Megan Zavala

Megan Zavala – Editor

Lifelong word magician/former literary agent with a passion for working with authors to make their memoir, self-help & business 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 Proofreading
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 51 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Tricia S.

Tricia S.

Aug, 2023

Pinned
From start to finish...FIVE GLORIOUS STARS! Working with Megan has been a joyful and most valuable experience. Her comments are thoughtful, her advice priceless. When hiring an editor, writers wish for someone who speaks up when something needs addressing. Most editors do that. It can, however, be a much harder task to find one that will say what needs to be said in a way that prevents the wr...
Read more
Dianna B.

Dianna B.

Apr, 2023

Pinned
Megan is a gem. Insecurity no longer plagues me. She has convinced me that I can write. If you have ever dreamt about a book that you want to write, you might understand the weight that has lifted off of my shoulders. For over twenty years I have wanted to do this. Her encouragement and direction have led to me visualize this dream. Even. if I never get published, at least I will have a legacy ...
Read more
Peter S.

Peter S.

Jul, 2021

Pinned
Megan's work is exemplary, I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Megan and will certainly be utilising her services in the future. She is prompt , efficient and her comments not simply constructive but uplifting . Do give Megan a call, you will find her services of great benefit to you wherever you are on the writing trail. Thank you Megan.
Giacomo Z.

Giacomo Z.

Jul, 2024

Megan excelled in organizing and refining the manuscript. Her insightful suggestions were crucial enhancing the quality of the book's quality, and communicating with her was effortlessly smooth.
Steven S.

Steven S.

May, 2024

I was staggered at the insight, sensitivity and perception Megan achieved with understanding complex medical, psychological and delicate social issues, namely physical abuse. I have now, thanks to Megan been given the tools to improve my book. I have realised that I am writing an autobiography and not a memoir, which has given me increased perspective. I cannot thank Megan enough for her profes...
Read more

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.

Henry Bell

Henry B.

I’m a writer & editor based in Scotland. I have a wealth of experience editing award-winning collections of poetry & short stories.

Glasgow, UK

99% reply rate

View profile
Grace Kerina

Grace K.

Editorial Assessments and Writing Coaching. I've worked with 100+ nonfiction authors.

Eugene, OR, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Danielle Magnuson

Danielle M.

A meticulous editor with 20+ years editing nonfiction, with a particular focus on memoir, science, and nature.

Bettendorf, IA, USA

100% reply rate

View profile