Thinking about writing or publishing?
I’m a developmental editor, and I do manuscript evaluations for new and experienced writers. A one-time evaluation of your draft can strengthen your independence and confidence as a writer. Knowing more deepens and accelerates your work to get you closer to a near-finished or final draft.
You have something to say in the way that only you can say it. Keep exploring how it feels to share that voice.
“Roll up!
It’s an invitation.”
“The Magical Mystery Tour is waiting to take you away…
"ROLL UP! FOR THE MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR."
"ROLL UP! FOR THE MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR."
to take you today.”
…wherever you are in the process…
Writing is quite a ride up in the sky.
Writing is an adventure. Sometimes simple, sometimes not. You may have audio files, scraps of paper with notes, or people who keep saying, "You should write a book!" Or you may have a quiet thought about a story or an idea you feel is meaningful or that could help someone. These are all clues that you may be ready to start.
Ask yourself.
Do I have a story to tell or an idea to share?
Is it meaningful to me or someone else to share it?
When I work on a story or idea, does time fly by?
Any "yes" warrants a chance to begin. It's good for the soul.
An editor can be your net below.
You've been writing. It's all there, but it needs to have other eyes on it. The solo part has been done. Now it’s time for an experienced reader: an editor. An editor can listen, read, edit, comment, suggest fixes for only what needs fixing, and encourage. At any stage, whether you have a completed draft or just an idea, an experienced editor can help.
"Picture yourself in a boat on a river..."
Whether in air or on land or sea, everyone's got a dream. It can feel a little heady to do something new or something you've dreamt of. What' s the process for a book anyway? Find out more. It could lead you to where you're meant to go.
Writer, editor, “Paperback Writer."
Approach and Background
Every writer is different. Every editor is different. My goal is to help writers remain true to themselves and meet the professional expectations in their genre. The writer may be a physician, therapist, poet, accountant, or musician. The most original and fulfilling work is produced when that writer's voice and creative processes are allowed to fully develop.
I have a BA and MA from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa and have worked with beginning and experienced writers in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction (self-help, memoir, and academic writing.) I was born and raised in Hawai'i, but I've spent equal time in San Diego. I'm a member of Hawai'i Writers Guild (HWG), San Diego Professional Editors Network (SD/PEN), and San Diego Writers and Editors Guild (SDWEG).
Services
Manuscript Evaluation
You may not be sure about what you have or what you need. A manuscript evaluation is a one-time review of your current draft. I specialize in developmental editing. I look at your manuscript and give holistic comments about organization, tone, development, clarity, language, and any other areas that might need attention. Writing involves decision making, and comments can help guide a writer's current and future choices. There are strategies to fix issues or get unstuck. Clients find that this one-time review with specific examples helps them produce increasing refined drafts on their own, often resulting in a near-final or final draft. This prepares the writer and the manuscript for the last stages of editing or book production.(Note, this is a developmental, holistic review; although there are very specific coments, it is not proofreading or line-by-line grammar corrrection.)
Fee per manuscript evaluation based on genre
Poetry 225.00 Fiction 350.00
Nonficition 350.00
Fees may be adjusted based on word count and form of the draft (rough draft or final draft). I request that drafts be typed, double-spaced, and in standard font. Feel free to contact me if you have questions.
Clients and Publications
Examples of Clients and Publications
Editing, Becoming Love-able: How a Man Can Grow to be a More Loving Partner by Richard Matzkin; Editing, Ageless Love: The Sexy Science of Falling in Love Forever by Barbara R. Grossman, PhD and Michael J. Grossman, MD; Editing and book trailer for leaves and their tree by Paris Jessie; Editing, typesetting, book trailer for SASS by Erika Verónica Brown; Editing for MANI-festo: A Call for Men to Become Warriors for Kindness by Richard Matzkin.
Partial List of My Publications
“Episodes,” ionosphere, forthcoming; “The Body Can Curve,” Encinitas Quarterly, forthcoming; In Your Mind Only," "Where to Start," and "Cosmic Andagi," Chiburu: Anthology of Hawai'i Okinawan Literature, edited by Lee A. Tonouchi; "Uchinanachu," "Mother," "Father," Pablo Neruda Prize for Poetry, Honorable Mention, Nimrod International Journal; "Haku," with Kumu Hula Kapena and Kumu Hula Lokelani, Adirondack Review; “Air,” “Ethnobotany,” and “The Well We Drink From,” San Diego Reader;“Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres,” "Before,” San Diego Poetry Annual.
Partial listings. CV upon request
To see my self-published work, go to Books & Music.
When is the right time to contact an editor?
I do developmental editing, so it’s really helpful to contact me before a finalized draft. I can let you know what is working well. I can also help find solutions for things that need work. For some people, it can also help to talk to an editor at the beginning of their writing process to get ideas of how to start.
