Dan Varrette

Dan Varrette – Editor

I help authors develop engaging, polished writing, including science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, and mystery.

Overview

I provide a full line of editing services to help authors and publishers develop effective and polished writing. I have worked in book publishing for more than eighteen years. My experience includes editing fiction in various genres (including literary, science fiction, fantasy, and mystery) 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 longer fiction projects such as novels and short story collections, but I also work on smaller projects such as individual stories and chapters.


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, and back cover copy.


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.

Services
Fiction
Anthologies Dystopian Literary Fiction Mystery & Crime Short Story Time Travel Urban Fantasy
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Lynda.com: Digital Publishing Fundamentals, License D1860B

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2007 — Present

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.

Insomniac Press

Feb, 2005 — Dec, 2019 (almost 15 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

Seekers

Fung, David

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 inv... read more
A Closer Tomorrow

Caffrey, Matt

Chrome Kisses

Popowich, Jamie

İDA - Roots in Cloaks

Kurunc, Handan Oral

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 ... 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 t... read more
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 dy... read more

Dan has 49 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Abby E.

Abby E.

Feb, 2024

I have worked with Dan twice; his editing advice has greatly improved my story. Based on his suggestions, I'm getting positive feedback from the edited chapters I released online. He was responsive throughout and fulfilled the brief according to the specifications outlined. I will definitely be working with him again as I progress further in my novel.
Jay S.

Jay S.

Jan, 2024

DAN IS AWESOME! I really appreciate the notes Dan leaves when he suggests changes to my work. Most of the time his changes are accepted because they make my creation better. But it is also clear that it is my creation and I appreciate that.
PJ R.

PJ R.

Jan, 2024

Dan's expertise, professionalism, and feedback have been instrumental in improving my book. His insights into character development and keeping the reader engaged have been particularly helpful.
Jeff C.

Jeff C.

Jan, 2024

Dan gave me details on how to enhance and develop my story. He identified my weak links, then gave me instruction on how to strengthen the story at these points. For my particular story, we discussed mainly character and POV. Dan was prompt and clear in his responses and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with him.
Juraj L.

Juraj L.

Dec, 2023

- Wrote concise and thought out comments on parts that needed improving - Easy communication - All in all a very good job

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