What I Do

· If you’ve already written some of your book, I will help you see what’s working and what’s not. That understanding can lead you to a plan to finish what you set out to do.

· Many writers struggle to find their main idea or argument. I believe in outlines and will show you how to devise one that supports and magnifies what you want your book to achieve. I also know when to throw out the original outline, how to revise it and when it’s important to stick to your original plan.

· I dig deep into your writing, helping you tighten your prose, fine tune your syntax and call out unnecessary words, often suggesting ones that are stronger. I value lean, clean writing that communicates with great clarity.

· I value the first draft and have always loved this quote from the legendary editor Maxwell Perkins: “Just get it down on paper, and then we’ll see what to do with it.” Nowadays it’s a screen, but no matter. I may not be Perkins, but I can direct you to the second draft (and possibly third and fourth). Good writing is achieved through revision.

· I have worked with many writers from various parts of the journalism world and have helped them make the transition from newspaper, magazine and television writing to longer forms.

· I am market savvy from years acquiring books for major publishers, and I can help you focus your book to make it more marketable.