Pamela Sourelis – Editor

I’ve helped hundreds of writers find and strengthen their voices; get comfortable with the writing process; dig more deeply into their craft; and explore, structure, and refine their work.

I began my editing career as an independent contractor working with business and education publishers, such as Scott, Foresman; McGraw-Hill; and Houghton/Mifflin.

Soon after earning an MFA in writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts, I started my own company and began working directly with authors—primarily writers of fiction (historical, sci-fi, fantasy, young adult, literary) and memoir—as an editor, workshop facilitator, and coach.

HOW I CAN HELP

Here at Reedsy I offer two services: Developmental Editing and Coaching

DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING is "big-picture" editing done on a completed (or nearly completed) manuscript.

I look at the shape and pacing of the work, your use of setting, the complexity of your characters, your use of language (your voice and tone, the consistency of your style), and at the strength of the connection you’ve created with your audience.

I think of a manuscript as a living being with a personality and a sense of purpose and direction.

A skilled reader and listener (yes, I listen to the story), I can identify the places a writer can better serve their story by following its lead rather than trying to haul it into a preconceived shape.

There are no hard-and-fast rules, of course, only choices. It’s my job to point them out to you in a clear, respectful way and help you work through them, which sometimes involves inviting you to move out of your comfort zone.

If you need help beginning a manuscript or getting unstuck or getting more comfortable with your writing process or brushing up on any of the elements of fiction or memoir (characterization, setting, point of view, scene, dialog . . .), I can help you in my role as WRITING COACH.

I think the best way forward is for us to schedule a short (20-30 minute) Zoom chat so we can meet each other, discuss your project, and see if we’re a good fit. If you send me a request, we can set something up.

P.S. Reedsy suggests we add something about ourselves that might surprise you. So here goes: I’m also a professional animal communicator. The animals, my own (including the two in my photo) and the many I have worked with, have taught me a great deal about listening.

TESTIMONIALS

I didn’t always agree with the master at first, but in the end I found out she was always spot on.

- James Conroyd Martin,

Award-winning historical fiction writer

[Pam’s] guidance helped me venture into the deeper layers of my story I didn’t know existed.

- Bingz Huang

. . . Pam brought balance to both strong and weak aspects of my work, pushing me where I needed to be pushed.

- Stephanie Dos Santos