Sylvia Carter

Developmental Editor, Copyeditor and Proofreader: Fantasy, Historical fiction, Self-help, Narrative nonfiction

book editor Sylvia CarterSYLVIA CARTER is passionate about great storytelling that is built on the backs of great characters; thoroughly developed and immersive worldbuilding; and old stories told in vibrant, relevant, and challenging new ways. As a nonfiction editor, she enjoys devoting her time and expertise to self-help, mind/body/spirit, and narrative nonfiction projects that focus on poignant inner journeys, thought-provoking questions, and the drive to make the world a better place for us all.

Sylvia has worked as a developmental editor, copyeditor, and proofreader for such houses as Beyond Words Publishing/Atria, Parragon Books, and HarperOne, and for various K–12 and college-level educational publishers.

Sylvia’s credentials include an MS in Writing and Book Publishing from Portland State University, a BA in English from the University of California Santa Cruz, and a Certificate of Completion in Book and Magazine Publishing from New York University Summer Publishing Institute.

Editing Services

  • developmental edits for adult, YA, and middle grade fantasy (high, historical, urban, and speculative)
  • developmental edits for self-help, mind/body/spirit, and narrative nonfiction
  • copyediting for most fiction and nonfiction genres and audiences
  • Americanization of British English prose
  • manuscript critiques (includes manuscript read-through and detailed developmental advice letter; this service can be a great option for authors hoping to do some self-revision but are unsure of where to begin)

Titles Edited

Partial list (developmental, copyediting, proofing, and/or Americanization):

Fiction titles: YA Fantasy

Blue Thread, Ruth Tenzer Feldman, 2012 (winner, 2013 Oregon Book Award: Leslie Bradshaw Award for Young Adult Literature)
Magicless, K. Ferrin, 2014
Of Fire and Stars, Audrey Coulthurst, forthcoming from Balzer+Bray in 2016

Fiction titles: Adult Fantasy and Speculative Fiction

Paladin’s Redemption, Kade Derricks, 2015
River of Spears, Kade Derricks, 2015
Secrets of the Conclave, Beth Raymond, 2015
Tiddly Jinx (Easy Bake Coven: Book 4), Liz Schulte, 2014

Fiction titles: Middle Grade Fantasy

Forest Secrets, Laurie Woodward, 2015

Feedback

“Every writer—aspiring or accomplished—would do well to have an editor like Sylvia. Sylvia has an eye for both detail and the broader perspective. She knows how to polish a manuscript. In a writing career that includes eleven books and scores of magazine articles, I’ve had more than a dozen editors. I’d count Sylvia among those few at the very top.” —Ruth Tenzer Feldman, author of the YA historical fantasy novel Blue Thread, winner of the 2013 Oregon Book Awards Leslie Bradshaw Award for Young Adult Literature

“Sylvia is a meticulous and enthusiastic editor. She has the ability to connect with her authors and colleagues, engendering mutual respect and easy working relationships. She is experienced in all levels of editing, including line editing and content editing. As a colleague, Sylvia is especially adept at supporting and advising other members of her team. I highly recommend her for all of your editing needs.” —Leah Brown, Beyond Words Publishing

“I couldn’t have asked for a better editor. You’ve taught me so much and I know I’ll miss you, Sylvia!” —Elisa Medhus, M.D., author of My Son and the Afterlife: Conversations from the Other Side and My Life After Death