Marlies Sargent

Profile

I am a freelance fiction editor who loves helping authors create their best work. I offer collaborative editing for new authors looking to self-publish. I am passionate about collaborating with writers to support them in producing a novel they are proud to publish. My collaborative editing includes both developmental editing (structure, idea development, character development, and genre elements) and copyediting (style, grammar, and consistency). 

As an editor and former teacher, building relationships with my clients is a priority, and I help them develop their writing skills throughout the editing process. My hope is that by working with me, clients will learn a few new skills that they can take with them into their future projects. My style is supportive, personable, and communicative. I endeavor to help authors convey their ideas to their readers and to bring out the best in each project.

I have experience working with contemporary romance novels and fantasy novels. I also have experience working with nonficition books, including books about spirituality and prison chaplaincy. Please send me a message if you would like more information, or if you are interested in working together.

Please visit my website for more information.

Reviews:

Marlies is an accomplished, brilliant and talented editor. I needed a guide to teach, encourage, and stretch me. Her gifts and expertise were invaluable. She is organized, efficient, knowledgeable, honest, yet kind. I have learned so much from her. There were days a story would reach an impasse and somehow she would provide that little insight to help me through the rough patch seeing what I couldn’t in the moment. When I needed to find a story, get ideas, find the words she prompted and guided my way. Her keen eye would pick up spelling, grammar, and words that would only leap off the page after she pointed them out! The best decision I ever made was to enlist the services Marlies provided through Working Words. She told me that her job was to be the liaison between the writer and the reader. I know my readers will be better off because Marlies contributed her time and knowledge to help me with my book Honeydew Melon and Ice Cream.

-Donna Klaassen (nonfiction author)

Working with Marlies was an absolute pleasure. Not only did she find numerous ways to make my book better, her willingness to explain the rationale for even the smallest changes made the editing process so easy. When making her recommendations, Marlies always looked for and found the right balance between the rules of grammar and my style as an author. I look forward to the opportunity to work with her again in the future!

-Kit Olmstead (urban fantasy romance author)