Megan Zavala

Megan Zavala – Editor

Lifelong word magician/former literary agent with a passion for working with authors to make their memoir and self-help books shine!

Overview

In addition to being a dedicated reader, I have worked in an editorial capacity for over 20 years, participating on well over a thousand script and book projects. A former nonfiction literary agent, I am quite familiar with the publishing process and what it takes to get a quality book into readers' hands. As a book coach/editor, I work with clients across the globe at all stages of their manuscript production, providing both editorial and mindset support. I have spoken at conferences across the nation, training authors on all things writing- and publishing-related.


I am a highly dedicated, detailed, and results-oriented editor who excels at assisting authors in creating the best possible product, as quickly and efficiently as possible. I specialize in providing editorial assessment (where I read through your manuscript and deliver a memo outlining your book's areas for improvement - and strengths, too! - in addition to any potential obstacles I see on your path to publication), developmental editing (where I use track changes to make changes directly on your manuscript, focusing on "big picture" things like structure and content and theme), and query letter review (where I edit an existing query letter or compose a fresh one for you).


Whether it's memoir, business and entrepreneurship, self-help, or inspirational, I look forward to helping you make your big ideas accessible to readers.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Health & Wellbeing Inspirational Photography Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • B.A. in Cinema from the University of Hartford

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2017 — Present

I provide author clients across the globe with coaching, developmental editing and manuscript appraisal services in connection with their book projects, spanning all genres. Additionally, I assist clients with submission materials for publication consideration, liaise with authors and their ghostwriters in bringing their visions to life, and speak at writers’ conferences nationwide on topics relating to writing and publishing, including the book publishing process, how to build platforms, how to write a nonfiction book proposal, and what good writers do badly. I was also a judge for the 2019 Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards.

Keller Media, Inc.

Sep, 2014 — Dec, 2018 (about 4 years)

Duties included representing clients in a variety of genres, specializing in nonfiction; assisting clients with preparing materials for submission for publication consideration; providing developmental and copy editing services on eBooks; and reviewing, evaluating, and editing/proofreading queries, manuscripts, and projects in development.

The Script Medic

Nov, 2004 — Sep, 2014 (almost 10 years)

As the Script Medic, I performed script and book coverage services for various literary agencies, production companies, screenplay competitions, and individual clients; copy edited and proofread screenplays and book manuscripts; read screenplays, provided synopses, and suggested improvements writers could make in producing stronger scripts; and provided script doctor services on scripts needing that extra punch.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Editorial Assessment
Editorial Assessment
Editorial Assessment
Looking Inwards for a Better Life

Blankinship, Dalton Dean

Developmental Editing
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Copy Editing
Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Wild Woman

Drews, Rachel M

Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing
Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Flora 5

Larracey, Ben

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Query Letter Review
Book Coaching
Book Coaching
Editorial Assessment
Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Book Coaching
Book Coaching
Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching

Megan has 49 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Robin Y.

Robin Y.

Mar, 2024

As a result of the work I did with Megan, I achieved complete clarity about the book I needed to write and the end result is ten times better. She was very affirming of my best writing so that I knew I had the potential to write in a compelling way. She gave very detailed feedback on the structure and content of my manuscript, which has enabled me to bring my best skills to every part of my bo...
Read more
Lisa R.

Lisa R.

Feb, 2024

Working with Megan has been an absolutely wonderful experience! As a first time author, she was kind enough to answer my questions on the manuscript assessment process. She was extremely responsive, answering our message exchanges quickly. I highly value the manuscript assessment she did. Not only did it greatly improve the structure and content of my book, but through those recommendations, I...
Read more
Tricia S.

Tricia S.

Dec, 2023

This is my second collaboration with Megan. She is thoughtful, thorough, patient, and effective. I look forward to many more collaborations with her in the future. Thank you so much, Megan!
Josephine S.

Josephine S.

Dec, 2023

Megan was direct and focused from the moment she accepted the assignment right up to delivery. Her assessment of the project's potential was clear and easy to follow. Her notes and questions enabled me to dig deeper in order to enhance my writing. I would hands down work with Megan again!
Steve M.

Steve M.

Nov, 2023

Meghan was responsive, professional and generated great work product. I will work with her again.

Sign up to read more reviews

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

Professionals similar to Megan

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

Cat London

Cat L.

Developmental and copy editor with fifteen-plus years in the publishing industry; I specialize in literary fiction, mystery, and thrillers.

Kingston, ON, Canada

100% reply rate

View profile
Joe Rhatigan

Joe R.

I work with my authors to create engaging manuscripts–creating content that readers reach for, relate to, relish, and remember.

Asheville, NC, USA

91% reply rate

View profile
Vanessa Ta

Vanessa T.

Former in-house non-fiction editor specializing in self-help, psychology, spirituality, and prescriptive non-fiction

100% reply rate

View profile