I provide manuscript editing services for a wide range of writers. Novels, short stories, essays, screenplays, promotional materials, and other oddities. I can help with big picture issues as well as close-up line edits, depending on your needs.

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What Clients can expect:

One universal truth is that stories and manuscripts must be polished as much as possible if they are to have any hope of publication. My editing process varies based on the needs of each client, but I typically start with a big picture analysis of the work, including strengths and weaknesses with characterization, conflict/tension, description, inconsistencies, pacing, passive writing, plot, point of view, scene development, and structure. I discuss my feedback with the client and give notes on potential approaches to revision. Depending on the scope of the work, I may also provide detailed line edits to address more technical issues: word choice, grammar, punctuation, errors, etc.

My experience:

I have helped individual clients strengthen their work enough to get it published and to receive manuscript requests from agents and publishers.

I am a Developmental Editor, Line Editor, and Copyeditor for The Artful Editor, a book editing company based in Los Angeles. 

I edited the novel Fake Fruit Factory by Patrick Wensink. It was listed as one of NPR Books' Best Books of 2015.

I serve as a Contributing Editor for The Masters Review, an online and in print publication celebrating new and emerging writers.

I founded and edit Goreyesque, an online journal inspired by the work of Edward Gorey.

I have over 15 years of copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and PR experience with corporate and non-profit organizations.

RECENT CLIENTS

TESTIMONIALS

"I've hired Todd to edit several books for our company, and each time he has gone above and beyond in providing our authors with thoughtful, precise, and intelligent feedback and edits. Todd has a deep understanding of the craft of storytelling and a sincere commitment to help writers. I feel fortunate to have him on our team and highly recommend him to those looking to hire a damn good editor."

—Naomi Long Eagleson, Founder & Editorial Director, The Artful Editor

"Todd Summar is one of the finest editors I have ever worked with. My last novel, Fake Fruit Factory, was named one of the best books of 2015 by NPR and that would never have happened without Todd's guidance. His amazing attention to detail, clear vision, and editorial chops can take a good book and make it dazzling."

—Patrick Wensink, bestselling author

"Under Todd Summar's editorial expertise, a wildly ambitious novel with a lot of potentially disastrous elements (a very precise timeline, an ensemble cast of outrageous characters, and a distinctly crafted sense of humor) was tamed. Todd's attention to detail and instinct for voice, pacing, and structure are well-honed, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him."

—Naomi Huffman, Editor

"Todd Summar has an excellent editorial eye. His specific and generous feedback speaks to each story's greater potential, and his critiques inspire confidence and generate momentum. In a clear and concise way he helps access better writing. It's wonderful watching our writers respond to his kind and constructive insight."

—Kim Winternheimer, Founding Editor, The Masters Review

"The best thing for me to say about Todd is that every story he edited got published. One was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Another was a finalist for a major fellowship. I could go on and on about Todd's editing prowess, his professionalism, his passion for writing, but I’ll leave it at that."

—Robert Kerbeck, award-winning writer

LEARN MORE

If you are interested in editing services, would like to inquire about pricing, or would like more information, fill out the form below and I will get back to you. (Alternately, you may email me directly at: todd at toddsummar dot com)