ARLENE FERGUSON has developed and edited 500+ full-length manuscripts in a variety of genres since 1996. Her clients include women’s fiction author Angie Daniels, London Times best-selling nonfiction author Catherine G. McCall, Bram Stoker Award-long listed Sue Dent, award-winning Young Adult author Hannah R. Goodman, AFCW-nominated Christian fiction author Laura Frantz, and award-winning journalist and Huffington Post contributor Daleen Berry.

Arlene welcomes new or published authors as clients, and enjoys helping journalistic, business and academic writers transform their writings into marketable, polished products for mainstream readers. Arlene’s area of expertise include:

Editing Specialities

• Substantive and structural editing and critique (nonfiction)
• Developmental editing and critique (fiction)
• Stylistic editing and style conversions (fiction and nonfiction)
• Copyediting and proofreading (fiction and nonfiction)

“This was my first time using an editor, and boy did I hit the jackpot! Arlene not only obviously knows her stuff, she is a pleasure to work with.”

“Arlene is everything you want in an editor: thorough, timely and accommodating. If it weren’t for her, I certainly would not have landed a publisher for my manuscript. Not only was her editing topnotch, her advice on everything about publishing was very helpful. Arlene really cares about the work she does and it shows!”

ARLENE FERGUSON ~ BOOK EDITOR REVIEWS

“I found the critique thorough and useful. I feel I got exceptional value for my expenditure. I highly recommend Arlene Ferguson’s service.” – George Nicholas

“The response from the network was prompt and the candidates presented for editing were all very competent and professional. Arlene demonstrated impressive technical skills, especially in the most challenging discipline of plot structure and story flow. She has a keen eye for hidden flaws and a wealth of ideas for dealing with them. In communicating with me, she adhered to the highest standards, responding promptly and addressing all issues I raised in a systematic manner. Inexperienced as I was, I had set overly ambitious goals for myself. Yet, once Arlene understood why those goals were important for me, she helped me meet them by pushing herself beyond the expected levels of productivity. In evaluating the merits of a consultant I give as much weight to her human attributes as I do to her technical competence. In terms of the ‘human touch,’ Arlene exceeded all my expectations. She demonstrated again and again an uncanny ability of lifting my self-confidence without appealing to flattery. And she displayed more patience with my dilettantism and literary naiveté than I could have hoped for. A first-time author could not wish for a better guide, sounding board, and cheerleader when embarking upon the editing of their manuscript.” – Victor T. Foia, The Dracula Chronicles

“Arlene was fantastic. She had a great attitude from the beginning and was always easy to reach and even easier to communicate with, even through email. She did a really nice job of pointing out issues that needed to be corrected while never being condescending or harsh. It was a great pleasure to work with her.” – Tim Savage

“Arlene provided great editing and moral support. Since this was my first time hiring a professional editor, I was obviously nervous about what to expect. She was professional, yet personable, working with a novice to the publishing world. Her smooth approach helped when I was obviously struggling with the story format (Novelists Beware: short stories are not easier because they’re shorter).” – John Piebel

“You gave me invaluable help in the early stages of my writing. I now have four books under contract for publication in the not too distant future and the book you worked on … drew considerable attention. I still have some of your comments and I must admit I needed plenty of help. I wanted you to know your efforts weren’t wasted and I have three more books which I hope will follow the first four.  My very best.” – D. Moomey

“This was my first time using an editor, and boy did I hit the jackpot! Arlene not only obviously knows her stuff, she is a pleasure to work with. She always went above and beyond, often sending me articles and additional info instead of simply responding to my questions. The first time I submitted my proposal to Arlene, she was up-front with me and let me know it needed a lot of work. I appreciate her honesty which was laced with encouragement, and when I resubmitted it and got some positive feedback, it really meant something. She is always honest and full of suggestions on how to improve. I believe she really cares about my project and has devoted more time to it than I ever expected. I have found not only a gem of an editor, but a friend as well, and I hope I have the good fortune of being able to use her services again.” (On file with network coordinator)

“Simply fantastic! Arlene waded through the quagmire of my manuscript with no hint of a curled lip. She is an extremely professional person and has taught me a great amount in a very short time. I’d like to keep you all to myself but your skills need to be shared.” – Giles Asbury, aspiring writer

“I wish I would have found Arlene years ago. I’ve worked with two other editors, and she was by far the best. She was readily available by email for questions or comments, and her edits and comments were inspired, insightful, and concise. She managed to maintain a professional, yet personal experience for the copy edit of my manuscript query and synopsis – a YA fantasy, The Memory Arcade. I’m also an illustrator, and most artists and writers don’t want anyone to ‘paint on their paintings.’ The beauty in writing is in finding the right editor – one who shares your vision. If you respect their work, trust them, and just let go they can help paint a clearer picture of the story you want to tell.”  – Gina Menicucci, published illustrator and new author

“Arlene was very professionional and matter-of-fact. Her input made a tremendous difference in the quality and readability of my manuscript. She didn’t sugar coat the problem areas and I appreciated her honesty. She is certainly an editor I would use again.” – C Barrett

“Arlene was truly my book’s Fairy Godmother. Directly because of her, my manuscript got an agent, and was bought by a well-known publisher – I still can’t believe it! – all because of Arlene. If that alone weren’t enough, her editing skills are impeccable, and she always delivered the edited manuscript exactly when she said she would, and it was always filled with thoughtful comments and corrections. Easy to talk to and hard working and friendly, she offered great ideas that helped make the manuscript clearer and richer, and her constructive feedback was always exactly what I needed to hear. She went out of her way to make my rough manuscript the best it could be. Even long after the book was done, she still sends me relevant links and information. I truly feel like a gained a friend in working with her.

“Arlene’s skills were also invaluable helping me with my book’s proposal. Knowing she had looked the proposal over made me feel much more confident when I submitted it – and, according to my agent, the proposal turned out to be one of the best my agent had read in a long time. Arlene is worth what I paid for her wonderful services many, many times over. Fortune smiled upon me the day she agreed to edit my manuscript. Because of Arlene I realized my dreams.” – Curly Like Me: How to Grow Your Hair Healthy, Long and Strong, by – Teri LaFlesh (Wiley, 2010)

 

	“Every writer needs an editor – even someone like me who teaches journalism at the University of Washington and spent a career in newspapers.”Arlene is a gem. She has 20/20 vision for fixing problems such as plotting, character development, spongy writing, you name it. Arlene edits with a balanced hand. By sprinkling laurels among her many darts, she draws a blueprint of what works and what doesn’t. Forget those writing workshops; her detailed critique of my latest novel-in-progress is the best money I’ve ever invested in the craft.” – Paul McElroy, author of TRACON ** Winner of the 2001 IPPY Award ** ** Bronze medal for the 2001 Book of the Year Award ** ** 2001 Benjamin Franklin Award finalist **
	“Arlene is everything you want in an editor: thorough, timely and accommodating. If it weren’t for her, I certainly would not have landed a publisher for my manuscript. Not only was her editing topnotch, her advice on everything about publishing was very helpful. Arlene really cares about the work she does and it shows!” – Josh Richardson, Ahead of the Pack: Balancing Your Way to Personal Success in College, Thomson Delmar Learning (May 2005)
	“Arlene did a wonderful job of editing my first book. What could have been a very intimidating process for a new author, she made easy and stress free. She was honest, professional and personable. It felt as though I’d always known her. Everything she told me she could do, she did, and always in a timely manner. I commend her on a job well done and would welcome the opportunity to work with her in the future.” – Nancy D. Collins, Talkin’ Out the House
	“Thank you for your friendship, expertise and help! I look forward to working with you again when the time delivers another writing to me.” – John M.C. DeBeck, Never Underestimate the Heart of a Champion, by John DeBeck
	“You are and have proven yourself to be so much more than a paid editor. I really feel that you are a friend because I cannot believe that an editor would do so much and go far out of their way to give such perfection, love and personal feelings to a stranger’s half-baked manuscript. I shall always appreciate and remember you and your hard work and give great praises about you every opportunity that I might have. The people who have read this book give great compliments and I could not have done it without you.” – Gene T. Reed, Here’s to My Lady
	Book Editor Reviews: FICTION
	2007 IPPY Awards Honoree “Arlene, you are the best, and I really think the awards are because of your awesome work!” – Hannah Goodman The Independent Publisher Book Awards has awarded Hannah R. Goodman, the author of My Summer Vacation, a Bronze Medal in the Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction Category Reviews My Summer Vacation is filled with all the joys and heartbreak of a teenage summer. The reader, like Maddie, will reach the book’s conclusion a little wiser and a little stronger. Read this book! – Kathleen Hughes, author of Dear Mrs. Lindbergh Recovery, troubled relationships, and . . . summer camp? An unlikely combination but Hannah Goodman cleverly weaves these elements together into an absorbing, thought-provoking story of love and loss that challenges young readers to respond with both their hearts and their minds. – Michael Cart, Founding Editor, RUSH HOUR Nominated: Horror Writers Association 2007 Stoker Awards Preliminary Ballot. SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN A FIRST NOVEL
	“My decision to contact an editor was an easy one to make. If you’re a writer, you need one. Anyone who tells you otherwise is uninformed. Finding the right editor, however, is another story. I queried three initially, and was charmed right away by Arlene’s ability. She marked every change and answered all my questions. And she’s from the Deep South, like me. I never felt more comfortable talking to anyone. The result: a wonderfully well-edited novel I couldn’t have possibly created without her help. Something I could market without fear. Having my novel edited has been my biggest investment so far . . . and it was worth every penny!” – Sue Dent, author of spiritual fantasies (Never Ceese, Electric Angel, and others)
	“I have used several editors, but found Arlene the best. What you’ll love about Arlene is that you can talk with her. Additionally, you’ll discover she can assist you with story form, plot, structure and the so-important characterization. She is a stickler about details in every scene and sentence, atmosphere and theme, in every word, sentence and paragraph of your story – just what you want if you’re a writer. She will soon edit my second novel. I am delighted to have found this wonderful lady.” – Kenneth Fore, author of Mossback  and The Wolf Tattoo
	Winner, YOUnity Reviewers Guild Top Honor Award”If I should ever put pen to paper again, it will be Arlene that I call upon to help me. She not only edited the novel for me, she worked with me to get it published. And she did all this with professionalism and a quiet resolve. She was truly my angel upon my shoulder. Thank you, Arlene, from the bottom of my heart!” – Edith M. Holmes, author of ‘PRESSIONS: Memoirs of a Southern CatReview of ‘Pressions: “Read and enjoy the well-written and very creative story while also soaking in its message, because there most definitely is a message, one not to be missed. . . . The best storytellers over the scope of time have written this way, giving readers a tale too engrossing to do without, while also imparting a truth too crucial to all humanity to neglect. Remember the name: Edith Holmes, Storyteller. You’ll hear it again, and again.” – Linda Alexander, Author of Weekends In New England and The  Unpromised  Land
	“When Arlene sent back the sample pages she had edited, I knew that she had changed them (quite a bit actually). The interesting thing was, I couldn’t tell exactly where her writing started and mine ended. I immediately knew that I had found the editor for the manuscript I had worked so long and so hard on. I have found that she has great insight (and common sense) in her editing, coupled with a broad array of knowledge about things in which I have none. She has that genuine southern skill of making you feel right at home while she explains to you why she had to remove the three hundred words in the chapter that served absolutely no purpose at all. This combination of talents serves her well in turning out a product that is technically correct as well as very readable. I would recommend Arlene to anyone who wants to be treated in a professional manner and have their work completed on time and done well.” – Daniel Joseph Farside, Author of <em> If Frogs Had Wings</em>
	“I enthusiastically endorse Arlene. She is instantly and continually likable, which makes her a complete joy to work with. During the editing process she communicated freely and promptly with me. I could not have received these reviews without her.” “Jonnes has hit a homerun with his latest thriller, Big Ice.” – WordMuseum.com “Highly recommended.” – ReadersRoom.com’s Book-of-the-month Selection “Vivid and accurate.” – Brian Lutterman, Mystery Novel Award winner and Minnesota Book Award 1st runner-up
	Other Projects (sample)
	“I salute you. You were the captain of this ship. You believed in my story as much as I did. Thanks for forcing me to dig deep in my soul and capture the true story when I only wanted to dance at the tip of the iceberg.” – Joe Lester, Author of I Am Not Afraid to Dream and Irresistible Impulse
	“Arlene polished my manuscript like a new car in a dealer’s showroom. She was passionate in the job, and that and her energy earned my trust and respect of this knowledgeable editor.” – Kevin Noa, author of Two Princesses
	“The words that come to mind when I think of my editor, Arlene, are Energy, Enthusiasm and Encouragement. All this and talent too. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” – Rochelle Turoff Mucha, R.J. Scott & Associates, Inc./Consulting with Integrity, Author of Men and Me, Entertainment to Insight Review for Men and Me: “In Men and Me, Rochelle shares her story, a woman reaching out to all women who have laughed and cried with and over the men in their life. Through her candid and lively stories, she says out loud those words most women feel but never say, commiserates rather than advises, poses questions rather than answers. Her humor will entertain you; her reflection can be your insight.” – Gail Evans, retired EVP for CNN, speaker and author of Play Like a Man, Win Like a Woman and She Wins, You Win
	“Arlene … made it into something that is now, to me, a masterpiece. I’ve learned so much from her, great person, great editor and personal advisor. I would use Arlene again. Thanks again Arlene for making my first editing experience painless and exciting.” – Rasheed Mohammed, Into the Soul of Darkness
	JOURNEY TOGETHER: Protecting Our Children from Sexual Abuse, by R. L. Howard
	When the Piano Stops, by Catherine McCall (Seal Press)
	The Frontiersman’s Daughter, by Laura Frantz (Revell Press)
	MADE OR BROKEN: Football & Survival in the Georgia Woods, by Bill Lightle Foreword by Vince Dooley, Athletic Director, University of Georgia
	US Internships for International Students and Young Professionals, by Alexander Lostocco
	Spiritual Care to Elderly and Dying Loved Ones, by Kevin Quiles, M.Div. (Quality of Life Press)
	The Evolutionary Workforce, by Darren Pym

“Very perceptive and insightful comments. Arlene grasped the nature of the work immediately and offered crucial suggestions to assist the plot. I learned more about tighter writing from her than reading a dozen how-to books.” (On file with network coordinator)

“Arlene’s passionate yet concise prose translated the essence of my art an photography into the written word . . . a daunting challenge for any writer! I highly recommend her to anyone who seeks to enhance their business image.” – Camille Garick, Cordova Gallery, Duluth, Georgia

“It was very difficult to finish writing the book with my hectic schedule. To find an editor who not only produced an exceptional finished copy, but also had a general interest in the concept behind my book, was truly a blessing. Thank you for helping me bring this project to a close.” – Robert Henderson Jr., Henderson Financial Group, Author of The New Underground Railroad: Breaking the Chains of Economic Bondage.

“Arlene was one of several freelance editors who responded to my query and provided a sample edit. Wow! I lucked out when she answered, and I have no doubt that I made the right decision to work with her. As a debut author, I was nervous about putting my work out there for others to read and enjoy. Arlene really helped me to polish my manuscript. She gave a wealth of advice, but what appealed to me most was that it was important to her that my work was my own. While she helped me to polish my writing, she didn’t change my style. What a great feeling it is to now be able to hold my book in my hands. When your work is finally published, you want it to be the best product possible; thanks to Arlene, The American Lieutenant is just that.” – Peyton Garver

“Arlene was a delight to work with! She is thorough, meticulous in her editing, and very easy to work with! She has a special way of working with writers which is to maintain their own voice and then supplement the author’s writing with words and wisdom that makes the ms come alive. She works quickly, stays on target, and always responds to my Q’s either the same day or the day after. I enjoyed working with her very much and will work with her again. She has many writing nuggets of wisdom to share as well.” – Judith Addington, President, Gazelle Communications LLC

“Arlene is without question a wonderful and talented person to work with. Her approach to editing is knowledgeable and professional, and she is on the mark in her recommendations. Through her guidance, our novel grew one-thousand percent. As a working partner, it didn’t matter how busy she was, she responded to our queries within five to ten minutes of our request, be it technical or editing advice. We are committed to her for future works and appreciate all she’s done to help us finish our novel.” – Robert & Gail Deschamps

“Arlene did an excellent job in helping me refine my manuscript and in editing the final version. She also edited my query letter and proposal. I am very pleased with the quality and timeliness of her work and the easy relationship we had on the project.” – Peter Mantarakis

“Arlene is the best editor on the face of the planet! I could not have chosen a better person to edit my work. From the initial consultation and sample edit, she was extremely professional, courteous, and helpful. Her punctuality is to be applauded. She started working right away and was always available to answer any questions I had. I mean she literally replied to all of my e-mails within 2 hours. Her work was phenomenal and I know that because of her talent, my book will sell very well! If I ever need editing assistance in the future, I am definitely going to use Arlene.” – Natalie Milom

“Arlene was one of several freelance editors who responded to my query and provided a sample edit. Wow! I lucked out when she answered, and I have no doubt that I made the right decision to work with her. As a debut author, I was nervous about putting my work out there for others to read and enjoy. Arlene really helped me to polish my manuscript. She gave a wealth of advice, but what appealed to me most was that it was important to her that my work was my own. While she helped me to polish my writing, she didn’t change my style. What a great feeling it is to now be able to hold my book in my hands. When your work is finally published, you want it to be the best product possible; thanks to Arlene, The American Lieutenant is just that. ” – Peyton Garver

“Arlene is a terrific developmental editor and isn’t afraid to tell you the truth about your writing. In fact, after her first edit [of my novel-in-progress, tentatively titled Quantum Entanglement], I was two inches from throwing the manuscript in the trashcan. However, she told me that might happen. Now after two readers of the MS, they both think my first novel could land on the bestseller’s list, and they wouldn’t kid me either. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of time she puts into the work. Very importantly, I find that she doesn’t think she’s finished until I’m satisfied. She delivers what she promises. I highly recommend her and would be pleased to answer any questions from any writers thinking of doing work with her. She’s amazing.” – Stephen Page, Author of four best-selling nonfiction books

“Arlene provided great editing and moral support. Since this was my first time hiring a professional editor, I was obviously nervous about what to expect. She was professional, yet personable, working with a novice to the publishing world. Her smooth approach helped when I was obviously struggling with the story format (Novelists Beware: Short Stories are not easier because they’re shorter). I would definitely recommend Arlene to a fellow writer.” – John Piebel

“I am delighted with the efforts and help beyond the call of duty that I received from Arlene.” – John R. “Jack” Sullivan

“I always felt I was in safe hands. Arlene’s guidance always left me with confidence that my manuscript had her best interests at heart. She enhanced and added to the material and thereby made it more easily readable. It was a heartwarming experience seeing her at work. Thank you that you assisted me by editing the ms, I especially feel honored in the way that you massaged the words to make them easily readable. And thank you for the way that you treated me throughout the editing process.” – Emmanuel van der Meulen

“Arlene is a wonderful editor and she knows her business. Her help, not only with editing but in the overall publishing industry has helped me immensely. She always looks for ways to improve my work and make the story better. She is a stickler for details and helped me trim down my verbose manuscript into something marketable. Undoubtedly, she has made me a better writer. She has a real talent for editing and I highly recommend her! Simply, the best.” – Matt Marine

“Arlene has been my ‘book lifesaver’! She has a wealth of knowledge. I call her a walking and talking library. She provides excellent editorial and consulting services!” – Phyllis Goss

“Arlene is a master at her craft. She was more than an editor; she was a mentor providing fantastic insights and suggestions along the way. Her special touch took my project and my writing skills to the next level. She was always very personable, professional, flexible, accommodating and patient.  This experience was everything that I was hoping for and more. I highly recommend her!” – Mike Zummo

“With a couple a bad experiences under my belt, I was very impressed with your professionalism. My coordinator was most helpful in explaining what kind of editorial services are provided and putting me in touch with editors. My editor, Arlene, gave the most prompt and comprehensive answers to all my questions, was always available for consultations, and returned the work BEFORE the agreed upon deadlines. Her sense of humor and patience, added to her most proficient editorial skills, turned this project into a most pleasant experience. I would highly recommend her to any writer, though if I could, I would much more prefer to keep her to myself!” (Contact information on request)

“Arlene has a wonderful ‘voice’ as an editor. She’s thoughtful and considerate, and yet she doesn’t pull any punches. In addition to the editing/critique she has done for me, she has provided a wealth of information in the form of web links and downloadable information files. I am the mother of an editor, not Arlene, and want to say that Arlene is one of the great ones. I’m glad she didn’t turn down the referral from your network, as the other person, my second pick, did.” (Contact information on request)

“Arlene was very professional, and yet also extremely personable. I was blown away by the amount of work she put into my manuscript! She was thorough, complete and clear in her feedback. I appreciated her advice so much, and she was so kind to follow-up with me and answer all my questions. I’m new in this industry, so it was invaluable to have a professional to give me so much support.” (Contact information on request)

“Arlene did an excellent job overall and greatly improved the quality of project, Sister of Silence. She saw errors I missed and made suggestions for changes that created a stronger, more powerful book. She was wonderful and efficient, and went out of her way to help me understand her editing changes. I would use her again in a heartbeat, and already have recommended her to other writers.” – Daleen Berry

“Arlene went out of her way to give extra help, sending attachments and links to helpful websites. Always polite, friendly and very helpful. A pleasure to work with.” (Contact information on request)

“The response from the network was prompt and the candidates presented for editing were all very competent and professional. Arlene demonstrated impressive technical skills, especially in the most challenging discipline of plot structure and story flow. She has a keen eye for hidden flaws and a wealth of ideas for dealing with them. In communicating with me, she adhered to the highest standards, responding promptly and addressing all issues I raised in a systematic manner. Inexperienced as I was, I had set overly ambitious goals for myself. Yet, once Arlene understood why those goals were important for me, she helped me meet them by pushing herself beyond the expected levels of productivity. In evaluating the merits of a consultant I give as much weight to her human attributes as I do to her technical competence. In terms of the ‘human touch,’ Arlene exceeded all my expectations. She demonstrated again and again an uncanny ability of lifting my self-confidence without appealing to flattery. And she displayed more patience with my dilettantism and literary naiveté than I could have hoped for. A first-time author could not wish for a better guide, sounding board, and cheerleader when embarking upon the editing of their manuscript.” – Victor T. Foia, The Dracula Chronicles“Every writer needs an editor—even someone like me who teaches journalism at the University of Washington and spent a career in newspapers.”

“Arlene was incredible to work with.  The things I liked were:

1. Arlene was extremely professional.
2. Arlene copy-edited in my “voice” – the finished manuscript sounded like it came from me and didn’t sound like someone else had doctored it.
3. Arlene provided extremely honest (but respectful) feedback and didn’t hold back any punches. This helped me to improve the manuscript. I just expected a copy-edit, but instead I received extensive commentary on virtually every chapter (e.g., on inconsistencies in the story, language choices, etc.).
4. Arlene completed my manuscript ahead of schedule and with very high quality – I found virtually no typos whatsoever in her edits.

Overall, I highly, highly recommend Arlene. I’ll definitely work with her again on my next project. I can’t praise her enough.” – Carey Nachenberg