Mariah Sanford

Mariah Sanford – Editor

I'm a skilled and kind copy editor and proofreader ready to elevate your narrative nonfiction or speculative fiction to the highest quality.

Overview

You've written a book - congratulations! I'd love to help you polish it so it really shines. I am a copy editor and proofreader with 7+ years' experience editing trade books with traditional publishers, including 3+ New York Times bestsellers. My specialties include memoir, YA, sci-fi/fantasy, psychology, and self-help.

I look forward to helping your book reach its highest potential with my sharp eye and compassionate, direct communication. I'm excited to show you that even the most meticulous final stages of the editorial process can be fun and rewarding.

When I'm not collaborating with literary creatives like you, my life still orbits around books - browsing bookstores, counting down the days for my favorite authors' next release, reading as much fiction as possible and writing my own. The gorgeous redwoods and beaches of California's central coast encourage me to look up from the pages (sometimes).
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Psychology Sex & Relationships
Fiction
Coming of Age LGBTQ Fiction Science Fiction Urban Fantasy Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Poynter Aces Certificate in Editing

Work experience

True Literary

Nov, 2022 — Present

At True Literary I evaluate submissions, onboard new authors, developmentally edit current projects, write and edit proposals in collaboration with authors, and copy edit and proof manuscripts ready for publication.

Freelance

Sep, 2021 — Present

I work with my clients to develop articles and blog posts to create further reach for their practices. I collaborate on content writing and developmentally editing their projects that reflect their vision and honor their authentic voice.

Idea Architects

Aug, 2016 — Nov, 2021 (over 5 years)

At Idea Architects, I proofread and copy edited a variety of creative non-fiction titles and provided thorough feedback to authors. In addition, I worked closely with the CEO, senior editorial director, and staff of writers to develop the collaborative process of transforming an idea into a fully realized literary masterpiece.

Mariah has 4 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Cassandra P.

Cassandra P.

Apr, 2023

Mariah provided more than any writer, (both aspiring or experienced) could ever ask for. She is invested in your work, personable and truly goes the extra mile in producing high quality comments/feedback/copyedits while being so patient with all my questions and concerns. I can only recommend Mariah to you, and will certainly recommend her to those in my network, of which I am confident they...
Read more
Alessandro S.

Alessandro S.

Sep, 2022

I have no notes on Mariah's work, I got way more than I expected: - our communication is excellent, apart from the work related issues, we also have very stimulating conversations - I asked her personal opinion on aspects of my book, suggestions on unrelated topics and she always came back to me with honest and extremely competent answers - despite some personal issues that came up during the ...
Read more
Louise L.

Louise L.

Aug, 2022

Mariah is the most amazing editor you can find. It has truly been a blessed journey working with Mariah. Her beautiful suggestions, flexibility and encouragement are beyond words . It has been a flow from beginning to end, and I will give her my highest recommendation.
DeWayne N.

DeWayne N.

Jul, 2022

This was truly an awesome experience. I’m going through my manuscript now, her edits are just what I needed to cleanup and streamline my project!!!