Overview
As a full time story coach, I offer developmental editing, line editing, and story coaching across multiple genres, fiction and non-fiction, with a soft spot for anything young adult and fantasy. Not only have I helped create and edit successful queries, television pitches, book proposals, and fiction and non-fiction tomes, I specialize in working with publishers and authors to ensure their books have fantastic commercial appeal.
Ultimately, my job is to make your stories rock. :)
Why? Because I believe in the power of story, and I love to see authors flourish without wasting time or money. To that end, I particularly enjoy brainstorming with clients when needed to ensure their voice and heart shine through.
As a creator and editor of educational and marketing materials for a non-profit for sixteen years, I landed six of my own fiction book publishing deals with HarperCollins. So, if you’re interested in an efficient partner who has been on both sides of the shelves and understands the complex ins and outs of traditional, indie, general market, Christian, and hybrid publishing, with lots of editing and querying expertise, I’m your girl!
I'd love to dive into your story and help bring your words to life.
** CLIENT TESTIMONIALS **
"Mary went above and beyond all expectations. Top-notch professional service at every turn. I couldn't be more pleased, and I'll be sending all my author friends and clients their way." ~ Julie Cantrell, NYT and USA TODAY Bestselling Author
"Mary was amazing! She provided amazing feedback on my query letter package and industry information. I would recommend her to anyone!" ~ Kristain Branham, Writer
"This was a fantastic experience that will certainly benefit my career moving forward. You absolutely met my needs. " ~ Clint Hall, Science Fiction Writer
"It was fantastic! Mary is super knowledgeable and jumped right in addressing the main needs and concerns I had. I’m very pleased with the package I received." ~ KB Benson, Indie Author
"Mary's edits on my query and one-sheet made everything professional and concise, and the workbook has many helpful resources. I would recommend this package to anyone pitching a book who isn't quite sure where to start, or needs a refresher in querying." ~ Haylie Hanson
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Awards
- Christy Award - Young Adult Book of the Year
- INSPY Award - Young Adult Book of the Year
- ECPA Top Shelf Book Cover Award
- Carol Award - Young Adult Book of the Year
- Realm Maker's Award - Young Adult Book of the Year
Work experience
Self-employed
As an editor, book doctor, and marketing consultant, I've provided developmental, line, and copy edits for writers, developed book and author queries, proposals, and marketing strategies for a Harper publishing imprint as well as individual authors ranging from new-to-the-business to New York Times bestsellers, helped writers successfully write, edit, submit to, and publish articles and short stories in numerous magazines, anthologies, and online publications, as well as mentored authors in every aspect of the writing, marketing, and publishing business. This includes experience submitting to, and writing for, Huffington Post, Writer’s Digest, Dayspring, and more. I also own and run a writers' training company with NYT bestselling author, C.J. Redwine, through which I provide a full line of edits, mentoring, marketing, and teaching on writing and editing craft.
Portfolio
Mary has 15 reviews
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Apr, 2024
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Mar, 2024
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Nov, 2022
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Oct, 2022
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Oct, 2022
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