Sarah LaPolla – Editor

WHO I AM

Hello! I’m Sarah LaPolla, an editor, writer, former literary agent, and overall bookish person. With nearly twenty years of publishing industry experience, my career began at Curtis Brown, Ltd., where I became a literary agent while working toward my own MFA in Creative Writing. From there, I became an agent with Bradford Literary Agency where I continued to work with amazing authors whose works went on to become New York Times bestsellers, regional and national award-recognized successes, and multi-star reviewed debuts.

In 2020, I became a full-time independent editor. I focus on Big Picture and Developmental edits for writers at all stages in a variety of genres. My editorial projects have gone on to find homes at major publishers, small presses, or continue finding success in self-published markets.

HOW I EDIT

My approach to editing is to work within the writer's vision and publishing goals. No two books or authors are alike, and there is no "one edit letter fits all." I am to use my publishing experience and creative writing education to leave authors with revision skills they can use after our work together is finished.

WHAT I EDIT

My areas of expertise are in Young Adult and Adult fiction in the following genres:

- Contemporary/Realistic (Literary Fiction, Upmarket/“Book Club” Fiction, Coming-of-Age)

- Science Fiction

- Horror

- Literary Suspense/Mystery

- Speculative Fiction (Magical Realism, Paranormal, Urban/”Low” Fantasy, anything you can’t neatly label!)

I'm drawn to stories that surprise me, characters who surprise themselves, and getting immersed in a setting, whether it's in a faraway land or my own backyard. I'm also a strong advocate for books by and about marginalized, underrepresented voices and characters who challenge the status quo. I would not be the right fit for books that villainize or exploit those voices.

Genres that would not be right for me: category romance or erotica; high/epic fantasy; non-fiction (excluding memoir); inspirational or spiritual fiction; graphic novels; or children’s books.

FULL MANUSCRIPT SERVICES

EDITORIAL ASSESSMENT - Detailed editorial letter; recommended for writers with a completed 1st or 2nd draft looking for Big Picture feedback on readability and direction.

DEVELOPMENTAL EDIT - Detailed editorial letter + one-round of in-line manuscript edits; recommended for writers at a more advanced revision stage (including deciphering an R&R from an agent, polishing a manuscript to self-publish, agented authors with new projects, etc.).

BOOK DOCTORING - A cross between developmental editing and ghostwriting. Ideal for writers with a finished manuscript seeking a more collaborative service (with less heavy lifting) in which I take your novel from story development, beyond the editorial letter, and through the first revision.

AI/CHATGPT POLICY: Please note that I do not use Generative AI/LLMs when I edit your work or communicate with you. My editorial feedback is based on publishing experience and expertise. In turn, I expect the same honesty and integrity from my clients. As such, I do not read or edit manuscripts developed with GenAI in any capacity.

Looking forward to working together!