Val Mathews – Editor

As a big-hearted, fun-loving editor and teacher, Val M. Mathews has garnered 10+ years of relevant experience. She teaches courses in developmental editing for the University of California Berkeley Extension, Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada, and the Editorial Freelancers Association in New York City. Val also works as an editorial consultant for CRAFT and The Masters Review, two well-established online literary magazines, and freelances on the side. Previously, she worked as an editor for The Wild Rose Press, a small traditional publisher in New York. She earned an MA in Professional Writing from Kennesaw State University and a BFA from the University of Georgia. Fun fact about Val: She’s been an FAA-certified flight instructor for over twenty-five years, and in the past, she flew Lear jets for a living.

ENDORSEMENTS

"I found my dream editor! Val's sensitivity to my manuscript made it a pleasure to work with her. She knew exactly what had to be cut and what was needed to make my manuscript soar. Val is easy to talk to, and her quick turnaround time is a huge plus. I can honestly say after working with Val, I have become a better writer and a client for life."

~Stephanie Baldie

Redemption

Dancing Crows Press (2018)

A notable writing and editorial coach, Val possesses a brilliant approach to the smooth exchange of ideas with clients ... Most noteworthy, she made it easy to release my innermost thoughts, emotions, and creative ideas for her critique. Highly respected and valued, Valerie delivers splendid results."

~ Major John D. Falcon (Ret.)

The Freedom Shield

Published with Casemate Publishers (2020)

Represented by Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency, New York City, NY

"After my short story Samuel’s Wife was accepted for publication, Val Mathews worked with me to improve it. Respectful of me as a writer, she suggested no changes that would upset my voice and writing style. With an expert’s eye for detail, Val caught redundancies and irrelevancies, mistakes that muddled the clarity and disrupted the rhythm of the story. I would not hesitate to work with Val again. A true professional, she’s a meticulous editor. I loved working with her and would recommend her to anyone in search of an editor."

~Brenda Sutton Rose, "Samuel's Wife"

Short story nominated for the Pushcart Prize

"I have to say that, looking at the final versions with all of the suggestions incorporated, I am extremely proud of these two poems. I was thinking of TS Eliot’s comment about Ezra Pound (though I am no Eliot and these are certainly not The Wasteland!): il miglior fabbro, meaning the better maker. Your staff certainly qualify for that label. Thank you for your generosity in time and effort."

~Robert C. Covel (poet)