Editors Attending the 2019 Washington Writers Conference

Evelyn M. Duffy has been editing in the Washington, DC, area for over 12 years. She is a full-time, in-house researcher, transcriber, and editor for journalist Bob Woodward and has assisted with his five most-recent bestsellers. Evelyn provides developmental editing through Open Boat Editing, where she especially enjoys working with first-time authors, genre writers, and journalists. Through her boutique editing service, The Proofread Bride, she specializes in proofreading wedding materials (a niche where a typo can really ruin a day). Evelyn has a degree in English and creative writing from George Washington University and lives in DC with her wife and cat. Please connect with her on Twitter at @_EvelynMDuffy.

Christina M. Frey, J.D., is co-executive of the Editorial Freelancers Association and a developmental/line editor and literary coach for writers, influencers, and select small presses. Christina specializes in helping both novice and experienced writers develop and refine their authorial voice.
Roundtable Discussion: “Go with a Pro: Working with an Editor to Up Your Writing Game.” You’ve submitted your masterpiece — and it’s not getting the reaction you hoped for. Or you’re stuck on the fifth draft, struggling with a plot thread that’s not hitting the mark. Perhaps you plan to self-publish and need a critical eye. It’s time to call in a professional, but how can you tell if the editor you’re considering is a good match? What questions should you be asking? And do you have to do everything the editor says? This session will show you how to find and engage the professional who’s the best fit for your needs, protect your interests as a writer, and develop a strong writer-editor relationship to bring out the best in your writing.
Roundtable Discussion Time: 2 p.m.
One-on-Ones: 3-4 p.m.
Type of Editing: Developmental, substantive.
Genres: Fiction, mystery, biography, crime, YA, sci-fi/fantasy, memoir, narrative nonfiction, graphic novels.
Advice: Don't be embarrassed about your errors! I promise, your editor isn't judging you. We all have blind spots. Come find me and ask me about my top bloopers!
More: I tailor my work to individual clients, so I tend to be flexible in my approach.
Contact Info: [email protected]

Allyson E. Machate is a bestselling book collaborator and expert publishing consultant leading serious authors toward success since 1999. She leverages experience with Big Five publishing and indie bestsellers to serve as your book’s best ally with a variety of editorial and educational services. Free gifts and more at www.thewritersally.com.
Roundtable Discussion: “Choosing the Right Editor for You.” Every year, more than a million books are published. To get an edge against these overwhelming odds, many writers hire freelance editors to review their manuscripts before self-publishing or pursuing book deals. But with freelancers offering everything from rewriting to reviewing, how does one choose the right editorial service? We will discuss everything you need to know to have a happy and successful freelance experience.
Roundtable Discussion Time: 10 a.m.
One-on-Ones: 11 a.m.-noon.
Type of Editing: Developmental, copy, substantive.
Genre: Nonfiction.
More: In addition to leading a team of editors of all types, I consult privately and in groups with authors about their publishing and marketing strategies.
Contact: [email protected]   

Katherine Pickett (POP Editorial Services LLC) is a 20-year veteran editor with professional training in fiction and nonfiction, and traditional and indie publishing. She is the author of the award-winning book Perfect Bound: How to Navigate the Book Publishing Process Like a Pro. Her articles have appeared on Publishing Perspectives, JaneFriedman.com, Writer Beware, IBPA Independent, and elsewhere.
Roundtable Discussion: “Get the Most Out of Your Beta Readers and Manuscript Assessments.” Beta readers — who offer their feedback for free — often provide disparate advice. How do you manage the differing opinions? How can you minimize the problems and maximize the benefits? What does a paid manuscript assessment provide and how can you use it to augment the beta reading experience? This session answers these questions and more. Attendees will walk away with confidence in their ability to sort the good advice from the bad to craft a stronger, cleaner manuscript.
Roundtable Discussion Time: 11 a.m.
One-on-Ones: 10-11 a.m., 2-4 p.m.
Type of Editing: Developmental, copy, substantive (I also offer proofreading and manuscript assessments).
Genres: Fiction, nonfiction, mystery, crime, sci-fi/fantasy, memoir, narrative nonfiction.
Advice: Proper planning will save you time and money at every step of the publishing process. Always vet your editors before hiring them.
More: I am past president of the Maryland Writers Association, Montgomery County chapter, and a member of the Independent Book Publishers Association, as well as the Editorial Freelancers Association.
Contact: [email protected]

Holly Smith, M.A., is editor-in-chief of the Washington Independent Review of Books; former managing editor of the late, great Maryland Life magazine; and a longtime freelance writer. Along with editing several regional small-press projects, she co-authored and edited Seafood Lover’s Chesapeake Bay, a travel guide that everyone assumes is a cookbook. Find her on Twitter at @HSmithWrites.
Type of Editing: Developmental, substantive, copy.
Genres: Although I mostly edit short nonfiction pieces (reviews, features, etc.), I occasionally edit book-length narrative nonfiction, biography, and memoir.
Advice: Everybody needs an editor!
Contact Info: [email protected]