Melanie Bell

Author, Writer, Editor

Editing

Here’s a visual representation of what I do every day.

I believe that every writing project gains immensely from a good editor. It’s hard to see your own drafts objectively. An editor offers both big-picture insight and attention to the details that are so easy to overlook.  

In addition to my day job in editing, I work as a freelance editor for publishers in the UK, US, and Canada. I offer developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading. I love SFF and some of my favorite private clients are genre writers. Prior to freelancing, I acted as Managing Editor for Matrix Magazine and Snare Books, a literary magazine and small press in Montreal. I also interned with Counterpoint Press in Berkeley, helped with acquisitions for The Fiddlehead, and revived and edited a student newspaper.   

“Thank you so much for your thoughtful and generous reading. It is by far the most thorough beta reading I have ever received! Your comments are extremely helpful as you managed to touch on precisely the issues that have concerned me the most.”
-Danae Clark, author of LOOK AT IT THIS WAY

Having lived in three countries, I’m a bit of a translator: I’ve Americanized British texts and helped create materials for international audiences. I’ve often been the go-to person for working diplomatically with authors. I respect the author’s vision and work with my clients to ensure their writing communicates it effectively while connecting powerfully with readers. As a bridge between the writer and the public, I take my role seriously.   

Are you looking for an editor? Drop me a line. I’d love to hear from you!