Does your novel, memoir, or pitch need fresh eyes?
Let’s make your story sing
Affordable – dedicated
I’m an experienced fiction and nonfiction editor and book coach. I work in Editorial at NAC, New Authors Collective literary agency. I also run Dr. Bella Editorial. With over fifteen years in the industry, I’ve had the pleasure of providing editorial feedback on over a hundred books with a focus on structure, genre, character development, pace, theme, point of view, and fulfilling readers’ expectations.
There’s nothing I enjoy more than helping a client sharpen a cliffhanger, add foreshadowing to a scene, and artfully layer on just the right amount of backstory. Oh, and ramp up sexual tension. And build suspense.
Whether assisting a new writer, or one of the many bestsellers I work with across genres, my goal is the same: make your writing project the best it can be—vivid and compelling.
What do I edit? “Women’s fiction,” memoir, literary fiction, romance (all heat levels), domestic suspense, thrillers, mystery & crime, LGBTQ fiction, YA, sci-fi, MG, and picture books. For nonfiction, I have experience editing academic articles, Ph.D. theses, and articles for popular culture.
In 2020, I was the resident creative writing teacher at Kensington Neighbourhood House. Best. Job. Ever.
I’m an active member of IPEd (Institute of Professional Editors Limited).
Below you’ll find:
“What I offer” - learn more about my packages
How to book an appointment or free 25-minute consultation
A list of references
References
Worldwide best seller, Glenn Kleier. Prophet of Queens (thriller)
“Over the years I've had the privilege and pleasure of working with some outstanding editors, and I must say, Bella’s eyes are among the best. The whole point of editing is to make clear to the writer issues she/he is simply too myopic to spot. I found myself nodding in agreement with regularity. Always her suggestions were food for thought and stimulated much reflection.”
USA Today bestselling author, Jessie Cal. Memories Lost (romantic suspense)
“I am so grateful for Bella's expert eyes on my manuscript. She not only pointed out basic errors but also made me think about why I had made the choices I had made. Her editorial help has made me a better writer.”
Bestselling author, Katia Rose. Latte Girl and Your Rhythm (romance)
“Bella's critiques have been professional, trustworthy, and immensely helpful to me as an author. She delivers concise and actionable feedback that goes beyond simply 'liking' or 'not liking' elements of a story; her suggestions are all thoroughly explained and easy to incorporate into the editing process. I'd highly recommend her to any author looking for honest and encouraging insight on their work.”
Vanessa Carnavale. The Memories That Make Us (women’s fiction)
“I know I can rely on Bella not only for honest and useful feedback, but great brainstorming. She helps me draw out the essence of my stories, my character’s motivations, and what will make for an even stronger plot. She understands the elements of good fiction and I’m sure her clients will love working with her!”
Ann Warner. The Babbling Brook Naked Poker Club - Book Four and Book Fire (cozy mystery)
“Being able to critique a novel in a way that the author will find both constructive and inspiring is a gift. And Bella has it. Along with encouraging words, I found Bella wielding a scalpel-like acuity to the weak premises, overly wordy prose, and unnecessary repetitions in my most recent novel (and the one before that). Using her critiques as guides during revisions has enabled me to vastly improve two of my books (and counting).”
Kate Foster. Paws (MG)
“Bella’s input on the opening chapters of my MG contemporary were immensely helpful. I incorporated her detailed feedback and these changes led to me signing with my agent.”
E.J. Mara. Basic and Almost Friends: The South Louisiana High Series (YA)
“Bella is amazing to work with. Direct yet encouraging, she inspires writers to produce their very best work. After pouring over my manuscript, she offered insights that refined the story's plot and character development. She also pointed out how I could improve my writing style and highlighted the grammatical errors I'd missed. An editor with Bella's writing experience and her analytical brain is an absolute must for any writer!"
Personal experience
I’m an award-winning author who’s published a narrative nonfiction book (Allen & Unwin). My novel, Weekend Friends, is coming out in 2023 (Post Hill Press/Simon & Schuster). I’ve also published short stories in numerous journals, poetry, and hundreds of articles about love, well-being, and gender in various magazines and sites, such as The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Huffington Post.
Plus, I landed one of the top literary agents in the US—Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary—and I’m happy to share the tricks of the trade. P-e-r-s-e-v-e-r-a-n-c-e!