Margaret Diehl

Margaret Diehl – Editor

Published novelist and memoirist with extensive editing experience who takes pleasure in assisting other writers solve problems.

Overview

I'm a fiction writer and editor who has published three New York Times Notable Books of The Year (two novels and a memoir), won a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and been helping other writers improve their work for over a decade. I bring to the table a deep understanding of the writing process—writing blocks, confusion about what the story is or could be, and indecision about choices. I know that helpful criticism requires both honesty and kindness, as well as a profound appreciation of how stories and language work.

I work with writers of any genre and at all stages of their career. I offer creative, in-depth story analysis, with suggestions based on the intent of the manuscript and your strengths; support and advice on how to improve your writing in general. The service generally includes extensive comments on the manuscript and a several-page critique, but I can work with your needs and your budget to give you exactly what you want.

Here is a URL to a Reedsy article about one successful collaboration. https://blog.reedsy.com/stories/ahiddibah-tsinnie/
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Fantasy Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Mystery & Crime
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in Fiction
  • New York State Council on the Arts Grant in Non-fiction
Certifications
  • BA, English, University of New Hampshire

Work experience

Cathedral of St John the Divine

Feb, 2010 — May, 2018 (about 8 years)

I wrote and edited newsletters, brochures, and grants on all aspects of the famous cathedral's programming, including education, social justice, and the arts.

Self-employed

Feb, 2007 — Present

After publishing three books, and reviewing books for The New York Times and other publications, I started editing and assessing manuscripts for friends and friends of friends. Gradually, this turned into a business and now I work at it full-time. I have worked with fiction writers, poets, academics, and writers of nonfiction from history to psychology to self-help and business, doing everything from copy editing to ghostwriting. All kinds of editing and genres feed each other; I learn from my clients as they learn from me.

Portfolio

Deadly Reckoning (Mining City Mysteries Book 1)

Jensen, M.

The Flooding

Hancock, S.

Lady Margaret's Future: Henry's Spare Queen Trilogy Book Three

Sportelli, V.

The Crimson Deathbringer: An Epic Space Opera/Alien Invasion Adventure (The Crimson Deathbringer Series Book 1)

Robins, S.

Down Wind and out of Sight

Richardson, D.

In the Shadow of Green Bamboos (A Time of Mulberry Sea)

Hoang, C.

Jerkwater

Zerndt, J.

Deadly Recipe (A Murder in the Kitchen)

Shamlian, R.

Yes, I Took My Meds: A Memoir

Tsinnie, A.

The Sex Traffickers

Pollack, N.

The Wild Court: A Celtic Fae Inspired Fantasy Novel (The Coming of Áed)

Radcliff, E.

Rainbow Plague

Athena, L.

Crane Boy

Cohn, D.

Death Postponed

Berger, G.

Not Everything Dies (Princess Dracula) (Volume 2)

Kennedy, J.

AS HAPPY AS I CAN STAND: The Third Edition of Hatching Charlie

McCormack, C.

Pearl

Karleen S.

Emily Fenner, an aspirant Broadway star, hopes to find all of her dreams in the big city and flashing lights. With beauty, talent, and an irrepressible desire to succeed, Emily is in the perfect position to take hold of the career she’s always wanted—until sti... read more
Raven's Shadow (The Ravenstone Chronicles Book 2)

Louise F.

Georgina's new found love is put to the test in the stunning sequel to Louise Franklin's novel Ravenstone. In this second book in the spellbinding Ravenstone Chronicles series, author Louise Franklin combines a regency setting and adventure to create a love st... read more
A Soldier's Son

Jack E.

In 1968, Mike Kelly's chopper is shot down over the jungles of Vietnam. The crew is dead. Most of his team is dead and the enemy is near. Today it is 2004, and Mike is a successful author who writes for the daily newspaper. He lives in a big house on the lake ... read more
Ravenstone (The Ravenstone Chronicles Book 1)

Louise F.

Born into a privileged life in London during the Regency era, all that is required of Georgiana Wyndham is to live a life of virtue and obedience. She fails at both when her father abuses her. Headstrong and high-spirited, though crippled by his severe beating... read more
Men

Margaret D.

Beautiful, talented Stella James explores the heady power of her own sexuality by seeking out anonymous sexual encounters. Though the men may long to see her again, by dawn Stella is always gone. She revels in the intensity and honesty of her encounters and de... read more
The Boy on the Green Bicycle: A Memoir

Margaret D.

In a memoir of her large Southern family, the author focuses on her four siblings, rendering each with vivid compassion and revealing the joy and innocence that marked their passage to adulthood.
Riding with the Wind: Three Generations of My Family in China

Fay H.

In Riding with the Wind, Fay Hoh Yin paints an indelible portrait of three generations of her family in China as the imperial era ends and war with Japan begins. Her parents are among the first young people to escape the archaic traditions of foot binding and ... read more
The Trudeau Vector

Juris J.

When three members of the Trudeau Research Center scientific team are murdered at the onset of an arctic winter, epidemiologist Jessica Hanley finds her investigation intersecting with the secret mission of a decorated admiral from Moscow, who has been assigne... read more
The Stuttering Jock's Opera

Bill S.

The Stuttering Jock’s Opera is a thinly disguised hero’s journey—complete with three challenges. The lead character is physically reckless, but socially shy because of his halting speech. He trains in the early morning, works temporary clerical jobs during the... read more
Salt Houses

Hala A.

Named a Best Book of the Year by NPR * Nylon * Kirkus Reviews * Bustle * BookPage “Moving and beautifully written.” — Entertainment Weekly “[Alyan is] a master.” — Los Angeles Review of Books On the eve of her daughter Alia’s wedding, Salma reads the girl’s fu... read more

Margaret has 139 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Dave O.

Dave O.

May, 2023

Margaret becomes involved. She provides advice that enables the story and the author to grow,
Kenny P.

Kenny P.

May, 2023

Now that I have read Margaret’s thorough edit of my manuscript several times, I can confirm that she is knowledgeable and insightful, sensitive and caring. With clarity, she discussed my manuscript's weaknesses, primarily those involving character development and structure, and gave me valuable and understandable notes about how to make things better. She balances criticism with praise when it ...
Read more
Margaret D.
Thank you, Kenny.
Hurst W.

Hurst W.

May, 2023

Will be using Margaret for all my editing needs going forward. Perfect balance of pushing you to improve your writing, calling out your strengths and refining characters and story arcs. Highly recommend!
Margaret D.
Thanks so much!
Rakesh K.

Rakesh K.

May, 2023

Margaret's editing skills are fantastic. This is my second time and I am delighted with her work. I highly recommend her.
Margaret D.
Thanks!
Margo L.

Margo L.

Apr, 2023

I've worked with a number of editors over the years, and Margaret has been my best match. She's upfront about how she approaches editing and is open to discussing what an author needs from her. Best of all, she offers understandable, well-reasoned feedback without stepping on an author's style or voice. That's rare! Her work is worth every penny, and I'll be looking forward to my next opportuni...
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Margaret D.
Thank you, Margo!