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The Writer's High®​, LLC––providing uplifting editorial services for writers at all stages of their creative journeys.

I'm delighted to join these talented speakers at the Georgia Writers Museum Writers Retreat 2023! I'll be sharing everything you need to know about editing and how to find the right editor for you and your work. Hope to see you there!
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Welcome

Welcome to the Writer’s High, your professional source for uplifting editorial services to elevate your writing! I specialize in developmental and line editing for memoir, narrative nonfiction (self-help, business, etc.), mystery, speculative fiction, romance, and historical fiction. 
 
Have you just completed a manuscript? If so, congratulations! I hope you’re celebrating because that’s a tremendous accomplishment. 
 
How Editing Benefits You, the Author

If you’re new to editing, let's spend a few minutes on the basics. I’ve often thought that writing a manuscript is somewhat like building a speculative or “spec” house—a house that you want someone to purchase. You’ve decided on the style of home you want to build (genre), in the location you prefer (setting); you’ve poured a foundation, added walls, rafters, and a roof (narrative arc, plot/plot points), and even decorated your rooms (characters/character arcs). You’ve built this beautiful house from concept to creation, and now you’re ready to sell. You need a good real estate agent to help you attract buyers. So you ask your friends to recommend agents (editors), and you narrow them down to the one you connect with. The agent tours every corner of the home (reviews the full manuscript), and lets you know all the best aspects of the home you’ve built—maybe it’s well-constructed with lovely paint colors, beautiful landscaping, and the rooms are tasteful and exactly what the buyers for that type of home are seeking. She’ll also let you know if some of the paint colors and décor are a little too “taste-specific,” which means your house is unlikely to appeal to your intended buyers. Or maybe she sees a crack running up a wall or two and she realizes your new home isn’t structurally sound. 
 
The agent’s observations may or may not be quite what you expected, or hoped, to hear. But then you realize that your agent wants the same thing you do—she wants you to attract buyers to the house you want to sell. Her role is to guide you, with respect and courtesy, and let you know what those buyers expect and offer recommendations to attract them. Now, it’s not her job to tear down your house and build what she wants. That’s the type of agent you’ll want to avoid. But it is her job to gently remind you that this is a spec house that you want to sell. However, and this is the most important part, it’s your decision to implement her recommendations. (If you’re wondering if I’m also a real estate agent, the answer is no, although I do love looking at houses!)
 
Understanding What Editing Service Is Needed and What's Included 

Editing definitions and what’s included in each type of editing can vary from editor to editor, so it’s important that your editor provides clear definitions of her terms and scope for each project. Ideally, these will be spelled out in a contract or letter of agreement, which protects you and the editor. The primary editorial services I offer are:


  • Developmental editing
  • Line editing 
  • Manuscript evaluations
  • Manuscript reviews
  • Author coaching

​For more information about what's included in my services, please visit my Editing & Writing Services page. 

The Writer's High Retreat is on hiatus until the Covid-19 pandemic is under control. In the meantime, enjoy this video from our 2018 retreat.

​If you’ve been yearning for the perfect weekend writing retreat, a refuge that’s focused on elevating your spirits and your writing, you’ve found it. The Writer’s High Retreat® is a welcoming experience––free from competition and judgment––featuring an inspiring program designed to develop and rejuvenate writers at all stages in their journey. Now in its fourth year, it continues to change lives.
 

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What retreat guests are saying...

"Like the standing ovation showed… people who articulated something important that not all writers groups, conference, and retreats convey––that no matter where you are on your writer's journey, your writing DOES matter, it deserves love and support, and it warrants hard work, positive but firm critiques, and a roadmap to publishing.”  


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The Writer's High Retreat

A Few of My Favorite Resources

Books on Craft*

Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody, how to structure your plot for maximum effect

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King, all you need to make self-editing entertaining and successful (also helpful for nonfiction writers) 

Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott, writing inspiration and encouragement 

Stein on Writing by Sol Silverstein, a legend's insights on every aspect of writing 


*Please note, although I've used Amazon listings for convenience, I encourage you to support your local bookstore. 

Websites

Jane Friedman, publishing industry expert, author, and instructor

Writers in the Storm, blog posts on writing process and encouragement 

Editorial Freelancers Association, how to find an editor, editing rates, and more


Writing Conferences & Retreats

Atlanta Writers Conference
Georgia Writers Museum Writers Retreat
Broadleaf Writers Conference


Copyright © 2021 The Writer's High, LLC. All rights reserved. ​
  • Home
  • Editing & Writing Services
  • Retreat
    • Registration
    • Schedule
    • Speakers
    • Sponsors
    • Past Retreats
  • Blog
  • Testimonials
  • About
  • Contact