The Professional
Book Editors Association
We are independent editors who are dedicated to
the craft of refining great ideas into exceptional books.
500+ Authors have trusted us with their words.
MEET CERTIFIED BOOK EDITOR
Garry Breland
Westerns, Southern, Historical, Literary, Thriller, Suspense, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Detective, Science Fiction
As an editor, I see my role as being an advocate for the reader, helping the author smooth out any wrinkles in the story they have to tell. This might mean helping the author clarify, provide more information, or at times include additional story elements. It might mean presenting information in a different place, to hold the reader's attention and interest.
At the same time, it is important to identify, honor, and enhance the author's voice. It is their story and needs to be told in words and ways true to their writerly persona. I believe helping writers improves not just the text at hand but also their future skill and confidence as writers.
Before beginning to edit a book, it is important to clarify the kind of editing services the book needs and what the editor offers, whether book coaching, developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, formatting, or proofreading. A good editor will help with that process.
I typically begin a working relationship with a review of the manuscript, resulting in an analysis that explains
what is working well and what needs more work and outlining possibilities for moving forward toward developing a publishable book.
I have retired from an academic career, where I spent two decades writing professionally and working with graduate students’ dissertations. For me, retirement is not an end to working but a shift to working in a different structure--as a freelance writer, editor, and consultant. When not working, I enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and hunting. My wife and I like to travel as well. I write quite a lot, mostly poetry. Oh, and like most other writers and editors, I read constantly.
You can REACH OUT TO GARRY DIRECTLY HERE:
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(and we'll send your project notes to Garry for you)
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