Everyone who has a blog has the intention to update it regularly, and I’m no different–but life and client projects keep me busy. Nevertheless, I have news to share.
Journalist and editor of the book In Their Own Words: Twenty Successful Writers on the Craft and Business of Writing interviewed me for his blog The Open Mic. We had a fun conversation about developmental editing for nonfiction books. I had the opportunity to answer one of my favorite questions–what writing problems do I see most often when editing books and other content from subject matter experts? You view the interview here.
I’m also happy to share some new testimonials from clients, which you can find sprinkled throughout this site. The latest is from a memoirist who received a manuscript critique from me in November 2018:
“You were invaluable to me in your editorial review. Implementing your suggestions enabled me to make what I believe is a quantum leap in my work. Thank you so much for your efforts. If my book is successful in the future, you will be directly responsible for helping me get there.”
— Mark Nisall, Author, Confessions of an L.A. Uber Driver (work-in-progress)
Around the same time in 2018, I provided a critique for a novelist looking to write her first memoir, about cooking, recipes, and the law. Here’s what she shared with me: lovely words, and a couple months later, the news that an agent agreed to represent her book after she made revisions based on my critique.
“After wrestling with a narrative nonfiction manuscript for some time, I finally realized that what I needed was an objective set of eyes on the work, someone to help me craft a more compelling story arc and ‘journey.’ Kristen’s manuscript critique was invaluable, providing me with specific suggestions and ideas. Supportive, yet with a keen eye for detail, she is a delight to work with.”
— Leslie Karst, author of the Sally Solari mystery series and Cooking for Ruth
I also had the privilege of working with the author of a wonderful, practical guide to making healthcare decisions for aging parents and people with terminal illness. Here’s what she said about our work together:
“I was so lucky to find Kristen to help me with my book, Getting the Best Care: Rescue Your Loved One from the Healthcare Conveyor Belt. Kristen has a friendly and approachable nature but she is a stickler for process. That is a great combo in an editor. She helped me to clarify my thinking and to make the book so much better with her editing expertise. She is responsive to emails and never left me wondering. I would love to work with her again!”
— Margaret Fitzpatrick, Author, Speaker, and Advocate for a More Rational Approach to Healthcare as We Age
In the last year I’ve had the privilege of providing manuscript critiques, developmental edits, and book coaching to a number of authors both in the United States and overseas, including memoirists, health writers, and business authors. If we’ve worked together and you’re reading this–thank you for trusting me with your words. If we haven’t yet worked together–let’s talk!