Short Story Editor
Literary magazines only publish a tiny fraction of the short stories they receive.
To get your short story out into the world of the literary journal or collection, you may see more results after some professional feedback. That’s where I can help. I've edited several short story collections and have published work in literary journals myself.
With an MFA in the craft of writing, I can easily help you break down the short story into understandable pieces with strategies to get it working at the next level. Some of my students and private clients have been very ambitious about their writing careers or have already published with a few of the top five houses, while others have simply wanted to capture their life experiences in language for their community. It’s my goal as a developmental editor to help you find the path that's right for you.
I’m an encouraging mentor who builds you up and helps you find more inspiration. I will also help you find gaps where the reader may have more questions. When you contact me, please tell me about yourself. What kind of critique has helped you in the past, and what are some of your goals for the work that you are sending me? Whether you are a beginner or have written stories for decades, I'll provide experienced editorial guidance to help provide the best reader experience, as well as help you meet your goals for your work.
You'll receive an editorial letter, and editorial notes from me, with a breakdown chart of what's going well and where you need work in the following areas: Character, Setting, Theme Point of View, Action/Conflict, and Dialogue. You'll also receive a complimentary consultation online or by phone if you like.
To schedule a call to talk about your goals for a short story editing session sign up below, or send me your story. I've been known to take up to a half hour per page in my careful editing that's why the cost of developmental editing is .012 per word or $14 per page. I work in developmental editing only, sorry not proof reading or copy editing.
2022. Salt & Fig Press. Reading this collection will make you want to take up the mythic path and find the heart of your inner hero. The collection contains works by over 50 international poets as well as six short stories: "Fomka" by Katie Sakanai, "Briefest Use" by Hayden Moore, "Swan Song" by Caroline Sidney, "Good Gal" by Hayli McClain, "Just a Pile of Stones" by Kevin Callahan, and "Eleventh Night" by Lauren Tunnell.
2022 Coyote Point Press. Top 100 Best Books of 2022 Kirkus Reviews. Eleven sensual and modern-day short stories about love, loss, devotion and desire. Set in the small lake towns and suburbs of the country's Midwestern heartland, the tales thread from one heart to another with extraordinary effectiveness and power. Lovers, partners, family members and friends-they push courageously toward love, and often win. Intimate and impeccably crafted.
Illustrated by Hayley Patterson 2019. Flying Ketchup Press. The Goldilocks Zone is new voices in short story. Step into the boots, high heels, spurs, or flippers of unconventional travelers, those who disappear in the blink of an eye, who fight environmental disasters, hide secrets, believe in true love; those who are looking for a new home, and those who will never go home again.
2022. Salt & Fig Press. Reading this collection will make you want to take up the mythic path and find the heart of your inner hero. The collection contains works by over 50 international poets as well as six short stories: "Fomka" by Katie Sakanai, "Briefest Use" by Hayden Moore, "Swan Song" by Caroline Sidney, "Good Gal" by Hayli McClain, "Just a Pile of Stones" by Kevin Callahan, and "Eleventh Night" by Lauren Tunnell.
THINGS I LOOK AT AS YOUR EDITOR...
From the first line
CHARACTER/ SETTING
Character and Setting are key to rooting your readers into the narrative of your short story. Setting is one of your Characters! The protagonist or main character must change and make debateable choice (s) in the story as well as have conflict either internally or externally or both to move the action forward.
THEME/ POV
Each story has its own style and form with scenes, micro scenes, and a careful weaving of point of view from the protagonist. A short story means that every choice for the author feels important, and it is. Revising for the theme can help your story feel like it has a natural consistent voice and style, keeping your reader in the moment as they take this short journey with you. A good story can make the reader feel as if they've watched a whole film, or read a whole novel-- that's because of the point of view leaves room for the reader's imagination yet also remembering what they need to know and how to treat them as brilliant readers without keeping secrets from them. It's a relationship I can help you build into your writing.
ACTION AND CONFLICT/ DIALOGUE
The most important thing I look for in a short story is how the action and conflict, even the back story, are relayed through creative natural dialogue. Does the story use these tools to do more with less? This is where everything hinges on revealing who your characters are and how they relate to their world. The short story plot must have enough conflict and resolution to give the reader a sense of wonder or closure, even to the point of an enjoyable reread. To me, short stories are like a slice of pie. They need layers of structure and opacity as well as a recognizable form that tells us the beginning, middle, and end.
REVIEWS FROM CLIENTS
"Polly is so encouraging. She caught my vision and reflected it back to me! She has been a light and an encouragement every step of the way! Polly helps and encourages me to present my best work! She's a visionary with positive energy!!!" Leanne Litka
"There's something open and inviting about [what you do] ... What zeal, enthusiasm, and energy! Brava!"
Malcolm
"[Your editor's notes] It's some of the best news I've received in a long time!" Brian
"Wow, thank you so much . . . [your editor's letter] was incredibly helpful! I appreciate your detailed feedback, line notes, encouraging kind words.... I'm working hard with the next draft! Soon, I can soon recommend you..."
"Polly helped me with a draft ... manuscript and her deep knowledge of fiction writing and character were so illuminating that I've spent years benefiting from her insights. She can decisively get to the heart of a narrative's weakness and help invent solutions".
Renee L.
"It was really good talking to you...You gave me good advice and a lot of encouragement. Thanks very much." J. Atherton