Editing

I enjoy working with a text as a malleable, breathing object.  Helping the authors achieve a masterful level of coherence, pacing, characterization, tone, and word choice so that their work is publishable is my specialty. Sarah Cortez, editor

I have edited fiction – both literary and genre, e.g.  mystery, crime, and young adult novels and short stories.  I have also edited creative nonfiction, specializing in memoir.  I have edited poetry, both entire manuscripts and individual poems.  My experience in the business and non-profit worlds has served to give me the background to write and/or edit business publications, as well as fund-raising brochures and letters.  I also edit book proposals, query letters, synopses, and other projects related to the publishing world. 

Editing demands an ability to see both form and content in a piece, while ensuring that all components accomplish the expectations of the genre in appropriate language.  An editor must not only be able to understand the writer’s vision, but also be able to articulate to the writer what the problems are and give options for fixing them.  It is satisfying to know that writers whose work I have edited say I’m “one of the best editors” they have worked with professionally.

Endorsements

“Ms. Cortez has a keen eye for structure and details, and a sharp ear for language and rhythm.  Her enthusiasm is contagious, her energy inspiring.  She uses these talents in a supportive and professional manner to diagnose story problems both great and small, and to help a manuscript achieve its artistic and commercial potential.  I highly recommend her as a sharp and dedicated professional in the publishing field. ”

 

Gerard Houarner, (www.gerardhouarner.com)
Fiction editor, Space and Time Magazine (www.spaceandtimemagazine.com)
Fiction writer of four novels, four collections, and over 250 short stories published 

 

“Ms. Cortez is the sort of editor with whom I love to work…she has a good eye. ”

 

Joseph Bruchac, Author and Editor, (www.josephbruchac.com) 
American Book Award winner
Rockefeller Humanities Fellowship and NEA Writing Fellowship in Poetry

 Education:

  • Rice University
  • University of Texas-Austin
  • University of Houston

Editing skills:

  • Fiction
  • Poetry
  • Creative non-fiction
  • Copy editing
  • Manuscript critique
  • Magazine articles
  • Technical and business publications
  • Fundraising brochures and letters

Industries of knowledge:

  • Education
  • Financial (correct spelling) services
  • Business
  • Non-profit
  • Policing and public service