I have been editing -- short fiction, novel, poetry,  and non-fiction -- for twenty-five years, first as a member of The Malahat Review' s editorial board, and now as a freelancer. I offer a variety of skills, from manuscript evaluation to substantive editing to copy editing.

Appropriate editing (and the right editor) will bring any text into its clearest form. Since every writer is unique and writing processes vary widely, I’ve found it most important to listen to the text and to the writer, and then collaboratively design an approach and timeline to fit the project. The purpose of an editor, besides clarifying syntax and ideas, is to allow the authorial voice to sing through with as much elegance and as little interference as possible.

I’ve been in love with reading and writing nearly all my life, have led writing workshops, and have become an active member of the writing community.

I’ve published in magazines, and am the author of eleven books of fiction and poetry, with substantial experience of publishing in Canada. This means I have also worked on the other side of the editorial table, and have had rich experiences with some of Canada's finest editors. 

It’s my goal to assist writers in their pursuit of excellent writing. Excellent writing, no matter what form it takes, will find and win its audience. Recently I’ve edited The Bluff Detector by Tom Martin (Agio Publishing, non-fiction), An Autoerotic History of Swings by Patricia Young (Sono Nis Press, poetry); and for Thistledown Press: The Monkeyface Chronicles by Richard Scarsbrook (young adult novel), The Ditch Was Lit Like This by Sean Johnston (poetry) and The Maladjusted by Derek Hayes (short stories). I’ve also edited theses and academic essays and government websites.

Besides my work in editing and writing, I’m trained as a counselor / therapist and acupressurist and have a small private practice.

I welcome all queries for additional information.