Nate Hendley - Editor
Toronto, Canada
Toronto-based author/editor offering editing, proofreading and manuscript evaluation for fiction and non-fiction writers.
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Overview
I edit, proofread and evaluate manuscripts for writers.
By editing, I mean substantive/structural editing and copyediting. Checking your manuscript for grammar, spelling, punctuation and style errors, while maintaining consistency in the names of persons, places and things. I will work with authors to ensure their manuscript flows in a coherent fashion, has a logical structure, is readable and doesn't contain factual errors.
By proofreading, I mean looking over an already edited manuscript for mistakes, ensuring that page and chapter numbers and titles are correct, etc.
A manuscript evaluation involves weighing the merits of your book, pointing out the good and the bad and offering insights on the plausibility of your plot and characters and the readability of your story. The goal, as with editing and proofreading, is to prepare a manuscript for publication. I generally use Track Changes in Microsoft Word to perform my editing and proofreading duties, but am entirely flexible if an author prefers to use an alternative system.
I can edit to either Canadian (CP-Style) or American (The Chicago Manual of Style) standards. Just tell me in advance which standard you want to follow.
As for my background, I am a full-time freelance writer/author. I have written extensively for magazines and newspapers and am the author of a series of books, primarily in the true-crime genre.
I have proofread editorial and advertising copy on a freelance basis for magazines and marketing firms.
As a Reedsy editor, I have edited or proofread several novels from up-and-coming writers. These books have ranged from suspenseful thrillers and military adventures to science fiction and fantasy novels. I also gained valuable editing experience working on my own books.
I am comfortable with both fiction and non-fiction.
Beyond the printed word, I built and manage a blog on crime writing and crime-related issues.
I live in Toronto, Canada, charge reasonable rates and look forward to hearing from you.
-Nate Hendley, Editor/Proofreader/Author
Testimonials:
“Pleasure to work with. Expect to work with Nate in the future.”
-Mike Howard, March 2018
“This is the second time I've worked with Nate and the second time I've enjoyed it. Nate appreciates deviations from 'correct grammar' for artistic effect and does not 'correct' them. I appreciate this immensely. (He's also tolerant of my spelling deficiencies).”
-Mike Howard, author of “A Different Magic”, December 2018
"The most important part of a writer's life is finding a good editor and I have found a great one in Nate Hendley. He has edited three of my novels and I fully intend on having him edit future ones. When I receive my edited book back, I'm so pleased with Nate's comments. He locates any and all problems and his suggestions are spot on. Because of Nate, my novels improve greatly and I'm so proud of the finished product. Anyone looking for an editor couldn't find a better one than Nate."
-Patty Lesser, author of "A Discerning Heart", "That Truthful Place", "Devouring Time and "The
Perfect Hand"
"Nate did an editorial assessment of my story as I requested and provided his knowledge on how to improve it. So glad I selected Nate."
-G.W. Boutilier, author of “Illuminati Hitman”
"I hired Nate to proof my manuscript and he did a great, thorough job of it in only one week. Looking over his edits, they were all subtle, invaluable touches that provided me with extra confidence before I moved on to typesetting."
-M.F. Sullivan, author of the novel, "Delilah, My Woman"
Languages
English (CAN)
English (US)
Fiction
Adventure
Anthologies
Crime & Mystery
Historical Fiction
Horror
Thriller
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Education & Reference
History
Music
Politics & Current Affairs
Psychology
Social & Behavioral Sciences
Travel
Work experience
Writer/Editor/Author
Self-employed
February, 2003
–
Present
(almost 16 years)
I am a Toronto-based freelance writer/editor and author.
Since the early 1990s, I have written hundreds of articles for publications such as the National Post, Franchise Canada, The Globe and Mail, NOW magazine and Maclean's magazine.
I am also the author of a series of books, primarily in the true-crime genre.
I have proofread editorial and advertising copy on a freelance basis for Canadian Grocer magazine and marketing firms Juniper Park, Lowe Roche Advertising and Match Drive.
As a Reedsy editor, I have edited or proofread a series of novels from up-and-coming writers.
I can edit and proof fiction and non-fiction.
Portfolio (12 selected works)
The Perfect Hand
Patty Lesser
A wild, fantastical tale of a group of very ordinary poker buddies who seek to investigate then stop a religious fanatic’s mad attempt at seizing control of the United States. Mix a brisk plot with a wide cast of believable characters and you’ve got a very original thriller that continuously surprises the reader with new twists and revelations. A unique book in which several low-key characters... read more
Based on original sources and research, not legends and myth, this book presents a lively, in-depth analysis of how the American Mafia epitomizes organized crime.• Includes historical, social, economic, and cultural context that further clarifies the significance of the Mafia's operations and makes for more engaging reading• Focuses on verifiable information about the Mafia while avoiding hear... read more
American Gangsters, Then and Now: An Encyclopedia
Nate Hendley
A detailed compendium of American gangsters and gangs from the end of the Civil War to the present day.• Comprises 50 alphabetically organized entries on American gangsters and gangs from the post-Civil War era to the present• Offers a wealth of primary sources, including newspaper articles dating back to the 1880s and FBI files obtained by the author• Includes photographs of prominent America... read more
John Lennon: Music, Myth and Madness
Nate Hendley
Arguably the most famous musician of all time, John Lennon was enormously successful when it came to selling records and filling concert halls, but a failure in certain aspects of his private life. Neither a tribute nor a smear, Nate Hendley's book on John Lennon examines the brilliant but troubled figure behind the man who led the Beatles. Much of the information in the book comes from interv... read more
Motivated by greed and sadism―or perhaps by poverty and boredom―star-crossed lovers Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow set out on a series of robberies throughout the American Southwest, many of which ended in murder. Frustrated by the suffocating poverty of the Great Depression, they were especially eager to target their oppressors―banks, store owners, and at times, the police. Their numerous cri... read more
This book examines a broad range of infamous scams, cons, swindles, and hoaxes throughout American history―and considers why human gullibility continues in an age of easy access to information.• Explores figures such as "Yellow Kid" Weil, Charles Ponzi, Orson Welles, and Frank Abagnale, among others• Provides insight into human nature―gullibility being one aspect of it―throughout the ages, add... read more
Crystal Death: North America's Most Dangerous Drug
Nate Hendley
A hard-hitting look at the most dangerous illegal drug in North America. A fact-based account featuring up to the minute interviews and life stories from users, dealers and doctors, with a Canadian perspective on the problem and its potential solutions. An important book for teachers, parents and anyone interested in, or living close to, this devastating drug. Includes advice on how to talk ef... read more
"Johannah trained her sons to fight dirty. A knee to the groin, a thumb to an eye, all was fair as long as a Donnelly prevailed." "Hit first, talk later," she told her boys. This book will be especially fascinating for all readers interested in: crime biography. The gruesome saga of the Black Donnellys has been heavily mythologized. A thick layer of rumour, legend, and hearsay has built up aro... read more
Steven Truscott: Decades of Injustice
Nate Hendley
Imagine being a 14 year-old boy who takes a classmate on a bike ride one spring evening. In the days to follow, the classmate is found dead and you stand accused of rape and murder. There's no direct physical evidence tying you to the crime, but that doesn't matter. In a lightning fast trial you are convicted and sentenced to death. As far as the press and public are concerned, you are guilty ... read more
That Truthful Place
Patty Lesser
On the night of his thirteenth birthday, Alex Mitchell fell into a coma. Three days later he awoke, having suffered no ill effects, yet something was very different about him. Other people’s thoughts now wafted through his mind like radio waves. With no clue as to why he was granted such a unique gift, Alex’s mind speaks into the darkness, calling out for any others like him. Kat Setterlee, an... read more
A Discerning Heart
Patty Lesser
A Discerning Heart is part romance, part fantasy, part cautionary tale. A rollicking story of an Old World fisherman who looked for love and acceptance but settled for power and wealth. Throw in a mysterious island and even more mysterious mermaid and an enchanting story emerges. Sex, lies and a long missing pirate’s identity are all major plot points in this fantastical romantic adventure.
Devouring Time
Patty Lesser
British lawyer Marcus Tate wasn’t expecting to find himself in the middle of a murder mystery when he agreed to hand deliver a strange package to an unknown client in Toronto, Canada. Nor was he expecting to get sucked into the vortex of a high-brow but dysfunctional family obsessed with artwork and money. Along the way, Marcus has to reckon with some secrets of his own and the thrilling possi... read more
Nate has 3 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Communication
This is the second time I've worked with Nate and the second time I've enjoyed it. Nate appreciates deviations from 'correct grammar' for artistic effect and does not 'correct' them. I appreciate this immensely. (He's also tolerant of my spelling deficiencies)
Read moreMike Howard, December 2018
Nothing but good things to say about Nate Hendley. Everything was done on a professional level. Very helpful editorial assessment of my story.
Read moreG W Boutilier, May 2017
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