Every good writer needs an editor
Everyone needs editing and feedback to be the best writer they can be. Don't work in a vacuum or wait until you've spent ages on something before getting a set of professional eyes on it. A good editor finds strengths to build on, quirks to highlight (and quirks to correct!), and identifies roadblocks to smooth out.
I work with you to bring out your voice and your story.
"Molly is a laser-sharp editor. Working with her, I learned the WHAT and the WHY behind good writing. She made everything I wrote 25% shorter and 300% better."
Marion Brewer
Writer and Content Strategist
"Molly is my favorite editor. No question. She knows exactly when to push for more, when to cut fluff, and she can suggest that one line that makes the whole piece come together — all without ever changing my voice. "
Amy Machnak
Writer and Senior Content Guru
"Taking Molly's specific feedback and insightful comments to heart helped push me to the next level with my food journalism."
Sydne George
Food Writer and Photographer
"I cannot say enough about Molly as an editor and mentor. She's shaped me into a more concise and thoughtful editor and writer, showing me how to have plenty of fun along the way. I wouldn't be the editor and writer I am today without her thorough feedback and line edits."
Tanay Warerker
Writer, Editor, and Strategist
"Molly is the quintessential editor and writing coach. She taught me much of what I know about the economy of words and how critical it is for effective writing to have a point of view. She is an editorial force!"
Aarti Virani
Writer and Editor
Get clear, actionable feedback
Make your writing all it can be
Another set of eyes is great, and I'm all for sharing your work with friends or other trusted readers, but without training or professional experience, they can't give you the most useful feedback. It tends to be too gentle (I loved it, don't change a thing!) or too personal (I don't like the main character at all). It's almost always less than actionable (I don't like the ending, without saying what about it they didn't respond to).
When you hire me to edit your work, you'll get clear suggestions on how to improve it and an actionable plan for moving forward.
How I work
No matter where you are with your project, professional editing helps. Hiring someone to take a look at something you know isn't working can save you hours (years?) of frustration. A professional edit can also give you the confidence you need to move forward to the next step. I offer a range of editing services.
Developmental editing
Developmental editing looks at the big picture of your project. Are the bones all there and are they in the right places?
Line editing
Line editing is what most people are looking for when they hire an editor: suggestions on how to make each sentence even better than it already is.
Copyediting
Copyediting can focus only on correcting grammar, but it usually also aims to resolve questions of clarity and logic, as well as accuracy and consistency.
Every writer and project is unique, and so too is the Venn diagram of the combination of types of editing they need. Let me know all about your project, and we'll figure out a plan!
Coaching v. Editing
What's the difference between coaching and editing?
Coaching
I guide your writing practice and approach to make the most of your time.
We focus on skill development and strategies for improvement.
Editing
I give clear suggestions and actionable feedback on writing you've done.
We focus on improving existing writing and moving it forward.
Let's find the best solution for you
Some people need coaching. Others just editing. Most writers need a mix of both—let's figure out what combination will serve you and your goals.
