My experience:

For 25 years, I have worked with writers (ages 17 to 70) as they drafted, developed, and revised their novels, short stories, memoirs, essays, academic writing, and more. In addition to freelancing, I’ve taught traditional writing workshops as well as mentored and coached writers one-on-one on their book manuscripts. 

I’ll bring the following experience to my work with you:

  • 25 years of teaching writing, 22 of them at Harvard University

  • MFA in fiction from Indiana University

  • Masters in Education from Harvard University

  • Former fiction reader/editor, Indiana Review

  • Member, Editorial Freelancers Association

Other things about me:

I am incapable of going through a day without spending some of those hours immersed in a book (sometimes at the expense of sleep!). Put a good book in my hands and a cup of strong tea beside me and I’m set for the afternoon.

I have always gravitated to occasions where I can hear people’s stories: I’ve been an admissions officer, listening to students tell the stories of their dreams and aspirations; a college residential dean, helping students discover the life story they want their college experience to contribute to; and a writing teacher, working with students on the journey to make their ideas clear.

I live with my family in a town west of Boston, where we enjoy the hiking trails, the access to both mountains and ocean, and (of course) the bookstores.

In addition to fiction and memoir, my other interests include history, disability, mental health, and education.


It’s all about stories:

I believe that stories are how we make meaning of our lives. As readers, we see ourselves reflected in narratives, or we witness something entirely new that we had not yet imagined possible. As writers, something drives us to sit at a desk or in an armchair, in front of a screen or a notebook, and imagine people, scenes, and sentences that only come true because we devote that time to the story that drives us. As an editor, I know that sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come after the draft, when you have the chance for collaborative conversation about your manuscript--work that we are both invested in. When you want an editor, then, you are looking not just for someone who fixes errors (though that helps!). You want someone who will see your book both for what it is and what it can be, and who wants to help you bring that world you’re imagining to life for readers.

I work on many kinds of fiction (literary and upmarket, historical, women’s, speculative, and mystery), as well as on memoir and personal essays. I am particularly passionate about helping new and emerging writers.

A good editor is also a good teacher: you should leave any round of feedback from me with not only good suggestions for making the story stronger but also helpful insight into how to accomplish those strengths in your next work.