I enjoy working with writers of all levels and helping them hone their craft. My approach is instructive, collaborative, and supportive. When you hire me as your editor, I think deeply about your work. I provide constructive feedback to help you take your work to the next level and prepare it for publication. I have over two decades of experience writing and editing picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, historical fiction, novels in verse, memoir, new adult, and non-fiction. My clients have gone on to secure agents at top literary and entertainment agencies, publish award-winning stories with traditional publishing houses, and self-publish.

For five years, I volunteered as the Regional Advisor of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators San Francisco South chapter, helping hundreds of writers further their craft and build their careers. Along the way, I founded Middle Grade Lunchbreak, a book club of professional writers who discuss books with an eye for craft.

As a freelance editor, I am thrilled to be associated with Angelella Editorial, a family of editors with proven professional experience who bring out the best in writers and authors. I am also available for hire on Reedsy, an online platform that allows writers to connect with designers, editors, translators, and marketers who have extensive experience in publishing.

In addition to working with writers, I have worked as a Managing Editor, Copy Editor, Line Editor, and Proofreader for Room to Read and the Asia Foundation, two NGOs focused on building literacy around the world. In October 2020, I was honored to be chosen by Room to Read as one of 10 editors for the Room to Read Peace & Equality Book Collection.

I offer my clients:

-Professional, expert service
-Clear, reliable, punctual communication
-Thorough feedback
-Personalized and customizable revision plans
-Extensive experience in the publishing world

I’ve been writing professionally for over 25 years. When I worked in the software industry, I learned to write punchy, targeted marketing copy for consumer packaging, direct mail campaigns, and company websites. Now, I craft picture books, middle grade and young adult novels, novels-in-verse, and historical fiction. I want my stories to make readers feel more at home in the world. Love, relationships, philosophy, and self-knowledge are big themes of mine. I’m not yet published, but I hope to be soon. My picture book, The Soapbox, was nominated for the Sue Alexander Most Promising New Work Award at the SCBWI Los Angeles Conference in 2018. My middle grade historical, Guys Like Us, won the Best Novel Manuscript at the SCBWI Golden Gate Year Conference in 2022.

Image by Adler Boncher Creative

Bentley

I’m a huge fan of the Oxford comma and spending a weekend reading and sipping tea.

I grew up in Texas where I spent nearly all my summer weekends splashing in the muddy waters of the Gulf of Mexico, building sand castles, and fishing for Texas blue crabs. I’ve made the San Francisco Bay Area my home since 1988.

When I’m not working, I spend enormous amounts of time walking my English Shepherd, Bentley. I like hiking with him through the oak forests near my home, looking for bunnies and mountain lion kittens. I also enjoy traveling, reading, cooking, and sitting around the table with people I love.