Welcome, author. I’m excited to meet you...
whether you’re an uncertain first-timer or a prizewinning novelist.
I’m Amanda Sumner, former New York publishing-house editor, now a freelance editor for independent novelists and writers aiming at traditional publishing—your developmental editor, line editor, and book coach. I’ve spent thirty years learning what takes fiction from clean to compelling.
Why you might be excited to meet me
I’ll let a few of my clients do the talking.
I could not ask for a more understanding, funny, compassionate, and hard-working editor. For real. You keep me sane and even-keeled when I want to chuck it all in, you talk me down off the ledge when I think I’m utter rubbish, and your enthusiasm for my work makes me want to be a better writer. Please don’t ever leave me.
I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Amanda! The advice she’s given as a book coach has been invaluable for the book we are working on, and for my future works. Her encouragement and enthusiasm is second to none. She has gone over and above my expectations, and I can’t wait to continue working with her on other projects!
She is very professional and sweet, loving my characters almost as much as I did.
A true partner to your book
I love these kind words. But nothing gives me more satisfaction than watching a manuscript begin to shine as we shape it, together, into the best book it can be. I think of myself as your partner. Whether editing or coaching, I work alongside each author as they create books that fulfill their own vision. Whoever you are and whoever you write about, you’re welcome here—LGBTQIA+ authors and characters very much included.
Thirty years of reading closely
My editing career began in 1992 at a small literary press that’s now part of HarperCollins. From there I joined W. W. Norton, and for years I freelanced for Prentice-Hall. For more than fifteen years I belonged to the Romance Writers of America, and I twice led workshops at their national conferences—one on using editing software and one on writing about sex.
I trained and certified as a copyeditor along the way, and that rigor still underwrites everything I do. Books I’ve edited have gone on to win and place in the IPPY Awards and the National Readers’ Choice Award—but the part I’m proudest of is watching an author find their footing and write the book only they could write.
From a client and a longtime colleague
Picture Albert Einstein in your mind. A bad haircut can make anyone look stupid, right? If your writing does the same to your brilliant thoughts, call Amanda. I have known her for years. Besides working literary magic she has insight, humor, attention to detail and a special talent for concept clarification. You will enjoy working with her. Your haircut won’t change, but your words will be perfectly coiffed. Five stars is not enough.
Amanda is a gem and a top-notch editor. In the time we worked together at SilkWords, she advanced from copyeditor to associate editor in a short timeframe. She is detail-oriented and has a strong sense of story, and her tone as an editor is positive, respectful, and constructive.
Let’s talk about your novel.
Tell me where your book is, and we’ll find the right next step—together.