Work With Me
Writing & Editing
“I like a good story well told. That is the reason I am sometimes forced to tell them myself.”
—Mark Twain
Every one of us has a unique story to tell, but sometimes we need help bringing that story to the page. I offer a range of affordable advisory and editorial services for emerging as well as established writers, including:
- Full manuscript line editing covering spelling, grammar, syntax, active/passive construction, concision, narrative mode, clarity, sentence/paragraph/chapter organization/flow and basic formatting, fact checking, inconsistencies in chronology, anachronisms, readability, evaluating connection with intended audience.
- Partial edit to enable writer to identify and make needed revisions throughout manuscript.
- Evaluation of manuscript without editing
- Fact-checking and research
- Sensitivity reading
- Rewriting or ghost writing
- Advice on publishing options
- Tailored writing prompt packages
All editing packages include a free 30-minute follow-up session via email or phone for questions or further revisions.
I’m so grateful to Ellen for the detailed, insightful feedback she offered on my manuscript. It was more helpful than I could have imagined! The story is stronger, I’m happier with it, and I’m absolutely confident it’s ready now to share with the world.
~Debra Whiting Alexander, PhD, award-winning author of Zetty and A River for Gemma
I went to Ellen for a manuscript critique, as all authors benefit from objective eyes we trust when we are too close to a project. Her insightful comments were invaluable in helping my manuscript reach its highest potential.
~Claire Fullerton, award-winning author of Mourning Dove and Little Tea
After receiving stellar recommendations for Ellen from an award-winning novelist, I asked her to edit my novel. Her work was nothing short of marvelous, with exacting, perceptive, creative suggestions. Ellen’s smart and skilled. Her laser focus on everything from mechanics to structural and conceptual components took my manuscript to a new level. I’d hire her again in a heartbeat.
~Cheryl Bostrom, author of Sugar Birds: A Novel
Ellen’s careful reading and suggestions gave me the confidence and tools to make my story better. She identified the sticking parts and flat language, never missing a clue that wasn’t followed up on or an emotion that was out of sync. She’s an owl, sharp-sighted and wise.
~Linda Stewart Henley, award-winning author of Estelle and Waterbury Winter
Ellen provided me with the ability to see both creative and organizational aspects of my writing that I could not clearly observe in myself, allowing me to understand my project on a much deeper personal level than I could have imagined.
With a sixth sense for plot and story, strong command of language, syntax, and conventions, and eagle-eyed attention to detail, Ellen transformed a good manuscript into an excellent manuscript. With a sharp wit, and even sharper editing pen, Ellen communicates easily and quickly. An excellent professional editor for works of fiction who is an award-winning fiction writer herself.
~Ashley E. Sweeney, author of Eliza Waite and Answer Creek
As a debut novelist, Ellen’s guidance helped me hone my characters for consistency and believability. Her eye for detail in voice, dialogue, and spotting phrases and declarations which required further research to validate, was invaluable in creating authentic historical fiction.
~Janis Robinson Daly, author of The Unlocked Path
Ellen is exceptionally talented and instructive and has inspired me to write creatively, passionately and clearly. With her encouragement, my writing turned from second-rate to words of intelligence. Very approachable, her artistic ability is a benefit to everyone.
Ellen is very good at what she does, and put me on a better course.