The passion of a reader with the knowledge of an editor.
Questions I Will Help You Answer
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Is reading your manuscript an enjoyable experience? (What all readers want, whether they say it or not)
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Does your manuscript have a clear sense of plot and character development? (Who, what, where, why, and how. Are the personalities interesting and keep us wanting to know what happens.)
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Is your voice as the author coming through on the page in the way you want it to?
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​If you have a finished manuscript or are in the process of working on one and have questions about how I can help, please contact me at Emily@LightningBugEditorial.com to discuss your project and needs.
Bio
With over 20 years of experience, developmental editor Emily Rapoport is passionate about sharing the best of commercial fiction with readers. As an acquiring editor at Berkley/Penguin, she assisted in the editorial process of icons such as Nora Roberts and Ken Follett while developing her list.
A true fan of historical fiction, Emily acquired and edited the Templar Knight Mysteries by Maureen Ash; India Black, the first of several acclaimed Madam of Espionage books by Carol K. Carr; and Sand Daughter by Sarah Bryant which Publisher’s Weekly called “gripping and convincing . . . a worthy historical page-turner.”
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From cozies to crime, Emily has developed mystery series such as Elizabeth Lynn Casey’s Southern Sewing Circle series; Maureen Ash’s Templar Knight Mysteries series; and India Black, the first of several acclaimed Madam of Espionage books by Carol K. Carr. Recently she has worked on Tara Lush’s Coffee Lover cozies and standalone crime hardcovers soon to be published by Crooked Lane.
Some of the books that I've edited:
"The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter—’tis the difference between the lightning-bug and the lightning."
credited to Mark Twain
Developmental Edit
This editorial service digs deep into plot, character, pacing, and voice. My feedback includes: an editorial letter with comprehensive analysis, and a bonus:
line-specific comments and suggestions
For partial and full manuscripts.
Manuscript Evaluation
If you have questions about the quality of your book entering the published market, and would like an assessment with specific suggestions, let's have a chat.
I was lucky enough to have Emily edit my first book, Escape from Cubicle Nation. Not only did she help me find my legs and voice as a writer, but she guided me to write an award-winning book that is still relevant 12 years after I wrote it. She is clear, kind, strategic, and a true "writer's editor." She will advocate for the best for the book while helping you believe in yourself and your message. I can't wait to do another book with her.
Pamela Slim
Award-winning author, Escape from Cubicle Nation, Body of Work and The Widest Net
I recently decided to revisit a manuscript I wrote a few years ago to see if it was strong enough to submit. I hired Emily to give it a read and offer feedback based on her past work experience with a major NY publishing house. Her feedback was insightful and gave me a good jumping-off point for my revisions. I can't recommend her enough for anyone looking to polish a manuscript before submission.