Sydney Weinberg

Sydney Weinberg – Editor

Perceptive editor of novels and memoirs. With 10+ years experience, I'll help you hone your voice and shape your narrative.

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 developmental edits and manuscript assessments. 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 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
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Chick Lit Contemporary Fiction Cultural & Ethnic Literary Fiction Post-Apocalyptic Psychological Thriller Short Story
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
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 50 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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Shoyebo O.

Shoyebo O.

May, 2025

Awesome
Alexei R.

Alexei R.

Apr, 2025

Once again, working with Sydney has been invaluable for me as an aspiring writer. Her advice has been realistic, grounded, and yet not discouraging. You can tell that she loves the craft and is genuinely interested in helping you make the most out of your vision/talent/direction.

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