"Elaine has extraordinary insight and grasp on mining for the heart of the matter"
As a mid-career journalist embarking upon my first book publishing experience, my requirements in finding the perfect match with an editor most definitely leaned towards that of a book doctor, or, as I like to think in Elaine's case, the more gentle professionalism and wisdom of professional book midwifery.
From start to finish, Elaine was thoroughly, reassuringly in-sync with my book, its message, its potential, its drive and what I needed to do to in order to write, re-write and write it again — to that well-honed point in which it was more than ready for print.
Elaine has extraordinary insight and grasp on mining for the heart of the matter. Her positivity and can-do approach absolutely kept my book on track. Elaine's understanding of my own particular method and motivations made for an ideal partnership in which I was able to tap into surprising new levels of self-expression.
In working with Elaine over the period of two and a half years, I not only realized my dream of publishing a book, I experienced enormous growth as a writer, thanks to her constant encouragement, wisdom and guiding light.
As a deadline driven journalist, staying the course and keeping on-track were key to my successful completion of "Fog Valley Crush." Elaine's extensive background in journalism, coupled with her considerable book editing experience made for time spent working together not only an immeasurable professional necessity, it was an absolute pleasure.
Frances Rivetti is a British/American independent journalist and author of “Fog Valley Crush.” She has written feature articles for Marie Claire Australia and The Sunday People Newspaper in the UK. Frances blogs daily on her site Southern Sonoma Country Life. She is a columnist for the Petaluma Argus Courier. fogvalleycrush.com
Choosing an editor is not an easy prospect and not without some trepidation. Having spent months or years
on a body of work, it's not easy to open up one's opus to an outsider and his or her own particular outlook
and vision of what your story should or should not be. But that is exactly Elaine's genius: She flushes out the
missing links and makes the writer feel better and more confident about the composition.
Thanks to Elaine's clear direction and professional aplomb, she helped me corner where I veered off course
or was too vague. She reined me in and prodded me for me for more details where they lacked. Reading
between the lines, she found the parts of the story that were left unsaid, and where the blanks needed to be
filled in.
Diligent, precise, and respectful of deadlines, Elaine guided me to produce a well-honed manuscript that
enticed a publisher's interest while earning praise for well-crafted and clean manuscript. A publishing
contract quickly ensued.
Fully conscious that editing is a subjective undertaking, she wouldn't hesitate to let the writer know if the fit
wasn't right and guide the writer toward a suitable associate. First and foremost Elaine is a professional in
the writing arena, and possesses the talent and integrity to make your work the best.
—Janis Couvreux, author Sail Cowabunga! A Family's 10 Years at Sea
Published by Filles Vertes Publishing
on a body of work, it's not easy to open up one's opus to an outsider and his or her own particular outlook
and vision of what your story should or should not be. But that is exactly Elaine's genius: She flushes out the
missing links and makes the writer feel better and more confident about the composition.
Thanks to Elaine's clear direction and professional aplomb, she helped me corner where I veered off course
or was too vague. She reined me in and prodded me for me for more details where they lacked. Reading
between the lines, she found the parts of the story that were left unsaid, and where the blanks needed to be
filled in.
Diligent, precise, and respectful of deadlines, Elaine guided me to produce a well-honed manuscript that
enticed a publisher's interest while earning praise for well-crafted and clean manuscript. A publishing
contract quickly ensued.
Fully conscious that editing is a subjective undertaking, she wouldn't hesitate to let the writer know if the fit
wasn't right and guide the writer toward a suitable associate. First and foremost Elaine is a professional in
the writing arena, and possesses the talent and integrity to make your work the best.
—Janis Couvreux, author Sail Cowabunga! A Family's 10 Years at Sea
Published by Filles Vertes Publishing
"Elaine is a brilliant conceptual editor because she sees the big picture of a book or story. . ."
Elaine is a brilliant conceptual editor because she sees the big picture of a book or story, helping develop and energize the story-line throughout, helping your work be a bigger better story overall.
Most editors work on a chapter by chapter basis, not Elaine. For one project she helped me move 75 pages from one section of the book to another, resulting in a more engaging and dramatic story.
During the author's rewriting process Elaine is attentive and responsive to questions or concerns, functioning as part therapist, cheerleader and travel guide to helping each author's journey to complete their work.
I have recommended Elaine to a few writers--all have been delighted with her results.
Arlene Schindler is the author of "The Last Place She'd Look." Arlene's writing credits include articles for Daily Variety, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Post, Woman Magazine and Creative Screenwriting. Currently Arlene is appearing in Los Angeles, performing segments from her book "Performance Anxiety" a raucous romp through the hidden sex lives of today's "mature" woman. arleneschindler.com
"I consider Elaine my inspiring sidekick!"
Elaine Silver is an excellent developmental editor whose help has been invaluable during the rewrite of my memoir.
She asks the right questions to get to the heart of the story while recommending changes to overcome structural deficiencies.
I consider Elaine my inspiring sidekick!
I look forward to her more detailed edit as we go. Working with Elaine has been a delight; her kind manner is supportive and encouraging, as well as direct—exactly what a serious writer needs.
Janet Lombardi is a magazine editor and fiction writer. She recently published her book, Bankruptcy: A Love Story, by Heliotrope Books. janetlombardi.com
