I believe that writing and editing are a way of life, the constant creation and refinement of thought and action that leads to our highest level of contribution.
The purpose of my business is to help you contribute at your highest level by maximizing the value of your book or documentary film for its reader or viewer and to do so in a way that honors both our financial, physical, and cognitive needs and constraints.
As a developmental editor, I'm focused on all aspects of crafting a high-quality nonfiction book or documentary film (substance, structure, and style), all while keeping the needs, goals, and interests of your reader or viewer top of mind.
If you're interested in working with me for one of the services offered below except a 1.5-hour consultation and want to connect personally to see if we're a good fit, click here to schedule a free, 25-minute get-to-know-each-other-and-see-what's-next chat.
Developmental editing addresses structural components on three levels: overall story/information arc, chapters or scenes, and how all the components fit together to keep the reader engaged from page one to The End. I use your stated goals and my understanding of your ideal reader to frame my assessment and help you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
If you'd like to learn more about how I think and communicate ideas to clients, I invite you to listen to this Journey Sixty6 podcast episode: Cristen Iris on Thinking Like a Filmmaker When Writing Your Memoir (How to Write a Memorable Memoir: Structuring and Building Unforgettable Scenes).
Are you looking for an editor whose clients are represented by literary agents and have contracts with traditional publishers to review your book proposal and sample chapters (up to 60 pages)? I offer several levels of review to meet different needs and budgets.
If you'd like to learn more about how I think and communicate ideas to clients, I invite you to listen to this Journey Sixty6 podcast episode: Cristen Iris on Thinking Like a Filmmaker When Writing Your Memoir (How to Write a Memorable Memoir: Structuring and Building Unforgettable Scenes).
Launch & Delivery: 10-day turn around
Launch & Delivery: 7-day turn around
I am no longer offering ghostwriting services. However, if you have a manuscript or collection of notes and and a good sense of what you want your book to do for readers, I do still re-write manuscripts. (Book doctoring falls between ghostwriting and developmental editing.)
depending on the scope of the project, including whether you also need a book proposal and query letter
Launch to Delivery: 5-7 months
Whether you're a seasoned documentary filmmaker or working on your first treatment, I can help you identify your ideal audience and shape your intellectual and emotional story arcs accordingly. That includes selecting interviewees and structuring the film to maximize its educational and emotional impact.
I offer choose-your-own-adventure hourly rate consulting or can customize a flat-rate project plan based on your unique needs.
To learn more about how I think, click here for 3 reviews I wrote in 2021. I've also covered Treefort 2022's Filmfort for The Boise Beat, volunteered and served as an embedded reporter for a 48-hour short film competition and am working with filmmakers whose projects include Academy Award nominated, Emmy winning, and Audience Award winning films.
This high-value, budget-friendly option is a great opportunity to "pick" (use) the brain of an award-winning writer and developmental editor whose clients achieve measurable results to help you decide what next steps you can take to reach your project-related goals. Click here to schedule your consultation.
Narrative Nonfiction: human rights/equality; animal rights/veganism; evidence-based medicine/plant-based diet; epidemiology and medical anthropology; environmentalism/sustainability; film, television, pop culture; sports; science; technology; personal and professional development; legal; disability and neurodiversity
Academic-to-Trade Crossovers: anthropology, psychology, sociology, neurology
Memoir: high impact, platform driven
Documentary Film: See narrative nonfiction, academic-to-trade, and memoir lists above.
