Are you an author based in the New England region of the northeastern United States?
Do you need a book editor to edit your manuscript before you submit it to a book agent, or a publisher?
Below you’ll find 17 top book editors in Maine.
Remember: Don’t rush into selecting a book editor. Contact some editors with experience of editing books in your genre, get a dialogue going, inquire about their editing background and find out everything about what you can expect from the editors’ services.
1. Red Pen Editorial
Cathie Bucci is the founder and the brains behind Red Pen Editorial. A Maine resident and local, she is also a writer, tutor and poet. Her experience in the English language brought her to editing. Cathie does stylistic and developmental editing for novels. This editing chooses to improve your jargon, grammar and style. It is vital that your voice should match your content and that is where Cathie gives her input without taking away from your content. She also does copy editing which is more intensive and involves research and fact checking. Are your statistics or numbers (in non-fiction) real and relevant? In fiction, there needs to be continuity. You can’t start off with a tall, brunette protagonist and find her/him being short, stocky and redheaded in another chapter. If you want a simple proofreader, then Cathie will assist you with the same as well. She does all genres of fiction and non-fiction. Her rates and contact details are mentioned on this page.
2. Sheila Polson
With over 30 years of experience, as an editor and writer, Sheila is an excellent choice if you are seeking a professional book editor. Amateur writers need a supportive colleague and guide who can steer their book in the right direction. Established writers want a sounding board and sharp mind that can anticipate their needs and build on their existing style. Sheila will lend her hand in all styles of editing right from fiction and non-fiction. Writers and authors of short stories, journals, essays and articles can also hire her for their jobs. Whether it’s a novel for adults or young adult fiction, she is right with you and working in your best interests. Write to her via email to contact the Maine based editor.
3. Laurel Robinson
An editor has to set his or her personal biases aside while working with an author. They have to let the writer lead while they support his or her vision. Laurel Robinson is an experienced, nuanced book editor who knows how close an author or writer can get to their book. They find it difficult to let somebody else work on their labor of love. She doesn’t bully or dismiss the author and his/her suggestions. Working in the publishing industry since 1977, she eventually launched Laurel Robinson Editorial Services in 1994. Her love for reading has allowed her to build a thriving and successful business. She does editing for independent writers and authors in genres of fiction, non-fiction, travel, memoirs, culture, magazines, newspapers, communications and marketing materials, thrillers, spirituality and young adult. Send her an email mentioning your word count, deadline and writing sample.
4. Kathryn Robyn
As a writer herself, Kathryn understands the importance of having an objective set of eyes to review your work. She is a published author, actor, producer and poet. Having varied experience and knowledge, she is able to be open, diverse and always have a unique perspective. The right book editor can do more than just proofread. They can uplift the quality, tone and style of your book. For a new writer, this is a necessity and can make the difference between getting your manuscript published or rejected. She can do copy editing, proofreading, content development and formatting. Her choice of genres and styles include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, essays, articles, scripts, novels, magazines and educational materials. Write to her to find more about her services and pricing.
5. Steve Hrehovcik
A multi-talented and multi-faceted artist, writer, editor, script writer and illustrator, Steve is based in Maine. He has written several local, travel and research based articles about Maine. With his experience, he is perfect for you if you want someone to reduce the noise or clunky elements from your book, novel, memoir, article or story. He has also worked as a ghostwriter, stepping in when needed to give a voice to someone else’s story or journey. Contact the Kennebunk based editor by emailing him for pricing and services.
6. Mark Chimsky Editorial
Former editor at prestigious literary agencies such as Little, Brown and Macmillan, Mark was an editorial consultant for several bestsellers. His experience with published, famous authors, celebrities, artists and athletes has given him the tools to work on any kind of book or novel. An award winning poet and teacher, he understands the value of the written word. He loves working on memoirs, non-fiction, fiction, business, spirituality, lifestyle, culture, religion and self-help. Fill the online form to request more details and he will get back in touch with you.
7. Elizabeth Peavey
A writer, educator, performer, editor, artist and speaker, Elizabeth dons several hats with equal grace. Having lived most of her life in Maine, she is familiar and versed with the local talents. She also holds regular writing workshops to aid and assist writers with honing their skills. As an editor she takes her skills as an educator and teacher and puts it to use while editing, proofreading and formatting your work. Her main goal is to allow you to present your story in a clean, coherent and flowing manner. She can work on the big picture stuff such as style, structure or grammar and tone depending on what you need. You can write to her and send a sample so she understands what she is going to work with.
8. Dawn Potter
A teacher, editor and consultant, Dawn is based in Portland. An author and poet, Dawn spends considerable time working with new, fresh voices who need an experienced editor. She loves working and supporting writers in need of guidance. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can spot a mistake or a change in style and provide constructive criticism. Dawn steps in at the final stage of your manuscript and gets it ready to be received and read by publishers. She received grants and fellowships for her writing and poems. She works with individual authors, publishers and educational presses. Writers of fiction and non-fiction can approach her to edit, proofread and correct their material.
9. Midcoast Editors Alliance
A group of 5 experienced editors got together to provide and offer editing services to writers in Maine. With decades of experience as writers, educators, ghostwriters, entrepreneurs and coaches, they can give you exactly what you need. Their love of books and writing ensures that they make you a priority. You can collaborate, discuss and share your hopes and dreams with them. It is their aim to polish your manuscript, book, memoir or novel to such a degree that it will get noticed by the publishers for the right reasons. The difference between a rejection and acceptance can be a simple grammatical mistake or ten! Fill the online form so they can prepare a budget and plan for you based on your material and requirements.
10. Julie Rabinowitz
Teacher, educator, speaker and scholar, Julie has been a leader and top name in her field. Writers need a thoughtful, calm and objective editor who can assess their material, do the needful and keep the essence of the story same. She can do various styles such as Chicago, MLA, and APA, developmental editing, copy editing and proof reading. She is one of the few editors available to do project editing. When you are working with a team of authors or on a bigger project, you will need an editorial team. Julie can manage the team of proofreaders, editors and designers in an impeccable fashion. The project will look seamless and there will be no discrepancy in the voices or styles used. Contact her via email to learn her prices.
11. Harpworks Writing Services
Stephanie Harp started Harpworks Writing Services to give writers, authors and literary professionals editing and coaching support. She thinks of editing as getting you one step closer to your dream of being published or accepted. Publishers want your manuscript to be coherent, crisp and to the point. Stephanie’s job is to figure if your story or writing is overcrowded and you are bombarding the reader with unnecessary, irrelevant information and words. Nothing bores a reader more than long, flowing descriptions of a simple thing or idea. She will cut to the chase and let your work shine among your peers and their ideas. She offers proofreading which is a simple run through of the final draft, line editing that fixes grammatical mistakes and linguistic errors and content editing that shapes tone, structure, style and readability. Write to her via email and she will send you her prices and details.
12. Maine Desk
Since 2001 this small agency works with writers, companies and publishers to edit, proofread and hone their materials. The boutique company promises personalized customized attention to every writer. Amateur, new writers can’t afford extravagant rates or editors so they assure you a quick turnaround and reasonable rates. This doesn’t mean they skimp on quality. The idea is to give high quality, consistent editing and honest opinion on your material. They have worked with nursing, healthcare and educational companies and journals previously. But they are open to working on fiction, non-fiction and educational materials. Contact the Portland based agency via email.
13. Dr. K. Lee Banks
A highly experienced educator, social worker and speech therapist, Dr. K. Lee Banks is also an editor and proofreader. Her blog and website have relevant, positive and interesting articles about writing, education and development. She brings the same positive energy to her profession as an editor. Writers need helpful, constructive and specific criticism when dealing with their work. Discussing their mistakes and improving them can be easily navigated if the editor is gentle yet firm with the writer. Dr. K. Lee Banks does proof reading, editing, academic writing, creative writing and professional writing. Contact her via email to learn more.
14. Joan Phaup
A stellar career spanning 40 years in journalism, editing, writing and marketing has made Joan Phaup the go to name in the literary business. Her passion to work on the writings of other people led her to becoming an editor. She brings the same dedication and commitment to her job whether it is with an individual writer or a company. The size of the project is immaterial as her focus remains only on the wishes of her client and his/her needs. She is an avid reader which is why she can also get in the mind of what a prospective reader may or may not desire in a particular text. This insight is crucial when editing a prospective novel or manuscript. She edits magazine articles, books, novels, fiction, non-fiction, blog posts, white papers and marketing materials. Write to her to request prices and other details.
15. Lee E. Cart
A freelance editor, writer, translator and book reviewer, Lee E. Cart is also a professional chef! Having such diverse and rich interests has made her prolific and capable of collaborating with creative people and artists. She understands the dilemmas faced by writers and authors when editing or finalizing a book. The final draft is the result of years and decades of hard work and dreams. She treats it with care and doesn’t strip it or rid it of the thing that makes it unique and special. Giving a quick turnaround time, she is available to proof read, edit and format your book. Fill the contact form so she can get in touch with you regarding your project.
16. Tasteful Editing
Jenna Nelson Patton had a keen interest in the culinary arts and writing. She combined her love for the two by establishing Tasteful Editing, a specialty editing service for cookbooks and culinary books. Her intense knowledge and passion for the culinary arts, wellness, nature, and arts and crafts give her that edge needed to edit a cookbook or non-fiction book. Whether you are a professional chef writing a cookbook or a first time author sharing recipes, Jenna will convey your message the way you want it. With 2 Masters Degrees and a PhD, she is the best in the business. Email her to learn more about her services and rates.
17. Kathrin Seitz
Kathrin has worked in publishing, entertainment, media, film and the toy industry in USA. She is also a writer, coach, editor and producer. For the past 30 years, she has been pouring her sweat and blood in the literary and writing industry. Supporting new, eager voices to fulfill their potential by editing, honing and polishing their materials. As someone who has worked in the commercial media industry, she knows what sells and what the audiences crave. She combines her commercial and literary instincts to turn your book into a bestseller and masterpiece. Professional and committed to enhancing your vision, she is a team player and her mission is to see that you connect with the reader in the way you wanted to. Fill the online form available on her website so she can understand what you are seeking.
Are you aware of any other book editors in Maine? Please tell us about them in the comments box below.
Shikha Pandey is a creative, content and script writer based in Mumbai, India.