Susan Edwards - Editor
Professional fiction and non-fiction editor with 30+ years' experience helping writers to hone their craft and tell their stories.
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Overview
I'm a highly experienced editor of fiction and nonfiction available to help authors and writers finish or polish their work. As a writer myself, I understand the importance of tact, encouragement and constructive feedback in the editing process. From developing an idea into a finished manuscript, to getting unstuck, to fact-checking and copy editing, I can help you make your writing shine.
Here's what a few authors have written about working with me:
“Your honest and professional opinion, along with your immense knowledge base, is greatly appreciated. Thank you for everything. You are a rock star! I feel so lucky to have worked with you, and I sincerely thank you for everything you've done for my stories.”
~NM Catalano, Amazon bestselling author
“I am so grateful to have found you! I utilized all of your suggestions and edits and am so thankful. Thank you for answering all my questions. Your help has been instrumental in moving forward and resurrecting why I began this process in the first place.”
~Kali Rae Wheeler, author of Losing Kali
“She is credible, humble, experienced, dedicated, creative, on time, flexible, kind and focused. Extremely better than I expected and imagined.”
~Candan Esin, MD, psychotherapist and author of He-Goat Product Manual and User Guide
“As always, thank you for the lessons you bring, the aid you continually offer, and the grace within all of it. Sooo beyond appreciated. PERPETUAL thanks for the way you have chosen to communicate with me and work with me every step of the way, and I am also grateful for the language you used to instruct me in the editing process. It makes your points very easy to understand and see the logic of.”
~Micah Blacklight, empowerment coach and author of Cult of the Serpentari
Here's what a few authors have written about working with me:
“Your honest and professional opinion, along with your immense knowledge base, is greatly appreciated. Thank you for everything. You are a rock star! I feel so lucky to have worked with you, and I sincerely thank you for everything you've done for my stories.”
~NM Catalano, Amazon bestselling author
“I am so grateful to have found you! I utilized all of your suggestions and edits and am so thankful. Thank you for answering all my questions. Your help has been instrumental in moving forward and resurrecting why I began this process in the first place.”
~Kali Rae Wheeler, author of Losing Kali
“She is credible, humble, experienced, dedicated, creative, on time, flexible, kind and focused. Extremely better than I expected and imagined.”
~Candan Esin, MD, psychotherapist and author of He-Goat Product Manual and User Guide
“As always, thank you for the lessons you bring, the aid you continually offer, and the grace within all of it. Sooo beyond appreciated. PERPETUAL thanks for the way you have chosen to communicate with me and work with me every step of the way, and I am also grateful for the language you used to instruct me in the editing process. It makes your points very easy to understand and see the logic of.”
~Micah Blacklight, empowerment coach and author of Cult of the Serpentari
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Architecture
Art
Biographies & Memoirs
Sex & Relationships
Fiction
Humor & Comedy
Literary Fiction
Mystery & Crime
Paranormal Romance
Plays & Screenplays
Women's Fiction
Awards
- Emmy Award for Outstanding Cultural Documentary, Miami Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
- Newsmaker Award, National Education Association
- Outstanding Achievement Award, Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
- First Place in Foreign Reporting¸ Society of Professional Journalists Sunshine State
- First Place in Feature Reporting-Serious, Society of Professional Journalists Mid-Florida Chapter
- First Place-General Excellence in a Weekly Periodical, Florida Press Club
Work experience
Freelance Editor/Writer/Teacher
Self-employed
September, 1980
–
Present
(almost 42 years)
I've edited dozens of fiction and nonfiction books on every subject imaginable (and some I never imagined!). Conducted writing workshops and classes in memoir, fiction, non-fiction and screenwriting for universities and professional organizations. Wrote award-winning television documentaries; co-authored Tropical Splendor, a book about Florida architecture published by Knopf. Wrote and edited magazine articles for local and national publications, technical instructional software manuals, and ad copy, as well as training, orientation and recruitment videos. Produced videos, reports, brochures, newsletters, advertisements in all media and other publications and materials for private industry and public agencies.
Editorial Director/Chief Operating Officer
EC for Books (formerly Ellora's Cave Publishing)
January, 2005
–
October, 2016
(over 11 years)
Managed editorial, design, publishing, and marketing departments of a multi-million-dollar, international, digital-first publisher. Acted as acquisitions and developmental editor on all imprints as well as special book projects and first books in new lines and imprints. With books in 11 languages and a backlist of more than 8,000 titles by more than 600 authors, Ellora’s Cave was one of the world’s first digital publishers releasing 8 to 12 new ebooks and 2 print books per week.
Editor in Chief
Weekly Planet/Creative Loafing Newspapers
May, 1998
–
November, 2005
(over 7 years)
Managed, trained, coached and assigned writers, editors, copy editors, photographers and designers. Launched and oversaw annual fiction competition and published winners. Wrote articles, columns and reviews on fiction, news, arts, politics, travel, gardening, cooking, education, business, architecture, transportation and dozens of other subjects. Won awards for both my writing and editing.
Copy Editor
Tampa Tribune Newspaper
March, 1995
–
April, 1998
(about 3 years)
Wrote headlines and photo captions, and edited all newspaper articles for length, accuracy, readability, grammar, and adherence to Associated Press style.
Technical Writer/Editor
Psychological Assessment Resources
February, 1994
–
February, 1995
(about 1 year)
Wrote and edited technical manuals, research and background materials for psychological assessment instruments.
Director of Program Services/Literary Grants Panelist/Arts Writer and Editor
Arts Council of Hillsborough County
September, 1985
–
October, 1993
(about 8 years)
Served on literary grants panels and as site reviewer for state of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts and other funding agencies. Created and administered state-wide literary competition. Provided management consultant services, technical assistance and resource referral to writers, artists and arts groups.
Portfolio (39 selected works)
Renowned management consultant Dr. Dan Trix has been hired to market a luxury golf course in Hawaii. So why is someone trying to kill him? Trix is no stranger to violence. And he particularly doesn’t appreciate being attack by dogs or thrown off cliffs. From opulent resorts, through spectacular landscapes and deep into the dark soul of the islands, Trix and his war buddy Lester search for thos... read more
Sisters of the Silk Veil: A Troupe Emerges
Cathryn Lynn Petit
Torn between caring for her boyfriend who's crippled with phobias or breaking away to the life of her dreams, Jewell Caldwell, a beautiful you genius, contrives a plan to ease Josh's agoraphobia so she can move cross country to find the life of her dreams.In the quaint Florida town she moves to, she stumbles into a bellydance studio and makes fast friends with the dancers. When a handsome ranc... read more
A Dark Path To Light
Alex Broches
A gripping true-life tale of one young man’s journey from poverty, isolation and desperation to health, happiness and financial success.Nine-year-old Alex Broches’ life is suddenly turned upside down when his father is arrested for a shockingly violent crime, sending his family on a downward spiral of shame, fear and even bouts of homelessness. An outcast at school, Alex finds solace in figuri... read more
The Unforgotten
Charmaine Ross
Crippled by grief after the death of her only child, Australian police detective Allison White makes a mistake on the job that nearly gets herself and another officer killed and results in her demotion to investigating cold cases.Angry, isolated and fighting depression, she throws herself into the work and discovers chilling similarities in a series of disappearances. She digs deeper and finds... read more
Take It Off! The Naked Truth About Male Strippers
Taylor Cole, Justin Whitfield
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes in a male strip club? Are those guys gay? How do they stay so ripped? Do they stuff their trunks? How did they get into such a business? How much money do they make? Do they have wild sex every night? This book takes you backstage and into the lives of two successful male strippers over a span of twenty years in the business. From their rookie days to... read more
The Earthen
S.A. Cary
Alexia is a troubled teenager whose mysterious and violent past has left her scarred and misunderstood. Since the loss of her family, she longs for acceptance and love, only to find rejection and suffering.In one fiery night, everything changes. Earth is lost in an attack by a sadistic alien race and Alexia must grow from the misfit everyone thought she was into the leader she is destined to b... read more
Sporked in Time (The Totally Dope West Hollywood Adventures of Busty Russell and Tope McWhite)
Jaid Black, Nicholas Grant
Vapid West Hollywood socialite Busty Russell and her equally self-absorbed gay best friend Tope McWhite own the most exclusive—and inept—private detective agency in Tinseltown. When a wealthy, dying benefactor hires Busty & Tope to discover the origin of the spork for him, the clueless duo set out on an adventure that lands them in the Scottish Highlands in the year 1391. Get ready Clan Bannoc... read more
The Vatican Strategy
Alan Champorcher
John Adams Conti, descendant of American presidents and Italian farmers, returns to action in Rome when he learns of a plot to usurp the power of the Catholic Church for political ends. In The Vatican Strategy, Conti finds himself bored with managing the family estate near Milan. Having quit the CIA, he misses the excitement of life as a spy. His friend, undercover Israeli agent Rabbi Amos Cad... read more
Enjoy an upbeat and illuminating ride through an explosion of on-the-ground initiatives around the country that are creating a caring future for people and the planet. Meet the artists, economists, teachers, media folks, neighbors and social activists who are making it happen. Along the way, experience the quirky insights and passion of your driver Jan Roberts, who embarked on a solo road trip... read more
My Lover's Keeper
Kerri Zane
I had it all. The perfect life. A loving husband and a hot, sexy lover. But then my lover decided he wanted more. He was ready for a real relationship. And that was not me. I didn't get mad. I decided I was going to help. I hatched a plan. But it backfired. He fell in love with her. The bitch. Now I have a new plan. I'm going to do whatever it takes to straighten out this mess of my good deed ... read more
Cult of The Serpentari
Micah BlackLight
Intent on glory, Kithiik enters the forbidden tunnels to slay a legend and become one himself. What happens next sets him on an electrifying journey through exotic lands, and changes him from a reckless, violent and angry boy to a man with intuitive powers that open his heart to love, his mind to the truth and his body to erotic pleasures he never imagined.
At sixteen, I was just another poor kid in Cleveland learning to play power chords on my guitar. It never crossed my mind at that time that in a few years, I'd be playing onstage in Argentina with my musical idol in front of 17,000 rabid fans. I learned two things on my incredible journey. One is that, no matter where you start, you can reach the stars. The other is, you'd better watch your st... read more
Adventures in Cuntopia: The Life of a Punk Rock Prom Queen
Colleen Caffeine
Sexy, flamboyant and hilarious female punk rock singer-songwriter Colleen Caffeine started out as a forgotten, overweight, confused and sheltered child born in troubled and destitute Detroit. In spite of it all, she has managed to live out her teenage dreams of playing in clubs and festivals all over the world in the band she created, Choking Susan. Fueled by her passion for punk rock and unus... read more
Reprogram Your Subconscious: How to Use Hypnosis to Get What You Really Want
Gale Glassner Twersky ACH
Open the door to your subconscious mind, your silent, invisible partner that is responsible for how you think, feel, and behave. You'll discover how to reprogram your subconscious mind-sets, beliefs, and behaviors, so you can get what you really want in every facet of your life. Learn about Gale's specialty Reprogramming Hypnosis and self-hypnosis to keep your subconscious supporting your desi... read more
Defining Miracles
Dodie Ulery
Defining Miracles offers a doorway out of the darkness and a path to the Light. With the guidance of a channeled entity, the author learns how to attract a loving relationship, create prosperity and to heal herself and others. In the process, she comes to understand how powerful human beings can be when they learn to tap into their true creative power.
Bite Mark: Paranormal Threesome Romance
Lily Harlem
Life in London as a butcher girl was hard enough, but when my best friend Denny went missing it became miserable. Stumbling into the Worshipful Company of the Ancient Order while searching for him was like a breath of fresh air. Especially because sexy, sophisticated Aimery promised to help me.But Aimery’s friend Ryle wanted in on the action. My head was spinning, my body reacting to theirs wh... read more
Cursed Kiss
Kris Eton
With her magic, Marissa can make any man her BDSM sex slave with a single kiss. But bondage sex without love has begun to feel empty, turning her paranormal gift into a curse. The only way to get rid of it is with a counter-spell from her family’s spell book. Unfortunately, a rival witch has stolen it. To get it back, Marissa accepts the witch’s challenge. She must make a man fall in love with... read more
Why did the president of a small Midwestern university kill himself the day after Dan Trix arrived? The internationally renowned management consultant was hired to review the accomplishments of a research institute inside the university. How will this affect his contract? The university’s CEO quickly acknowledges the president had a disturbing secret and was terminally ill. Trix’s new job is t... read more
Kali Rae Wheeler is growing up in Newport Coast, an affluent section of Orange County, is part of a picture-perfect family, and has plenty of friends. She is an A-student, varsity athlete, and superlative-holding 8th-grader. Her future is gleaming bright.As an indigo child, Kali is gifted, but she is also hypersensitive. When Kali’s sister is taken to therapy after her best friend ends up in t... read more
Stranger: Book 1
N.M. Catalano
**Re-edited, re-released**I couldn't resist submitting to him. I still can't, no matter the cost.I thought I was fine, I thought my life was ok. Until I met him. One night of erotic abandon blew open the door to the prison of my life and there was no way I wanted to lock it back up. I couldn’t, not when he kept coming back. But I knew there would be a price to pay. There always is, I had been ... read more
Galloway's Justice (Red's Mountain Series Book 1)
Melodee Elliott
A rural community in southeast Tennessee is tested when a teenage girl goes missing. Deputy Galloway suspects his girlfriend's husband of foul play and launches an investigation.Nestled in the nearby Smoky Mountains, a bluegrass tavern may hold clues to the teen's fate. Yet the hills don't talk. Galloway's suspect's worst crime may be in allowing circumstance to determine reality, leaving othe... read more
Bigger Love: How to Have the Love of Your Life for the rest of Your Life (The Love Endeavor)
Patrick and Sam Cullinane
Tips, tools and tricks for taking your relationship to a higher, deeper, more satisfying level from a very happy couple. But they weren’t always this happy. In fact, after ten years of marriage, they were ready to sign the divorce papers and stomp away from each other in a huff.The story of how they went from angry and frustrated to happier than they ever thought possible is funny, inspiring a... read more
Nourish: A journey to loving and embracing the woman within
Krystle J Bailey
Krystle J Bailey has a passion for encouraging women to live their best life from the inside out. Doing so begins with learning to love and embrace the beautiful soul living within you. In Nourish, Krystle shares her journey from self-hate, negative self-talk, comparison traps, and depression to living a life of fullness, gratitude, freedom, and passion. With each chapter, Krystle shares piece... read more
Timing the Infinite
Nathaniel Schmeling
College programmer Stranger is an anxiety-ridden over-thinker who takes psychoactive drugs while contemplating the heretical philosophical gambit of techno-anarchy to Satanism. Masking this underlying nerdiness with the public persona of an alpha-male heavy drinking frat star, he's coming to age as a mixed kid whose parents were born during the Civil Rights movement; one generation removed, he... read more
Solar Flare (Dr. Dan Trix Mystery Series Book #7)
Rodney Romig
Dr. Dan Trix is considered for the presidency of a prestigious university in Berlin− until he is charged with sexual abuse of a board member. Elaine Newman’s foundation sponsors a seminar to recognize the philanthropy of a local company. A woman who attended suddenly dies. Elaine is considered culpable. Lester Ponzolli invests heavily in a speculative company. The company declares bankruptcy. ... read more
Arabian Desert Magick : A Mystical Romance (The Tea Leaves Series Book 2)
Ellie Rose Hawkins
Nancy's world changes forever when she meets Zack, a tall, dark and handsome stranger, just as the mystical fortune tellers predicted. Venture to Magickal Arabia, with Nancy to reunite with Zack and meet the mystical Ali-Din. Friends, the forthright Sharon, and tea pot connoisseur James, are back to accompany Nancy and Zack follow destiny’s path.Share the challenges they face on their journey ... read more
The Moonstoners (The Moon Trilogy Book 1)
Dzikowski, Barbara J.
Up North Down South: A Memoir
Barnard, John Alan
An Ambiguous Grief
Hunter, Dominique
Capital Thirst (An Erin Kingsly Novel Book 1)
Buxton, R.W.
I AM...: The unsettling truth
Moore, T.H.
The Lolly Box
Roland, J.
Bourbon and Benjamins (The Kat and Denney Archives: Book 1)
Steele, Kathy, George, Linda
50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don't...)
Pittman, Shun, Edwards, Susan, Dee, Catherine, Lane, Sarah, McCallen, Laura, Banks, Jimmie, Curry, Lance, Kuhn, Steve
M.B.A. Masters of the Bullsh*tting Arts: Part 1
Christensen, D.M.
Immortal Lies (Ken Edwards: May it Please the Court Book 2)
KENNEDY, BRIAN MELVILLE
Susan has 39 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Susan was punctual, pleasant, and conversing was quite clear.
She gave me a tremendous number of attachments and links to information sources to help educate me in the mechanics of writing. I learned much about punctuation, grammar, POV, etc.
What I needed, as a first-time writer, was more ideas about changes I could make to improve the story itself, which I expected but did not receive, such...
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Bill Rita, May 2022
Susan is an exceptional developmental editor. Her experience and thorough edits certainly made an impact on my initial MS and the suggestions to dig deeper were just what I needed to do. Now, the story is much stronger and all it needed was for Susan to advise and make her changes. I would love to call her my permanent editor!
Judy McManus, October 2021
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Reply from Susan Edwards
Susan is a great collaborative partner. She is prompt, precise and encouraging. Her comments and suggestions stimulated me to try harder and reach higher.
Chip Hunter, August 2021
We can't thank Susan enough for caring for us as new authors and helping us along our way. Five stars around!!
Linda R George, February 2021
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Reply from Susan Edwards
Susan is the best editor I have ever come across, be it developmental or copy editing. I have experience with quite a few editors but Susan stands out. She is punctual, responsive, and absolutely brilliant at her job.
If you want the best editor, look no further.
VISHAL SAHNI, December 2020
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Reply from Susan Edwards
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