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.
As a developmental editor and story consultant, I'm focused on all aspect of crafting a high-quality book or documentary film treatment--substance, structure, and style.
As a strategic partner and publishing consultant, I educate my clients about the publishing industry and the business of books and help them navigate and find their place in it. I also help my clients build their author platforms and reach more readers.
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). Much of this applies to fiction too.
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
Launch & Delivery: 5-day turn around
This is a budget-friendly, choose-your-own-adventure option and a great opportunity to pick the brain of an award-winning developmental editor, book doctor, and ghostwriter.
I'll help you better understand the nuances of the publishing industry and determine which publishing models (traditional Big 5, traditional indie, hybrid/partner, assisted self-publishing, or DIY self-publishing) are most appealing to you all things considered.
We can look at your book proposal and talk pitching strategy. Or we can go though the opening pages of your book and talk through its full arc, so I can offer feedback related to its structure and story or intellectual arc and more.
This is a popular option for first-time authors who just want a little coaching or who want to see what it's like to work with me.
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).
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.
My calendar is closed for ghostwriting projects for now. I will be available for book doctoring (manuscript rewriting) soon. Please stay tuned.
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: celebrity and high impact, platform driven
Fiction: literary and upmarket
Documentary Film: See narrative nonfiction, academic-to-trade, and memoir lists above.
