Dana Alsamsam
Literary Fiction, Poetry
United States English (US)
About Dana
I help authors bring their vision to life! ❤️🔥 I'm a professional book editor, published poet and writer, and MFA graduate with experience working with authors across a wide range of genres, including literary fiction, genre fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, and poetry. I offer developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, and manuscript evaluations/beta reading, tailoring my approach to each author's unique goals and needs. My priority is to help writers strengthen their manuscripts while preserving their individual voices and creative visions. I believe the editorial process should be collaborative, encouraging, and empowering, helping authors feel confident in their work and take the next steps toward publication.
Services Priced in your written quote
Developmental Editing
SHAPE YOUR BOOK: Big-picture feedback on structure, pacing, character arcs, world-building, voice, and overall narrative flow. This is where we dig deep to align your story with your vision and target audience, ensuring it's compelling and cohesive. If you haven't worked with editor yet, I recommend we start here. Edits are delivered in a comprehensive editorial letter and commentary throughout.
Line and Copy Editing
ELEVATE VOICE & POLISH PROSE: Sentence level editing for clarity, tone, poetics, rhythm, word choice, syntax and flow. Plus, a final pass for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and consistency. Line and copy editing ensure your voice sings and your manuscript is clean and correct. These come after developmental editing is complete. Delivered through tracked changes and commenting as needed.
Poetry Editing
As a published poet myself, whether you have a full book or just a few poems, I will offer a comprehensive edit of your poetry. This workshop-style editing includes suggested feedback and edits on each individual poem, as well as a detailed editorial letter summarizing feedback and concrete recommendations for the collection: thematic cohesion, structure, order, and more.
Beta Reading/Manuscript Consultation
A test read of unreleased work, giving you feedback about strengths and remaining issues in the manuscript. This service does not involve in depth tracked changes. I will provide commentary and suggestions via an in depth letter/reader's report to guide your revisions.
Portfolio Books Dana worked on
Experience
- Book Editor, Freelance2016-2026
