Dan Varrette - Editor
My editing helps authors develop polished writing, including literary fiction, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, and business.
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Overview
I provide a full line of editing services to help authors and organizations develop effective and polished writing. I have worked in book publishing for more than fifteen years. My experience includes editing fiction (including literary, mystery, thriller, science fiction, and fantasy), self-help, and business and personal finance for both traditional publishers and self-publishers alike.
I am experienced in developing books from manuscript to finished product. This includes the various levels of editing (developmental editing, substantive/structural editing, stylistic editing, copy/line editing, and proofreading). I am familiar with non-fiction and fiction projects, including novels and short story collections, but I also work on smaller projects such as individual stories, chapters, and articles.
I am also trained in business and marketing communications and experienced in producing marketing and publicity content for the book publishing industry. This includes query letters, book proposals, synopses, back cover copy, press releases, and social media posts.
I have an eye for detail while maintaining an understanding of the overall scope of each project. My wide variety of interests allows me to take on every assignment with enthusiasm and dedication.
I am experienced in developing books from manuscript to finished product. This includes the various levels of editing (developmental editing, substantive/structural editing, stylistic editing, copy/line editing, and proofreading). I am familiar with non-fiction and fiction projects, including novels and short story collections, but I also work on smaller projects such as individual stories, chapters, and articles.
I am also trained in business and marketing communications and experienced in producing marketing and publicity content for the book publishing industry. This includes query letters, book proposals, synopses, back cover copy, press releases, and social media posts.
I have an eye for detail while maintaining an understanding of the overall scope of each project. My wide variety of interests allows me to take on every assignment with enthusiasm and dedication.
Languages
English (CAN)
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Business & Management
Fiction
Fantasy
Literary Fiction
Mystery & Crime
Science Fiction
Short Story
Thriller & Suspense
Certifications
- Lynda.com: Digital Publishing Fundamentals, License D1860B
Work experience
Freelance Editor
Self-employed
January, 2007
–
Present
(over 14 years)
Aspiring and established authors alike will benefit from my editorial services. Editing will help your work, whether you plan to approach traditional publishers or intend to self-publish.
I edit novels, short stories, and other forms of creative writing while keeping in mind both the technical and artistic aspects of every work. Each writer has a unique voice, and I take careful consideration to ensure each is developed fully.
My non-fiction editorial services are available for business communications such as grants, proposals, reports, newsletters, press releases, and more. I have a background in business administration and experience in producing marketing materials.
Managing Editor
Insomniac Press
February, 2005
–
Present
(about 16 years)
Responsible for the editorial workflow of book projects, in addition to the promotion and
publicity of their publication:
• Acting as project editor, copy editor, and proofreader for literary fiction, mysteries/thrillers, poetry, and non-fiction.
• Writing and editing copy for catalogues, press releases, and other marketing materials.
• Representing the press at industry events, including trade shows, conferences,
book launches, and festivals.
• Designing websites to promote authors and their publications.
• Performing search engine optimization (SEO) on websites.
• Instructing and coaching authors on blogging and other online promotion.
• Executing social media promotional strategies on Facebook and Twitter.
• Developing and distributing email newsletters.
• Building and maintaining a media contact database using FileMaker Pro.
Portfolio (11 selected works)
Winnie's Tongue
Nic Labriola
On the day her dad is buried, the woman who calls herself Winnie celebrates by setting out on the strangest road trip of her life. Her travelling companion is an enormous man-child whom she calls Tongue. Their vehicle: the beat-up limousine left to her by a dying man seeking forgiveness. Too little, too late. Searching for her lost mother and the son who she believes was taken from her at birt... read more
Hypocritic Days
David Fiore
The sci-fi shelves are bursting with obnoxious alternate realities, but what if our own world was revealed to be among the worst of them? If you shared shiftless film critic Douglass Infantino’s caustic view of late capitalism, you’d probably take heart from the discovery – until you realized that you’d have to erase yourself from the continuity in order to put things right again. Is Douglass ... read more
A Van Full of Girls
Michael Murray
Have you ever been in a van full of girls? All the girls are alive and they're happy. You’re all heading off to do something whimsical and flirty and you’re maybe a little bit drunk. You’re going to see a Beach Boys tribute band. You’re going to the casino to bet it all on red. You’re going to a séance that you just know is going to end in skinny-dipping. Something like that. A Van Full of Gir... read more
Notes and Dispatches: Essays
rob mclennan
rob mclennan’s second collection of literary essays, Notes and Dispatches, is another display of his vast range of reading contemporary writing. Following his previous collection, subverting the lyric: essays (ECW Press, 2008), mclennan navigates the confessional aspect of Lynn Crosbie’s Liar and the lyric of the American prose poem, the shapes of Camille Martin’s sonnets and Jay MillAr’s inse... read more
İDA - Roots in Cloaks
Kurunc, Handan Oral
Dawn of Magic: Rise of the Guardians
Gorman, Christopher , Johnstone, Christopher , Varrette, Dan
Chrome Kisses
Popowich, Jamie
Investigation into the death of Roberto Bolaño
Rogal, Stan
A Closer Tomorrow
Caffrey, Matt
Things Are Different Here: And other stories
Rod Michalko
All of Rod Michalko’s stories take place in blindness, and things are different here. Michalko tells of how blind people move through the world encountering sighted people with tragic, daring, and humorous consequences. The characters in Michalko’s stories invite us to “come along for the ride”—a ride that will take us through the intrigue and mystery of creating a life in blindness. The unive... read more
Dan has 20 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
This is my third collab with Dan. He is an invaluable partner; his comments and suggestions are excellent, specific and actionable. He communicates and delivered his edits on time. I highly recommend Dan and will request his services for future works.
Daniel Chawner, April 2021
The notes that Dan gave me will help make my first novel much, much better. They were very detailed and extremely helpful. He even suggested books for me to read to make my exposition, character development and scenes stronger. I would love to work with him again on the second one.
Celestine Candida, March 2021
Mr. Varrette's insight has proven invaluable. He has done exactly as I asked and then some. If he is willing, I will continue to use his services.
Patricia Earnest, December 2020
Dan Varrette did PRECISELY as I asked and needed. His comments were direct, specific, and did not leave me guessing. His communication and timeliness were exceptional. He went above and beyond in helping to spruce up my manuscript. The fact that I intend and look forward to collaborating with Dan in the future (if he is willing) speaks for itself. I strongly recommend Dan Varrette.
Patricia Earnest, October 2020
Dan said what he would do, when he would do it, and how much it would cost. Everything proceeded exactly as he said it would. And then he exceeded my expectations. His review was comprehensive and detailed. The weaknesses of the manuscript were highlighted in a professional manner and his suggestions on how to improve my writing and the story in particular, were very helpful. This was a wo...
Read more
David Steinke, June 2020
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