Sydney Weinberg

Sydney Weinberg – Editor

Perceptive writing coach & editor of novels and memoirs. With 13 years' experience, I'll help you hone your voice and shape your narrative.

Overview

As an experienced editor of literary fiction, genre fiction and narrative non-fiction, I can help you find the authentic contours of your novel or memoir.

My editorial approach is attentive, insightful and empathic, guided by established craft techniques but primarily responsive to your individual voice and vision. With a multicultural background and additional experience in literary translation, I bring sensitivity and precision to all my projects.

I primarily offer developmental edits, manuscript assessments and coaching. My written reports are longer and more detailed than the industry standard; my goal is not just to improve the work before me, but to give my clients the tools they need to become better writers. I always include sample edits or excerpts from past work in my offers, so you can see what I do. I work with clients at all levels, from complete beginners to established authors.

If you're interested in coaching, please describe what you need help with and include a brief writing sample. I specialise in helping people move through stuck periods, whether that's an emotional block or a stalled plot.

I'm looking forward to reading your story!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Cultural & Ethnic Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Post-Apocalyptic Psychological Thriller
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Longlisted for the Deborah Rogers Foundation Award 2020
  • Shortlisted for the Bridport Prize 2020
  • Highly commended in the Stack Magazine Awards for Best Original Fiction 2018
  • Awarded Literature Bursary by the Irish Arts Council, 2018
  • Irish Arts Council Agility Award 2022
  • Shortlisted for the Bridport Prize 2022
Certifications
  • BA in Creative Writing from Florida State University
  • MSc in Literature and Transatlanticism from the University of Edinburgh

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2014 — Present

Dalkey Archive Press

Jul, 2013 — Jan, 2014 (6 months)

Portfolio

Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
RIVENNIA: A Game of Wagers

Urencio, Jaime

Sunrise & Rooster Press

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Remarkable Rachel Romain

Gottesman, James

JayEddy Publisher

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Fan Base

Jane Hartsock

Obsession has consequences… It’s been twenty-five years since Babs and her sister, Margot, met teen heartthrob Austin Lewis while visiting family in L.A., and the last three of those years hav... read more
Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
Fields of the Sky: A Collection of Short Stories

Lee, Matthew John

Lee Books

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Chrysalis Option: A Kiana Azunna Novel

Coulson, Eric

Eric Coulson

Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
The Bow Tie

Glenney, Susan

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Angel of North Africa

Gottesman, James

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Maze Of Your Mind: Book 1

Hamon, Benjamin

Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Stories (Brazilian Literature)

Machado de Assis, Joaquim Maria

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Editorial Assessment

Sydney has 66 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jane H.

Jane H.

Dec, 2024

Pinned
I wish I could give more than five stars. This analysis was absolutely phenomenal. It was clear that Sydney had read and deeply thought about the manuscript and her approach to feedback was both professional and honest. Perhaps more importantly--and this may seem like a small thing but it's not--...
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Alex P.

Alex P.

Apr, 2024

Pinned
Sydney was an absolute pleasure to work with! And I give my complete recommendation to anybody thinking of reaching out to her. The quality of the feedback was just brilliant. It was thorough, it was kind and understanding, but, especially, it was honest and useful. My feedback came with detaile...
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Paul O.

Paul O.

Jul, 2023

Pinned
I can't recommend Sydney highly enough. She will tell you what is necessary to get the best work out of you. Not just want you to want to hear. She is kind and supportive, and her experience will help you see things that will turn your work into something you can be proud of. Your search is over....
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Chitta R.

Chitta R.

Apr, 2026

It was a pleasure working with Sydney. The whole appraisal process added value as she was as deeply into the manuscript as I was. Her comments and observations resonated with what I felt my manuscript lacked, but what I couldn't discern.
Steve D.

Steve D.

Mar, 2026

This review is after one, ad-hoc session with Sydney; wIth more sessions planned in the weeks ahead. In that one session, I found someone who was just right for me at the time. She was serious, thoughtful, encouraging and engaged. I would thoroughly recommend her.

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