My Story
I'm Dana Chidiac, an independent editor and writer with more than a decade of experience in traditional publishing. I specialize in children's and young adult books of all stripes (and spots), and I have a master's degree in children's literature from Simmons University. Take a look below to see some of the books I edited at Henry Holt/Macmillan and
Dial/Penguin Random House.
Editorial Services
Editorial Consultation
I'll provide general, top-line feedback on a story idea, outline, or partial or completed manuscript.
Are you wondering if there's a market for your book, or whether your plot outline makes sense, or how a reader might react to your first few pages? This is probably the right service for you. You'll share what you have so far, and what big questions you're grappling with. I'll review your materials and respond with a short letter that considers the project as a whole.
Developmental Editing
I'll provide detailed editorial notes on your manuscript.
We'll start with a phone or video call to decide exactly what's right for your project: Do you need help figuring out plot and characters via an editorial letter? Are you pretty far along, but looking to polish your words with a line edit? You can tell me about how you approach your writing process—are you a pantser or a plotter or a secret third thing? Do you prefer notes in writing, or would a phone call to review your work be better? We'll decide on the best way to approach your work together, and then we'll dig in!
Copyediting and Proofreading
I'll provide in-line edits focused on grammar, clarity, consistency of style, and general readability.
Once you've gone through all your many drafts and revisions and you have a near-final manuscript—congratulations!—I can give it one last polish before you take your next steps toward publication. If you need Americanization or a style guide, I can help with that as well.
Publishers, I'm here for your proofreading needs too!
Coaching and Questions
We'll meet via video chat or phone call regularly for a set period of time, and I'll guide you through your writing process with feedback every step of the way.
If you have a long-term writing project or practice that needs some professional support, I'd love to work with you. We'll work together to design our process before we begin a coaching package. For example, I could read new pages from you each week, and we'd spend our call talking through that writing and brainstorming ways for you to move your story forward. Alternatively, I could provide six weeks of writing prompts and a space for accountability as you work on your craft.
I'm also happy to offer one-off 30 or 60 minute ask-me-anything calls for writers who want help navigating the publishing industry or reviewing their query package.
Bookshelf
Let's Talk
Tell me about your project using the form below,
and we'll discuss a quote and process.
You can also reach me by email at dana.chidiac.creative@gmail.com.