Warren Layberry - Editor
A passionate, intuitive editor who thrives in pursuit of an author's best voice and will work tirelessly on their behalf.
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Overview
Though freelance work has afforded me diverse experience with all sorts of manuscripts, I am at heart a fiction editor with a deep affinity for crime & mystery, fantasy, and science fiction. I especially enjoy collaborating with first-time authors. Whether working in broad strokes on structural/developmental issues or bearing down on detailed copyediting and fact-checking, I am an editor who tries to inhabit the world of the manuscript in order to bring the writing into sharper focus.
I've worked with a number of traditional publishers in British Columbia, including TouchWood, Brindle & Glass, and Heritage House, and I have been lucky enough to see a number of the titles I've worked on appear on the BC Bestsellers List. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing an author–client of mine succeed and knowing that I have helped play some small part in that success.
When I take on a project, I make every effort to get a sense for the author and their intentions. So many of the subtle ingredients of a manuscript reside with the author that it helps to understand where the author is coming from and what they hope to bring to the table.
I've worked with a number of traditional publishers in British Columbia, including TouchWood, Brindle & Glass, and Heritage House, and I have been lucky enough to see a number of the titles I've worked on appear on the BC Bestsellers List. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing an author–client of mine succeed and knowing that I have helped play some small part in that success.
When I take on a project, I make every effort to get a sense for the author and their intentions. So many of the subtle ingredients of a manuscript reside with the author that it helps to understand where the author is coming from and what they hope to bring to the table.
Languages
English (CAN)
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
History
Fiction
Fantasy
Mystery & Crime
Science Fiction
Work experience
Editor
Self-employed
September, 2011
–
Present
(over 11 years)
Since 2011, I have worked on hundreds of manuscript of all sorts. I have provided everything from proofreading to substantive developmental editing to full-blown ghostwriting. I have worked with unpublished, self-published, and traditionally published authors. For a number of years, FriesenPress was a client of mine; I was one of their early editors, helping to shape many of their best practices still in place today. I've also worked with a number of traditional publishers here on Vancouver Island, including Heritage House, TouchWood, Brindle and Glass, and Rocky Mountain Books, and a number of books I have worked on have found their way onto the BC Bestseller List.
Portfolio (27 selected works)
A investigative reporter traces the role of DNA evidence in two groundbreaking murder cases involving young girls killed two decades apart in the same town.In 1977, the industrial town of Port Alberni was shaken by the brutal murder of twelve-year-old Carolyn Lee, who had been abducted while walking home from her dance class. In 1996, the town was devastated again when eleven-year-old Jessica ... read more
A Deceptive Devotion (A Lane Winslow Mystery Book 6)
Iona Whishaw
A wedding is on the horizon for Lane Winslow and Inspector Darling. As one of the few Russian speakers in her community, Lane is obliged to act as translator and hostess for Countess Orlova, an elderly Russian woman who has tracked her missing brother to the Nelson area. Nelson PD investigates, but then the murder of a lone hunter in the hills above King’s Cove takes top priority.Darling works... read more
It Begins In Betrayal (A Lane Winslow Mystery)
Iona Whishaw
Summer descends over the picturesque King’s Cove as Darling and Lane’s mutual affection blossoms, but their respite from solving crime is cut short when a British government official arrives in Nelson to compel Darling to return to England for questioning about the death of a rear gunner under his command in 1943. In Darling’s absence, Ames oversees the investigation into the suspicious death ... read more
One Good Thing: A Novel
Rebecca Hendry
E. J. Hughes Paints Vancouver Island
Robert Amos
The reputation of EJ Hughes in British Columbia is second only to that of Emily Carr. His paintings, collected by every major gallery in our country, fetch more than $1 million at auction. Yet Hughes lived a notoriously private life. Hughes painted scenes from all over BC, but he especially loved Vancouver Island, and lived most of his 93 years at Shawnigan Lake and Duncan. This book features ... read more
Meteorites: Stories
Julie Paul
A young man takes his father to Hawaii, even though he’s been dead for months. An organ player won’t let her newly amputated arm stand in the way of Sunday duties. A grad student decides to take the fate of a homeless man into his own hands. A couple of criminals, new to rural living, find their idyllic life in jeopardy when nature strikes back. A stepdaughter moves in, a brother goes missing,... read more
E.J. Hughes Paints British Columbia
Robert Amos
E. J. Hughes (1913–2007) is British Columbia’s best-loved landscape painter. His unashamedly picturesque views of the province are appreciated by art professionals and the public alike.Following the success of his previous volume, E. J. Hughes Paints Vancouver Island, author and artist Robert Amos now follows the footsteps of the artist as Hughes travelled throughout mainland British Columbia ... read more
A Match Made for Murder: A Lane Winslow Mystery
Whishaw, Iona
The Rahtrum Chronicles: The Dream
R. K. McLay
In the Shadows of the Mosquito Constellation
Jennifer Ellis
In a world torn apart by economic collapse, Natalie and her husband Richard establish an island of relative safety on a communal farm. Death—by starvation, raiders, and sickness—stalks them daily, and their survival hinges on working together for the common good. But in a lawless land with no shortage of suffering, good is a malleable concept.As the constant grind of survival and the frictions... read more
Relationship -- Bridge to the Soul
Chris G. Moon
Written with humour and compassion, this is an easy-to-read handbook that has guided over a 150,000 readers through the essential stages of relationship, and helped them respond to the challenges and opportunities inherent in each stage. Chris Moon uses the design of intimate partnership as a template for all relationship dynamics, as he guides the reader from the glamour of Romance, past the ... read more
Hopheads, rejoice! Take the ultimate beer-lover’s road trip from Victoria, BC’s craft beer capital, to Tofino and Campbell River, visiting craft breweries and brewpubs in between. Your guide? Jon Stott, born and bred in Victoria—and beer enthusiast extraordinaire.In 1961, Vancouver Island had just one brewery. In 2018, Stott visited thirty-three breweries on the island—and three more breweries... read more
Island Home: Out and About on Vancouver Island
Anny Scoones
A collection of humorous essays about Vancouver Island’s unique quirks, from the south end to the north from beloved storyteller, Anny Scoones.Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands have a reputation for their ineffable charisma, laid-back pace, and distinct grooviness. As Anny Scoones travels the length of our beloved Vancouver Island, and visits the little coastal and inland towns and iconic ... read more
In 1885, Vancouver Island’s E&N rail service carried coal to smelters and ships, and the towns in the railway’s path prospered as the tracks expanded.Along the E&N celebrates the historic and still-surviving hotels and roadhouses that sprung up near the E&N. Within this carefully researched historical narrative, you’ll find stories of the halfway house in the Esquimalt District, the murder and... read more
The All Father Paradox
Ian Stuart Sharpe
pp. x 338, paperback edition
Healing Dogs Their Way: The Real Solutions Your Dog Deserves
Marijke van de Water
Christy Clark: Behind the Smile
Judi Tyabji
From Bear Rock Mountain: The Life and Times of a Dene Residential School Survivor
Antoine Bear Rock Mountain
In this poetic, poignant memoir, Dene artist and social activist Antoine Mountain paints an unforgettable picture of his journey from residential school to art school—and his path to healing.In 1949, Antoine Mountain was born on the land near Radelie Koe, Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories. At the tender age of seven, he was stolen away from his home and sent to a residential school—run by ... read more
Dance Me to the End: Ten Months and Ten Days with ALS
Alison Acheson
Marty, age 57, was given a preliminary diagnosis of ALS by his family doctor. Seven weeks later, the diagnosis was confirmed by a neurologist. Ten months and ten days later, Marty passed away. From day one, Alison, Marty’s spouse of over twenty-five years, kept a journal as a way to navigate the overwhelming state of her mind and soul. Soon the rawness of her words harmonized to tell the story... read more
From Idle No More to Black Lives Matter to the Me Too movements and more, one thing is certain: There is a burgeoning collective desire to hear non-dominant voices in subtle, curious, generative ways.The Vancouver-based EMMA Talks speakers’ series amplifies the voices of women-identified, trans, and gender-nonconforming folks. Curated by carla bergman, the series showcases a diversity of write... read more
The Final Voyage of the Valencia
Michael C. Neitzel
Railway Nation: Tales of the Worlds Greatest Travel System
David Laurence Jones
The E. J. Hughes Book of Boats
Amos, Robert
Warren has 32 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Warren provides great insights and input and my books are certainly much improved having his counsel and expertise. This is the second book that Warren has edited for me and both times I've been extremely pleased with the outcomes.
He's thorough and organized and with the style sheets he provides you'll be be in far better shape with Warren editing your book. I recommend Warren's editing servic...
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Joe Cariffe, December 2022
Prompt, professional, good attention to detail.
Michael Temple, November 2022
Warren is terrific to work with. This is the second book I've had him work on, and I'm very happy with his feedback. My books are better because of his meticulous work and skill!
Jami Fairleigh, November 2022
Warren is the consummate pro and provided valuable insights above and beyond. I plan to use him for future books!
Joe Cariffe, May 2022
I'm writing my first manuscript and greatly needed a professional editor. Being in unchartered waters I ventured through the many editing services out there from vanity publishers to low-budget editors with little experience. Thankfully, I found Reedsy and they helped me find Warren. He provided great feedback and is professional, insightful, and made important observations for improving my nov...
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Gregory Knight, May 2022
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