Melissa Sarno – Editor

I have years of experience as a writer, mentor and editor and have helped many authors refine their work to find agents and book deals. As an author of acclaimed middle grade books, I know what it means to sit on the writer's side of the desk. I love to help writers develop their voice, plot, and characters to create compelling fiction.

As a developmental editor, I work on literary, contemporary, and realistic fiction for MG readers. Whether you've completed a first draft or you're deep in the revision stage, I take great care with all of my reads and will provide you with a detailed edit letter outlining all of my thoughts and suggestions for creating a tighter and richer story with well-rounded characters and themes. Throughout the manuscript itself, I will provide smaller comments and questions on character, plot, pacing, and clarity as I read. I am happy to follow up with one to two emails if you have additional questions or thoughts. A developmental edit will not include punctuation or grammar fixes.

As an author of books for young readers, I am very familiar with the children's book industry. Writers can come to me for mentorship and coaching. First, you'll fill out a form so I can understand your writing goals and then I'll prepare a personalized plan with check-ins, all of which will help you refine your work and take your writing career to the next level.

Testimonials:

Melissa has been a trusted critique partner for several years. In the early stages, she's an effective cheerleader and motivator; you just know that when she says she wants to read more, she means it. Deeper into revisions, she's exacting and specific, with some of the best suggestions for what to cut of any editor I've worked with. Melissa is a writer's editor, which is to say she is nurturing and sensitive, with boundless enthusiasm.

- Jenn Bishop, author of Free Throws, Friendship, and Other Things We Fouled Up

Melissa is a brilliant and kind editor. She has a deep, nuanced understanding of story and character. She's generous in validating the strengths of a story and quick to identify what isn't quite working and why. I'm lucky to have Melissa as one of my first readers, and my last three MG novels are all immeasurably stronger because of her keen editorial eye! She is equally helpful when a draft is in the early stages and when it is nearing the end of edits.

-Laurie Morrison, author of Up for Air

Melissa's editing is like looking at the world with a new pair of glasses: you see your story more clearly, the edges more sharply, and with a new perspective. She has an innate sense of story and a real knack for helping writers realize their vision through her smart and actionable notes. I have been grateful for her keen eye and storyteller's heart more times than I can count.

-Jennifer Maschari, author of Things That Surprise You