Overview
Everyone has a story to tell.
It's that thought that rolls around your head when you're driving, the idea that pesters you when you're showering and the voice that won't let you go to sleep.
But it takes revisions to hone those stories until they shine, ready for agents, editors and readers.
I've always been a storyteller. When I was a kid telling my mother about my day, I’d build it into a story. When I started working, I told real-life stories as a photojournalist, then as a managing editor/copy editor, I helped other writers hone their stories.
Today, I'm doing what I love best: Making stuff up and guiding writers to create their best work.
I'm the author of the middle-grade novels THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST; ARROW (S&S) and AMERICAN HORSE TALES: HOLLYWOOD (Penguin), plus the GEMSTONE DRAGONS chapter books (Bloomsbury). I've also ghostwritten for adult readers, and critiqued novels that have gone on to sign agents, get published and win awards.
As you can tell, I am passionate about stories, mine as well as yours. Stories aren't just ideas. They're characters growing and learning, fully imagined worlds, and wonderful pacing to keep readers wanting more.
I use my experience to help storytellers like you share your stories. I don't just edit—I teach, so you'll not only end up with a better story, you’ll also be a better writer.
SERVICES
As well as partial and full novel critiques, I also offer mentorships where I meet writers where they are in their journey, whether it's helping you brainstorm a new project, help you through your first draft, or guide you in publishing. Contact me for more information.
EDITING PRAISE
“Exclamation-point exceptional, that’s how I would describe Samantha’s edits and her critique. Her comments were wise, clear, and made sense in respect to the whole concept of the book.” ~Raj Bijloll, writer
"Samantha approaches editing with the creative lens of an accomplished author and as someone intimately familiar with the publishing marketplace. Her notes are specific and so helpful along with kind. I'm grateful for her feedback as it has helped prepare my manuscript for submission!" ~J.L.A., writer
Services
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Languages
Awards
- 1996 Pan American Health Organization Award for Excellence in Health Journalism
- 2019 Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators TX/OK Crystal Kite Award for THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST
Work experience
Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, Bloomsbury
Author of three middle grade novels for ages 8 and up: THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST (published in three additional languages) and ARROW, published by Simon & Schuster; as well as AMERICAN HORSE TALES: HOLLYWOOD (published in two additional languages), published by Penguin Random House
Author of the GEMSTONE DRAGONS chapter book series for ages 6 and up, published by Bloomsbury: OPAL'S TIME TO SHINE, RUBY'S FIERY MISHAP, TOPAZ'S SPOOKY NIGHT and EMERALD'S BLOOMING SECRET
Yellow Bird Editors
As an editor with Yellow Bird Editors, I have worked with numerous writers to help them hone their writing style and take their manuscripts to the next level. I've worked with clients writing fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. I specialize in helping writers find their own voice and style while telling a compelling story with characters that are fully developed and plots that keep readers turning pages. The same advice I give to my editing clients, I use in my own ghostwriting work bringing your vision to life.
Reed Business Information
Edited and wrote news articles and features for a weekly print and daily online B2B magazine in the home entertainment industry. Proofread and copy edited copy, adhering to AP style and the in-house style guide.
Emap Petersen
Edited and wrote feature articles for various print consumer magazines in the automotive industry, including Mustang Monthly, Mopar Muscle, and Four Wheeler. Proofread and copy edited articles to the AP style guide, as well as in-house style guides for the company and each individual magazine.
Portfolio
Samantha M has 5 reviews
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