New Publication

The Author–Editor Clinic

The Author–Editor Clinic was founded in 2004 by Barbara Sjoholm, a Seattle writer and editor and a cofounder of Seal Press. While teaching developmental editing through the University of Washington’s Certificate in Editing program, Sjoholm met a handful of editors who were beginning their careers and were interested in learning how to work on longer manuscripts, particularly novels, memoirs, and other creative nonfiction. They had extensive backgrounds in English literature, journalism, and technical writing. They hoped eventually to edit book projects, but were unsure how to begin. What courses, what resources existed to teach them how to cultivate such a freelance editing practice? Most editing programs focused on copyediting and editing short texts. And, although there were books available about the art of editing, few focused on the art of working with an author.

Beginning with this initial group of editors, many of whom are still connected with the Clinic, Sjoholm created a mentoring program focused on learning to analyze full-length manuscripts and to work constructively with authors. Over the years, the Clinic has helped more than 150 authors improve their manuscripts. Sjoholm’s mentoring program continues in twice- yearly, invitation-only editorial sessions. The Clinic also offers occasional seminars and distance-learning classes for developmental editors of fiction and creative nonfiction.

For authors we provide, in addition to the Clinic's editorial sessions, a manuscript review service and a referral list of freelance editors. All the editors on the referral list have extensive experience as developmental editors, with varied backgrounds in editing mystery, science fiction, young adult, travel, memoir, and commercial and literary fiction.

Education has always been an important part of the Clinic’s mission. In addition to the mentoring program and distance-learning classes, Sjoholm and other Clinic editors have appeared on panels at conferences and at writers’ groups around the Northwest, speaking to writers about what to expect from the editing experience and to editors about how to work with authors.

We believe in bringing a respectful and constructive attitude to developmental editing and to working with authors in ways that will benefit their writing and foster a positive professional relationship.

In addition to an updated page of links and resources, our website now features a blog, The Editor’s POV, where guest bloggers discuss varied aspects of developmental editing, from issues in publishing to editing specific genres, such as science fiction or young adult titles. Our Publications page offers several pdf downloads on topics of interest to authors and editors, and we plan to add more.

We’re also pleased to announce the first Author–Editor Clinic handbook—An Editor’s Guide to Working with Authors, written by Barbara Sjoholm. The handbook covers the basics of reading manuscripts, taking notes, and writing editorial letters. Sjoholm also discusses learning to query authors productively, setting boundaries, and cultivating positive relationships.

 

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