Melinda Crouchley - Editor

I'm a passionate author/editor who wants to turn your manuscript into the best book possible. My goal is to foster a supportive, collaborative, shame-and-pain-free editorial process by focusing on targeted revisions to your book's structure, narrative, and language. Together, we'll turn the obstacles in your manuscript into opportunities.

As an author myself, I have so much empathy for the writing process. I understand the vulnerability of submitting your work for review, and the frustration of the revision process. Writing and revising are hard work, but the ultimate goal is improving your manuscript.

As the current Publishing Assistant at Chemeketa Press and former Managing Editor at Ooligan Press, I'm particularly adept at working with YA, Dystopia, and Science Fiction / Speculative Fiction manuscripts.

PERSONAL DETAILS

I'm the published author of the YA dystopian Metal Heart series. In my spare time, I run a Little Free Library in my community and love adding client books to its shelves. Books and stories in all forms (books, comics, movies, TV, video games) are an integral part of my life.

TESTIMONIALS

"I had the opportunity to work with Melinda through Ooligan Press for my debut novel, Laurel Everywhere. Not only is Melinda a fantastic editor, but she's also incredibly supportive - her warm notes and words of encouragement always made my day! Melinda has been a joy to work with."
- Erin Moynihan, "Laurel Everywhere" (YA fiction)

"Melinda played an instrumental role in the developmental edit of my novel "Faultland" and came up with a brilliant tool to help track plot points in my multiple POV narrative. She is a bright, rising star in publishing, and since she is also an author, she has a broad understanding of both sides of the editorial desk."
- Suzy Vitello, "Faultland" (literary, speculative fiction)

"Melinda has a great eye for story and knows how to guide an author. I always felt like the door was open to ask questions or to get clarification on editorial corrections. I also really appreciated how Melinda handled the few times that I pushed back against suggestions--she was thoughtful and understanding in ways that made me feel comfortable enough to disagree. And that's important."
- Trace Kerr, "The Names We Take" (YA dystopian fiction)

"Melinda is a dream editor to work with! All of her ideas are thorough and insightful, and she backs them up. She's one of the most detailed editors I've ever worked with and my book wouldn't be the same without her. Melinda is also wonderful at answering questions about her editorial notes, making sure you never get overwhelmed or discouraged no matter the scale of the edit. If you need an editor, she should definitely be at the top of your list!"
- Taylor Thompson, Story Design Specialist at Crazy Maple Studios, Author of Fight and Knockout (YA fiction)