You may be wondering if you really, truly need an editor.

Many authors are gifted storytellers, or they’re able to explain complex subjects in ways we can all understand. Some of these authors can spell and put commas in their rightful place. More often, an author needs a little outside help to shape a manuscript, especially a longer one, into its best form.

So, yes—assuming you want anyone to read what you’ve written—you probably need an editor.

Writing is a solitary act. Even if you’re sitting in a sidewalk café or an airport terminal on a Friday morning, you’re all alone, huddled over your laptop. You’re free to write whatever and however you want. It’s just you and your words.

Reading, however, is not a solitary act. Reading The Martian on Mars would not be a solitary act. Reading connects one person to another, creating a common bond across the room or across the solar system.

An editor is your best friend if you want others to read your work. An editor will give you useful advice and guidance on the world of your story, characters, factual information, author’s voice, and all the stuff that holds it together. An editor can point you in the right direction and lead you out of the woods.

Partners, friends, and writing group members can provide valuable feedback. It may be difficult, however, to take caring criticism from people you know. Or they may be too gentle. If you’re lucky, you have one or two trusted readers who can give you exactly what you need.

In all honesty, I can’t take on every project that comes my way. I may not have room in my admittedly light schedule or I simply may not be the right editor for you. But I’m always willing to take a look and offer some brief feedback.

Please visit my services page for more information.

Pictured left: Somewhere near Detroit Lake, Oregon