Writing & Editing

Matthew spent more than twenty years in the corporate sector developing and editing technical, instructional, and marketing documentation, as well as in project and program management roles.

He has long since shifted his focus to working with fiction and nonfiction authors. Whether developmental or line editing, coaching, or ghost writing, Matthew loves helping writers realize their creative visions.

The author of four books (a novel, a travel collection, a humor one, and a forthcoming memoir), Matthew is the recipient of several Solas Awards, including a $750 Grand Prize Story of the Year Award, and multiple Soul-Making Keats Literary Awards. His latest book received Gold for Humor in the Readers’ Favorite Awards and was a Foreword INDIES Book of the Year finalist. In total, his work has been recognized more than 20 times. Fiction and nonfiction Matthew has edited for clients have also won numerous awards, including NorCal Publishers & Authors Book Awards, Readers’ Favorite Awards, and a Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.

Matthew is happy to discuss potential collaborations on a complimentary twenty-minute Zoom chat.

Developmental Editing

Developmental editing is concerned with the “big picture,” i.e., the concept and structure of a piece, whether a novel, essay, or article. Matthew loves helping authors develop their work, both upon initiation and further along in the process, when some reworking for structure, flow, or honing in on the heart of a piece can help to get it just right.

Coaching

Many writers find it beneficial to have a partner during the writing process. Matthew is happy to provide ongoing guidance and feedback at any stage of your work’s lifecycle.

Line Editing

Line editing takes place near the end of a manuscript’s development, when a line-by-line review is needed to address structural and mechanical issues such as the following:

• Flow

• Awkward constructions

• Wordiness

• Word choice, including redundancy

• Spelling

• Grammar

• Punctuation

Note that while spelling, grammar, and punctuation are addressed in line editing, ideally copy editing and/or proofing is undertaken to specifically focus on those elements once a manuscript has been updated with line-editing and any other changes.

Matthew uses the Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster. He is also happy to develop a style sheet specific to each edited manuscript.

Ghost Writing

Matthew has worked as ghost writer on two books, and would love to discuss your project as well.