Sharon Goldinger

Writer & Editor Sharon GoldingerPeopleSpeak can help ensure that your nonfiction book stands up to the scrutiny of editors, publishers, book reviewers, and book buyers.

PeopleSpeak has been offering professional editing and writing services for more than 15 years, helping individuals and organizations shape and finalize their nonfiction works. We also provide content editing, copyediting, proofreading, production management and book shepherding services.

We pay close attention to every detail. We can eliminate wordiness, review content for accuracy and logic, and ensure proper tone for the intended audience. To maximize the professionalism of your next project, we check punctuation, grammar, spelling, writing transitions, consistency, conformance to style, and subject-verb agreement.

Our book shepherding services include leading clients through the often-complicated publishing process to help produce exceptional and award-winning books. We consult on strategic guidance, marketing plans and author platforms as well as coordinate many facets of marketing (including public relations, advertising, speaking, social media, networking, partnering with organizations).

All our work is thorough and comprehensive—we have an eye for details.


“Your involvement in and support for Berrett-Koehler have been a huge blessing to us. The list of BK projects that PeopleSpeak has edited and proofread is amazing.”
Steve Piersanti, Publisher, Berrett-Koehler Publishers

“I cannot tell you how impressed I am with your incredible sensitivity to and command of the English language. Thank you very much for the wonderful job that you have done, word for word and line for line, editing this book.”
Brian Tracy, author, Eat That Frog and The 100 Absolutely Unbreakable Laws of Business Success

“Sharon has helped in every area of the creation and marketing of my six books (idea development, organization, editing, proposals, etc.). They would not have happened without her.”
Steve Martin, author, Heavy Hitter Selling and Heavy Hitter Sales Linguistics

“If you need a book shepherd, Sharon Goldinger is the person to see. Her editing was the most thorough, precise, and far reaching I ever encountered in my publishing experience. The people she referred me to for cover design, interior design, and indexing were absolutely top notch. She gave me consistently honest, useful advice at every step of the process, ensuring a really professional product. Once the book was done, she remained available for consultation, advising me on every aspect of post-production: marketing, ebook production, reprints, distribution, you name it. I can't imagine anyone doing a better job for me than she did.”
Jon Frederickson, author, Co-Creating Change: Effective Dynamic Therapy Techniques, and The Lies We Tell Ourselves

“Of all the editors I've had, Sharon is the best.”
William A. Gordon, Publisher, North Ridge Books

 

For more information about PeopleSpeak's editing, production management and book shepherding services, please visit http://www.detailsplease.com/peoplespeak.


Contact Information:

PeopleSpeak
25401 Alicia Pkwy, #L512
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
https://www.peoplespeakservices.com
Tel: (949) 581-6190
Fax: (949) 581-4958

Email: pplspeak@att.net

Book Marketing and Promotional Materials Book Shepherding Copyediting/Line Editing Manuscript Critique/Evaluation Project Management Proofreading Publishing Consulting

Amy Friedman

Amy Friedman, writer and writing instructorIf you're looking for a writer, a collaborator, a developmental editor, a mentor, or a coach, I can help you, offering more than 25 years of experience.

As a writing teacher (in Ontario, Canada, Cleveland, Ohio, New York City and Los Angeles), I've worked with hundreds of writers—helping them to write a book or many books, polish an essay, craft a career.

As a collaborator and ghostwriter, I've shepherded dozens of memoirs to completion and publication. As a coach I've helped writers to overcome writing blocks and to complete projects. As an editor I've polished, clarified and honed books, essays, speeches, newspaper and magazine articles and feature stories and more.

To read more about my work please visit my website www.amyfriedman.net

“Line by line, Amy Friedman is one of the most elegant and insightful writers I know. Her ability to dive into an experience and extract deeper meaning should be a model to writers everywhere.”

— Hope Edelman, author of The Possibility of Everything


 

“Amy has been a pleasure to work with. She picked up my ‘voice' very early on and has carried it with style and a great deal of hard work, adding excellent structure and planning to the book. She has become a very good friend, what better recommendation could there be!”

— Anne Willan, founder, École de Cuisine La Varenne


“Like an urban gardener, clearing off needles and broken bottles from rich soil, Amy Friedman finds the story behind the story.  As an editor, she has the rare ability to nurture, clarify, and enhance the creative process in others, without letting her experience drown out still burgeoning voices.  Amy is there from bud to blossom.”

— Lauren Marks, author, A Stitch of Time: Portrait of a Mind in Construction and PEN USA Emerging Voices Fellow 2011


“Like the best editors and teachers, Amy's ability to understand both writing and people is astounding.”

— Linda Folsom, Disney Imagineer


Contact Information:

www.amyfriedman.net

Email: kellsmom@gmail.com

Author Coaching Book Proposals Developmental Editing Ghostwriting Manuscript Critique/Evaluation

Monica Faulkner

Monica Faulkner, editor and writer

  • Do you want to write a book but don't know where to start?
  • Have you started writing a book but feel you could use some help and feedback?
  • Have you finished your book but aren't sure what to do next?
  • Would you like to find out how you can become a successful published author?

As a Los Angeles–based book editor, writing coach, and publishing consultant, my goal is to help you become the best writer you can be – so your books reach their full potential.

In today's competitive and fast-changing marketplace, it isn't just about “the book.” It's also about you and building your career. That's why, in addition to working with clients on their books, I offer customized publishing strategies for successful career planning – including actively contacting agents and publishers for you when your books are ready to be sold.

Among the publishing services I offer are:

  • Expert guidance and support in every phase of writing and editing, from initial analyses or evaluations of your manuscripts through developmental editing, one-on-one coaching if necessary, copyediting and proofreading
  • Strategic planning about the best ways for you to publish or get published
  • Submission of your books to agents and established traditional publishers
  • Project management, from editorial through design and production of your book, if you want to independently publish, market, and promote your books using the ever-expanding resources of the Internet
  • Assistance with turning your expertise and knowledge as an author into a rewarding and profitable complementary career as a speaker or consultant

If you feel that any of these services may meet your needs, give me a call. I'd love to hear about you, your books, and what you want to have happen in your life as an author.


My publishing and creative clients include:

  • Fiction writers (mainstream, literary, popular fiction)
  • Nonfiction writers (proposals and full manuscripts in health, medicine, current events, psychology, memoirs, spirituality, other areas)
  • Screenwriters
  • Publishers (all levels of editing)
  • Agents who feel a book needs fine-tuning before they can sell it
  • Writers who want to publish independently (manuscript development, editing, production and printing, marketing and promotion)

I also consult with corporate and business clients on sales and marketing materials (such as sales letters and books for back-of-the-room sales and promotional purposes), Web content (especially cost-effective, profitable, creative and inviting “sticky site” content that turns visitors into customers), and developing speaking and consulting careers.


Here's what some of my recent clients have said about our work together:

Monica brought this book to life. She put her heart and soul into making my memoir much more than I ever expected. She checked facts and details for accuracy and made so many insightful suggestions that before long I realized I could trust and accept every change she recommended. Besides shaping the book, she oversaw the process of bringing it into physical form with patience and expertise. I am so impressed with her dedication that I feel as if she almost cowrote it with me.
– Ramon Resa MD, author of the award-winning memoir, Out of the Fields:
My Journey from Farmworker Boy to Pediatrician (The Carlsbad Press)

I know about the hand, but without Monica's help I would not have been able to pass this knowledge on to my readers.
– Steven J. McCabe MD, author of 101 Questions and Answers about
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (McGraw-Hill)

As good an editor as any writer could hope for.
– Stephen Altschuler, author of The Mindful Hiker: On the Trail to Find
the Path (DeVorss); named a best biography/self-help and book by the
– Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR)

And here are some details about my background:

  • Coauthor of The Ideal Entrepreneurial Business for You (Wiley)
  • Published author with a national and international background in journalism and editing
  • Former executive editor of Writers Lifeline, a division of Los Angeles–based literary management firm AEI
  • Speaker and presenter at writers' groups and conferences including the Santa Barbara Writers Conference, the International Women Writers Guild (IWWG), the Pasadena City College Writers Forum, the SouthWest Writers Conference, the LA Writers Conference, and Independent Writers of Southern California (IWOSC)
  • Consultant and chief copywriter, www.unlockthegame.com
  • Member of these professional associations in addition to LAEWG: Publishers Association of Los Angeles (PALA), PEN USA, the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), Independent Writers of Southern California (IWOSC), the Freelancers Union, and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)


Contact Information:

Los Angeles, California
Tel: (310) 391-3705

Please call or e-mail me for copies of these useful resources:
* How to Avoid Publishing Scams
* The 10-Second Pitch

Email: faulkner.editorial.com@gmail.com

Author Coaching Book Marketing and Promotional Materials Book Proposals Book Shepherding
Business and Corporate Content Copyediting/Line Editing Developmental Editing Manuscript Critique/Evaluation Project Management Proofreading Publishing Consulting

Barbara DeSantis

Barbara DeSantis editor and writerWith more than twenty-five years in the book publishing industry, Barbara DeSantis knows what it takes to make a book successful. She understands how essential it is for a manuscript to be polished and publication-ready before submitting it to an agent or book publisher. Clients benefit from her varied professional experience ranging from literary publicist to publishing consultant to book editor and writer.

Barbara began her career in New York at Simon & Schuster where she worked as associate director of publicity for the Adult Trade division. Later she moved to Los Angeles and opened her own business, continuing to freelance for major houses including Penguin, Dutton, Plume, Viking, Atria as well as smaller publishers, independent and university presses, and individual authors and writers.

Editorial services include manuscript critique and comprehensive book editing, book proposal writing, and the writing of marketing materials such as press releases, author bios and Q&As, feature and op-ed pieces.

Fiction is her area of expertise and her first love, be it literary or popular, women's or young adult, but she also edits narrative nonfiction, and, a particular favorite, memoir. She likes to work one-on-one with clients in a truly collaborative effort to make the writing stronger, cleaner and, of course, compelling, yet always retaining the author's original voice and intention. For memoir and narrative nonfiction, that's just as important as it is for fiction, and she applies the same set of standards for editing nonfiction, as she does for editing a novel.

Whether you're just getting started or have a manuscript in the advanced stages, whether you're an unpublished writer and a first-timer, or a veteran writer needing another pair of eyes, Barbara will help you polish your work, identifying any problems, inconsistencies and weaknesses, trouble shooting through honest evaluation, one-on-one feedback and constructive support.


 

“Barbara is keen-eyed on the page, respectful of the author's intent, and profoundly insightful in terms of the work as a whole. She knows how to find the heart of a scene and the beauty in a sentence. She brings both psychological understanding and compassion to characters on the page. Barbara loves books and she knows what goes into making one work. Any writer would be fortunate to have her as an editor.”
—Stephanie Kegan, author of The Baby and The Myth of Solid Ground

Barbara DeSantis is an incredibly gifted editor. I know that's been said before, but I couldn't address her skill as an editor without acknowledging that. She's insightful, intuitive, and encouraging, making certain every inch of the manuscript soared, caring about its success as though it were hers, too. She helped me understand when a particular sentiment wasn't conveyed in a sentence or a paragraph, and when I rushed a major plot point in a chapter, she showed me how I could change the scene to illuminate the point and develop the story as I had intended. She drew my attention to the sections that needed further development and the sentences that needed to be pinched back–never eliminating my voice or changing my style in the process. She zeroed in on my weaknesses and praised my strengths, creating an environment that allowed me to write the strongest book possible. She is a tremendous person and editor and I will definitely work with her again!”
—Kathleen Shoop, author of After the Fog, a novel.

“When I think about Barbara, I think about the story of Lazarus. My writing was destined for the slush pile, until she infused it with new life. With her insight, sensitive ear, writing and editing skills, she brought my writing back from the grave. She has a phenomenal ability to capture a writer's voice, becoming one with her client, understanding their mind and soul. A pure synergy of writer and editor occurs. I owe signing with an agent to her editorial talent. Thank you! She is a magic wand for any writer.”
—CJ Miller, author of Grind: How to Turn Your Coffee Break Into Your Big Break, cast member of True Beauty and Donald Trump Presents the Ultimate Merger.

“Barbara is an extraordinary and gifted editor. She provided insights, solid advice, and superb writing skills throughout the process. She really got into the story, making me dig deep to uncover hidden truths, (she would have made an excellent psychologist). She turned the book into what it was meant to be, much more than I imagined. I recommend her highly for any editorial work.”
—Mari Sutton, author of From Dachau to Denver and Back: A Memoir.

Barbara did much more than edit my book. She challenged me, asked important questions, made me more honest, and pushed me when I needed it – all the while gently encouraging me to go to places in my writing I didn't think I could.  Without her I wouldn't have a book. 

“Barbara led me to a finished product; along the way, I experienced a most wonderful and unexpected journey.”
—Anthony Meindl, director, acting coach, producer, author of the forthcoming At Left Brain Turn Right: An Uncommon Path to Shutting Up Your Inner Critic, Giving Fear the Finger and Having an Amazing Life.

“Barbara helped improve the overall structure of my coming of age story, rearranging scenes, shifting chapter endings and openings, and beefing up narration to make the story flow smoothly.  She helped expand the story where opportunities were missed, adding depth to the characters and strengthening the conflicts between them.  She tightened up the prose and eliminated redundancies and unneeded passages, thus kicking the story into high gear where it had lagged and stalled before.

Barbara's skill as an editor forced me to reach deeper and draw out the elements that make for a more compelling story.”                                                                                              
Michael Oates, author of Wade in the Water, a novel

Barbara challenged me to work harder and have more conflict in my story.  She gave great suggestions on how to add subtext to my characters. She really got the story, and always kept in mind ways to enhance its various layers. Barbara seined out my verbal tics, took away my telegraph tendency, and set me to work propping up those sagging sections. Was the patient better afterwards? Absolutely. There is no substitute for an adept, fearless editor.”
— Mark Hughes, author of the forthcoming novel A Place for Every Gift


Contact Information:

Los Angeles, California
Tel: (323) 782-3854

Email: BDSpub@aol.com

Author Coaching Book Proposals Copyediting/Line Editing Developmental Editing Ghostwriting Manuscript Critique/Evaluation Promotional Materials Publishing Consulting

Laura Golden Bellotti

Laura Bellotti, writer and editorWhether you need a writer or an editor, I can help you develop your book project so that it reaches and captivates your readers.

I have more than 30 years' experience as a writer and developmental book editor, including five years on staff at Jeremy P. Tarcher, now part of the Penguin Group. In addition to editing the bestselling Women Who Love Too Much, I have helped numerous authors develop nonfiction books in the areas of psychology, parenting, relationships, women's issues and women's history, spirituality, health, and creativity.

My collaborative writing credits include: Parents Who Cheat (HCI), Emotionally Healthy Twins (Da Capo), Latina Power! (Simon & Schuster), Dr. Ana Nogales' Book of Love, Sex & Relationships (Broadway Books), and You Can't Hurry Love (Dutton).

I look forward to working with you to create a compelling book that clearly communicates your ideas and reflects your personal voice.


Contact Information:

www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/lgbellotti

Email: lgbellotti@hotmail.com

Book Proposals Developmental Editing Ghostwriting