Travis Moran

Travis Moran – Editor

A seasoned editor of sports titles and contemporary fiction, Travis has guided acclaimed authors, emerging voices, and legendary athletes.

Overview

"The only kind of writing is rewriting." – Ernest Hemingway


Having trouble getting over the hump? Can't figure out how to incorporate conflict, elevate tension, clarify motives? Looking to publish that new piece that needs work?


There are avenues to success.


Travis appreciates how challenging the drafting, editing, rewriting, finishing, and publishing processes can be. That’s because he’s going through the same challenges every day, creating new sports narratives and fresh literary fiction.


Now an editor and contributor at TrueHoop, Travis crafts and publishes NBA content ranging from expert analysis and cutting-edge metrics to investigative reporting on sportswashing and financial corruption. He has evaluated literary fiction for several publications as well — most recently for 'Passengers Journal,' an envelope-pushing digital magazine of literary prose and visual arts.


The advantage to authors: an editor who understands structure and style. Including a rising tide of published Reedsy projects, Travis has guided over 50 books to market, developing the works of debut authors, prize-winning writers, decorated journalists, and Hall of Fame athletes.


You’re hiring the cinematic eye, imaginative analysis, and storytelling savvy that will help you elevate your book, novel, short story, article, or screenplay to its highest possible potential.


Though he bids selectively, Travis responds to all requests.


SPECIALIZATIONS


• Editorial Assessment

(Diagnostic scalp-to-sole analysis, tailored guidance, revision blueprint)


• Developmental Editing

(Plan for major surgery on substance, structure, narrative)


• Book/Writing Coaching

(Running consultation and editorial guidance of works in progress)


SELECTED FICTION (appears in)


• Allium, A Journal of Poetry and Prose

• On the Run Fiction

• The Dillydoun Review

• Emerge Literary Journal


EDUCATION


• BA in Creative Writing, Lake Forest College (2002)

• MA in English Language and Literature, Western Illinois University (2010)


PLEASE feel free to view my included writing samples and ask for more! References are available below. If you have any questions — or are curious about how your project would mesh with my services — please send me a message on Reedsy!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs History Sports & Outdoors
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Short Story
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

TrueHoop

Apr, 2022 — Present

• Craft and refine award-winning NBA content, from expert game analysis and cutting-edge metrics to injury prevention and financial corruption
• Compose a serial fantasy-basketball narrative (20 installments) and several features, generating over 300,000 views and dozens of new subscriptions

Sports Publishing LLC

Feb, 2005 — Jul, 2007 (over 2 years)

• Guided over 30 books to market, orchestrating cooperation between authors, in-house departments, major media, and professional sports organizations
• Enhanced the style, narrative, and structure of all titles while also composing original copy for jackets, marketing, and sales

Self-employed

Aug, 2017 — Mar, 2022 (over 4 years)

• Enhanced cross-cultural communications — composing speeches, presentations, and polished copy — for C-suites in Asia and Europe
• Tailored personal statements for 38 Chinese postgraduate applicants to elite universities worldwide, leading to acceptance rate of over 90 percent

Beijing Language and Culture University

Aug, 2017 — Jul, 2020 (almost 3 years)

• Served as Writing Courses Director for School of Applied Foreign Languages, reconstructing the curriculum to strengthen academic integrity
• Honored as Foreign Teacher of Excellence for International Faculty

Portfolio

Passengers Journal Volume 3 Issue 3

Press, Passengers

Independently published

Editorial Assessment
Passengers Journal: Volume 3 Issue 2

Press, Passengers

Independently published

Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
Light, at the End of the Bench

Federico, Niksha

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
One Moment Changes Everything is the tragic true story of the Rogers family, who was blessed with three talented althletes until a single dose of cocaine killed Don Rogers. Don's family went f... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Follis: Greatness Transcends

Paulk, Ralph N.

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Entangled in Ivy

Castle, George

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Double Yoi!

Cope, Myron

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing

Travis has 17 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Doug M.

Doug M.

Oct, 2024

Pinned
Travis gave me exactly what I needed in our editorial assessment project. His feedback was direct and honest and ultimately helped me see what I needed to do to make my book what I want it to be. He was very responsive and easy to work with. It's clear he's dedicated many decades to the craft of writing.
John M.

John M.

Jul, 2024

Pinned
Travis provided high quality and thoughtful feedback on my short stories. I especially appreciated how invested Travis was with my work, and that he provided direct, actionable suggestions both at the story level and also on a higher/craft level. He also gave me interesting ideas for other readings that might be beneficial to my work. Personable and easy to work with.
Gregg V.

Gregg V.

May, 2024

Pinned
Travis was/is terrific, hands down. Best experience I've had with an editorial assessment. I've had the desire to write a novel for years now, and while I had "outlined" my ideas (so to speak), Travis took a lot of time with this content and was honest in where I was and where I could take this story: To its best, logical conclusion. I was impressed with the fact that he didn't blow sunshine u...
Read more
Karl M.

Karl M.

May, 2024

Travis has been extremely valuable to the evolution of the biography I am writing. The Editorial Assessment he provided has left me with a clear path to producing a marketable book. His comments along with our discussion of his analysis, have also helped me understand better the strengths and weaknesses of my "natural" writing style. Perhaps most important, he has provided that guidance in...
Read more
Joshua R.

Joshua R.

Mar, 2024

Travis was awesome! Travis truly cared about my project. His responses and ideas showed genuine attention to my project. He was thorough and detail oriented in his editing. Travis was insightful and creative in his suggestions. Though he did not hold back on his suggestions, he has an excellent bedside manner that helped me be responsive to his recommendations. Thank you Travis! Josh

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