Freelance book editor
 

Helping memoir and fiction writers master their crafT

 
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Services 

 

I collaborate with writers at various junctures, whether they're preparing to submit a manuscript to their in-house editor, seeking a literary agent, or exploring self-publishing options.

 

General Critique

Are your characters fully developed? Is their behavior believable? Does the story maintain a well-paced rhythm, with enough tension to keep readers hooked until the very last page? I’ll provide an in-depth analysis of your manuscript, highlighting its strengths while pinpointing areas for improvement. My feedback offers clear insights into what's working and what might need revision, along with the rationale behind those suggestions that you can apply to future projects.

DEVELOPMENTAL EDIT

For writers seeking more in-depth feedback, I offer detailed margin comments throughout your manuscript, highlighting specific issues, asking questions, noting standout lines, and offering prompts to enhance characterization and storytelling. Additionally, you’ll receive a comprehensive editorial letter that provides deeper context to my margin notes.

 

LINE EDIT

After a manuscript has been through a developmental edit and is structurally sound, I will refine and enhance your prose to ensure it flows smoothly and reads effortlessly.

QUERY LETTER REVIEW

A compelling query letter is about more than just spelling an agent’s name correctly. I’ll help make sure yours captures attention and stands out for all the right reasons.

READING GROUP GUIDES

For publishers: Tailored reading group guides designed to fit your specific needs. Samples are available upon request.

About Me

 
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Hi! I’m Ronit.

I offer writers the keen eye of a seasoned editor, the gut reactions of an avid reader, and the supportive interest of a trusted friend. Whether you need the broad perspective of an editorial assessment or the detailed feedback of a developmental edit, I provide an honest evaluation of your work and equip you with the tools and techniques to elevate it.

 
 

I’ve had the pleasure of working with a diverse range of authors, including #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner; Alka Joshi, whose novel The Henna Artist was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick; renowned cartoonist and playwright Jules Feiffer; and the late U.S. Senator Carl Levin.

Before launching my independent editorial services in 2015, I spent eleven years at Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, working under the legendary publisher Nan A. Talese. This experience gave me deep insight into the trade publishing landscape—what agents and editors look for, how acquisitions decisions are made, and what makes a manuscript stand out in a competitive market. The books I acquired and edited became finalists for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the National Jewish Book Award, the NAACP Image Award, the Thurber Prize for American Humor, the PEN Award for Biography, and the Minnesota Book Award.

My editorial approach is informed by industry knowledge. I offer clear, actionable feedback designed to bring out the best in a manuscript while also providing guidance that authors can carry forward to future projects.

I’ve spoken at the Writers’ Conference at Hunter College, the Jewish Book Council, and the Sarah Lawrence Writing Program, and I have an essay featured in The Business of Writing (Allworth Press, 2012).

Based in Detroit, I spend my free time chasing after my two sons, reading when I can, and attempting to stay centered with yoga and meditation.

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Editorial Portfolio

 
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Testimonials

 
Testimonial Gallery

"What a pleasure it was to work with Ronit! Her insightful comments and spot-on suggestions helped make THE HENNA ARTIST the kind of novel that readers want to get lost in, devour and recommend to all their friends!”

—Alka Joshi, New York Times bestselling author of THE HENNA ARTIST

“Ronit’s editorial critiques were so spot on and well expressed that I often believed I’d thought of them myself. She’s able to hone in on the heart of a story and help the author fully express that core, while trimming away that which does not serve it. She was incredibly responsive, whether helping me structure a novel in progress or in refining and line editing one that was more complete. I am lucky to have had her as my editor on two novels.”

—Allison Amend, author of ENCHANTED ISLANDS and A NEARLY PERFECT COPY

“Ronit was an exceptional editor. She seemed to have an intuitive sense of what I was trying to describe and helped me figure out the clearest way to express myself. She was kind, sensitive and generous and always framed her suggestions in an encouraging and empowering way. I learned so much from Ronit. Her editing made my book immeasurably better.”

—Leah Vincent, author of CUT ME LOOSE

“Ronit provided me with a windfall of helpful feedback on my memoir draft—she is a wonderful mentor and ‘midwife.’ She was both supportive and insightful, helping me to draw out the central themes in my book and encouraging me to dig deeper so that I was able to get more ‘blood on the page,’ which was lacking in the original draft. Her gentle guidance helped me write in a way that was more emotionally compelling for readers. Ronit’s feedback helped me finesse my manuscript so that it was in great shape and ultimately helped me land a US deal. I am forever grateful!”

—Natasha Scripture, author of MAN FAST

“When you work with Ronit you get more than a talented and seasoned editor, you get a whole team. Ronit’s editorial comments give you at least three or four different kinds of useful reads at once: you get the sharp, savvy evaluations of a senior editor at one of New York’s most prestigious publishers, the visceral reactions of a reader who loves good writing, and the personal touch of your super-smart friend who’s deeply invested in your success. Her comments always go directly to the heart of the matter, without fuss. Without fail, her edits sent me back to my drafts with renewed energy, clarity, and confidence.”

—Avi Steinberg, author of RUNNING THE BOOKS

 
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Contact

 

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