Now through the end of June, I'll be offering 10% off full editorial assessments and developmental edits.🚨

*Please note: I do NOT work with illustrated material, including picture books*

I have been a freelance editor and reader for former literary agent Sarah Davies (ranked #2 in middle-grade fiction sales) at Greenhouse Literary Agency for over seven years. My editorial work is with chapter books, middle-grade, and young-adult fiction. My clients have gone on to nab agents, sell their books, and even win the Newbery Award.

It is my goal to work with clients in a way that teaches them the whys and hows of revision. What excites me most is helping writers understand the reasoning behind what’s working and what may need attention so that they're brave enough to delve into revision. I will be a champion of your story and your ability as a writer to make it shine. I offer approaches to revision but am never prescriptive, always respecting the writer’s creative genius and ability to employ changes. I feel if I've done my job well, a client should probably never need my help again because I've given them a crash-course MFA via deep editorial support and/or coaching. I hold an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Please note: I am a thorough editor who dedicates a lot of time and attention to your story. I am not going to be the least expensive option, so if you're looking for the cheapest quote, please don't inquire.

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Marissa has been an invaluable freelance editor and second reader for me on a number of occasions, and I value her input highly. She has a very sound grounding in writing craft, but what really stands out is her ability to get straight to the heart of a manuscript’s problems and create a clear and comprehensive set of diagnoses, questions and suggestions for the author. Her notes are always very accessible and incisive, but also wonderfully kind and encouraging. She has a real talent for explaining points in an understandable way, while also making you feel that she’s a friend who is totally on your side. I’ve been an editor, publisher and agent for several decades, but I have great respect and admiration for Marissa’s abilities. Any author who finds themselves in her generous editorial hands, should feel themselves to be very fortunate.

-- Sarah Davies, literary agent, Greenhouse Literary Agency