Reviews (16)

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Reviews (16)

Overview

As an acute reader and experienced editor of literary fiction, commercial fiction and narrative non-fiction, I can help you find the authentic contours of your novel, memoir or short story. My editorial approach is detailed, insightful and attentive, 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 manuscript assessments; I believe this is the service most useful and cost-effective for the majority of requests I receive. My assessments 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 tools to become better writers. I'm very open to discussing your expectations and questions, and I will always include sample edits or excerpts from past work in my offers, so you can see what I do.

Feedback from Past Collaborations:

"I couldn't have dreamed of a better reader. You unlocked a lot for me in the story. Thank you so much for taking my work seriously and sharing your knowledge. Your notes and comments have been brilliant - so professional and thorough. I'm really over the moon and I have you to thank, I couldn't have done it without."

-- Peter McNamara, author of 'The New Place', second place in RTÉ Radio 1 Francis MacManus Short Story Competition (2018)

"I am so lucky to have you. This is perfect. It's been moving, really, to read a fresh response in real-time and this helped to centre me profoundly in respect of this book. You are such a great reader, I am incredibly grateful. You've sent me into a tailspin of realisations and about two months' more work at the very least but it will be a much, much better book.'

-- Niamh Campbell, author of 'This Happy' and winner of the Sunday Times Audible Short Story Award (2020)

Services

Developmental Editing

Copy Editing

Editorial Assessment

Languages

English (UK)

English (US)

Non-Fiction

Biographies & Memoirs

Fiction

Chick Lit

Coming of Age

Contemporary Romance

Cultural & Ethnic

Dystopian

Magical Realism

Short Story

Certifications

BA in Creative Writing from Florida State University
MSc in Literature and Transatlanticism from the University of Edinburgh

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

Freelance Editor

Self-employed

January, 2014 – Present (almost 9 years)

Copyeditor

Dalkey Archive Press

July, 2013 – January, 2014 (6 months)

A Man: Klaus Klump: Klaus Klump: A Man (Portuguese Literature Series)

Tavares, Gonocalo M, Tavares, Gon?alo M, McNeil, Rhett

Stories (Brazilian Literature)

Machado de Assis, Joaquim Maria, McNeil, Rhett, McNeil, Rhett

Journey to Karabakh (Georgian Literature)

Morchiladze, Aka, Heighway, Elizabeth

Literature Express (Georgian Literature)

Bugadze, Lasha, Kiasashvili, Maya

Professionalism

Professionalism

Quality

Quality

Value

Value

Communication & Punctuality

Communication & Punctuality

This is the second time I have worked with Sydney, and once again she did a fabulous job! She had good editorial instincts and helped make my story shine. Because my story is holiday story, I needed the story sooner rather than later. She fit me into her already tight schedule, and completed the edits on the day she promised. She is professional, bright and has a great sense of humor. Thanks,...

Susan Glenney, November 2022

Sydney is a true gem. Her developmental editing skills are top-notch. She is detailed and thorough and provided me with solid ways to polish my short story. She let me know: what works, what doesn't work and advice on what to do to make the story shine. Thanks, Sydney

Susan Glenney, November 2022

Sydney really helped me with the structure of my story and gave me valuable advice on how to improve it

Matthew Langford, September 2022

A great editor and guide! Sydney helped me a lot with my very first attempt at writing a novel. She gave me great pointers on how to improve character development and gave me useful ideas for major plot points. Sydney has been instrumental in helping me better understand writing on a macro and micro level and positively influenced my book to a great extent. I can definitely recommend her serv...

7 Colourfulmind, July 2022

Sydney is an amazing collaborator. Along with great insights , critiques, and encouragement, she provided a range of concrete solutions that are helping me move forward quickly with a more effective re-write. All her ideas are valuable--even the ones I might not end up using. She is great to work with, and I highly recommend her to anyone who needs an extra pair of razor-sharp eyes to take thei...

Holly Larsen, June 2022