Sarah LaPolla – Editor

WHO I AM

I am an editor, writer, former literary agent, and overall bookish person.

I began my career in publishing over fifteen years ago at Curtis Brown, Ltd. while working toward my own MFA in Creative Writing from The New School. Studying craft not only made me a better writer, but a better collaborator and editor, and I have carried those skills with me throughout my career. In 2013, I became an agent with Bradford Literary Agency where I continued to work with amazing authors whose works went on to become bestsellers, multi-star reviewed, and regionally and internationally awarded. In January 2020, I made the switch to freelance editing and started Next Chapter Editorial, where I focus on Editorial Assessments and Developmental Editing for YA and Adult fiction at all stages.

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." Every writer - at every level - benefits from revision, and I aim to offer a collaborative experience with the goal of teaching skills an author can take with them 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 books with unforgettable characters who stay with me even after their story ends. I like 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.).

Looking forward to working together!