Sharon Umbaugh – Editor

I'm an editor (20 years) who has worked in the industry for Big 5 publishers (Penguin Random House) as well as worked as a bookstore buyer and sales rep. I know the book business from many angles and know what sells.

As a link between author and publisher, I focus not only on character arcs and plotlines but on marketabilty and how to make the book attractive to agents, publishers and readers.

I know the publishing industry intimately and can offer editorial feedback that will refine and enhance your narrative and position your book dynamically in the marketplace. As a lifetime reader of literary fiction and contemporary women's fiction, I know those genres well.

With keen editorial eyes and through collaboration that maintains the writer's voice, we can make your novel shine, ensuring your story resonates with readers and captivates publishers.

***Often authors are miffed when it comes to the query letter. I can help create a snappy letter, devise a strategy to identify agents. I'm a wiz when it comes to comps!

My clients run the gamut from experienced, award-winning authors, to new writers looking for guidance through the editing process.

Through close collaboration, authors trust me to deliver honest and insightful feedback with a friendly and positive vibe.

"Working with Sharon was great. She confirmed much of what I already suspected regarding my writing style and whatnot as well as offered suggestions on how to better the areas that needed improvement. She also pointed out parts of the MS that needed work that I hadn’t considered. She gave me insight into what was going on in her mind while she read and that helped me see my WIP from the perspective of someone unfamiliar with my world."

"Having never written a novel before I was somewhat nervous about having anyone review the manuscript of my debut novel let alone someone with Sharon’s credentials. I shouldn’t have worried. Sharon’s help has been a revelation. Much more than observations, her comments are supported with genuinely helpful suggestions and a good dose of humor. Her encouragement is inspiring and it has been a pleasure using her editing service to polish my story. Highly recommend!"

"Sharon went above and beyond and it’s absolutely clear that she loves what she does. She is intuitive and very sensitive in her communication. Her comments have made all the difference, not only in revealing what doesn’t work, but also in what does. Her turn-around time is excellent. I can’t thank her enough for her work, her support and her encouragement."

"I definitely recommend Sharon for all your literary needs. She is thorough and offers more than superficial suggestions. Working with her over the past several months has made my novel much stronger and thanks to her help, I am receiving manuscript requests."