DJ Braxton

Developmental editing, manuscript critiques, coaching, query letters, book proposals, synopses, agent/publisher research.

DJ specializes in travel, food and wine, parenting, spirituality, self-help and relationships, wellness, psychology, memoir, and literary fiction. She works closely with authors to develop, liven, and strengthen their manuscripts and marketing material. She provides manuscript critiques that offer extensive feedback on every aspect of a narrative, as well as developmental editing, coaching, and marketing (proposal, query, and synopsis development and agent contact). DJ studied critique methods, literary styles, and fiction writing at Emerson College in Boston, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.

She’s a former college instructor, tutor, and writing mentor who won several awards for her work in journalism, poetry, and essays. She’s read fiction for Ploughshares, where she was also an editorial assistant, actively participated in local writers’ groups, and published her poetry, fiction, and travel writing in a variety of literary magazines and online.

Developmental Book Critique

A book critique–my most popular service–fits the bill for any book author. Writers often approach me with a full manuscript willing to pay me good money to copy edit  … but without first fixing cracks in the foundation. A book critique seeks to seal those cracks. Within a month of submitting your work, you will find out what’s missing, what needs developing, and where to cut so that you can begin working toward a very solid draft of your book right to the very heart of it.

What you get in 30 days:

• A light copy edit on the first fifty pages of your book so you can see the types of editorial work your book will need.
• Comments on each chapter, and many within the lines of each chapter: from characterization, dialogue, structure, organization, details, and clarity
• An outline that is a powerful portrayal of your message and can be used in a book proposal
• Two 20-minute consulting sessions to work out troubled areas in the book, to get clear on your market and audience, to help support you on your path to publishing
• Email support

Here’s how you benefit:

• A sense of your place in the market, your intended audience (all very good to know)
• The knowledge that your book is better than ever, more laser-focused, and a big leap from what it once was
• Clarity on what is working and what needs work
• A clear path to turn your book into something marketable
• Money saved right off the bat so you can work out the kinks in  your book before investing in copyediting or proofreading
• A 10% discount on future editing or marketing services or packages

Investment: 1.2 cent per word

Book Submission Services

Your initial contact with an agent or publisher is your first impression; therefore, it’s crucial that you put your best foot forward when drafting a letter. What I can do . . .

• Read your manuscript and write or edit the materials required for submitting to agents and publishers, including proposals, queries, synopses, and bios.
• Research agents or publishers that are appropriate for your market, provide resources, and offer guidance.
• Research the legitimacy of agents or contacts you’ve already made. (Don’t ever take for granted that anyone calling themselves an agent actually is one.)
• Review and critique the manuscript to determine if it’s ready for submission.

Your Book: Written and Published

Longing to write a book, but have no idea where to start? This package is perfect for first-time book authors. I have helped dozens of writers write and publish their books from start to finish. You can rely on me to serve as your personal project manager, guide, coach, editor, and consultant.

Credentials

Copyediting: Fiction

A Mere Ache of All by David Frederick

The Ancient One by Ilan Herman

Another Day Falling by Dustin Collins

“Anton” by Mary Ellen Walsh

Black Chameleon Memoirs by Montez DeCarlo

Jill by George Spiecker

Never Say Never by David Petersen

Restless by Cynthia Boyd

Sleepwalker by Paul Mahan

Gray Marbles and Silvery Salmon by Ken Lang

Mississippi Sun by Bonnie Cassidy

Copyediting: General/Nonfiction

Historic Cape Cod Lighthouses: Race Point by James Claflin

History of Congo by Didier Gondola

Marilyn Merlot and the Naked Grape by Peter May

Policy Passages: Career Choices for Policy Wonks by Howard J. Wiarda

Power Baby by Ryan Lee Parsons

Sinfully Vegan, 140 Decadent Desserts to Satisfy Every Vegan’s Sweet Tooth by Lois Dieterly

Copyediting/Developing Children’s Books

Rocko the Hero by Mona Smith

The Island of Rouge by Karenann Knotoff

The Writing Curse by Karenann Knotoff

The Canoe by Tara Schleicher

Matt! The Hat! by L.P. Chase

The Corner Man by Patricia Jordan-Cowley

An Amazing Starr by Chris Horihan

Developmental  Editing: Young Adult

Petricia and Caroline by Maria Wingert

Blue Line to Blue Line by Brandon Faulkner

Proofreading: Fiction

Bear, a novel by Marian Engel

Human Parts by Orly Castel-Bloom

A Love Made out of Nothing/Zohara’s Journey by Barbara Honingmann

The Worry Week by Anne Lindbergh

Proofreading: Nonfiction

Access VBA Programming for the Absolute Beginner by Michael A. Vine

At the Edge of the Light: Thoughts on Photography and Photographers, on Talent
and Genius by David Travis

Crystal Reports 9 Essentials by Jill K. Howe, et al

Head, Neck, and Dental Anatomy by Marjorie Short, et al

Lotte Jacobi: Photographs/Peter Moriarty (Intro and Notes)

Microsoft .NET Framework Professional Projects
by Angshuman Chakraborti, et al

NetBeans: The Definitive Guide by Tim Boudreau, et al

Power Baby by Ryan Lee Parsons

Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner by Michael Dawson

SQL Tips and Techniques by Konrad King and Kris Jamsa

Developmental Editing

The Diet Solution Manual by Isabel De Los Rios

Rodeo in Joliet by Glenn Rockowitz

Battling the Killer Within by Thomas Farrington

Petricia and Caroline by Maria Wingert

Dolce Attessa by Michelle Schoenung

Woman, Sinner, Mother, Whore by Erin Samiloglu

L’Invitation Au Voyage by Kathleen Collier

The Things That Stick by Christine Whitehead

Wicked Gravity by Paul David Herron

Home Fires by Judith Kirscht

Unmasking: A Women’s Journey by Gloria Lockhart

Book Editor Reviews

“I was expecting you to shred my entire book, so I was pleasantly surprised when you finished the first pass and didn’t say ‘don’t quit your day job.’ You are honest, and all of your corrections and suggestions were put in a way that they didn’t come across as criticisms. It was very easy to work with you. As a new author, I found that a great quality in you as an editor. You only helped me to grow a little better at writing. Fo”Received the structural edit back on my first manuscript and I love DJ’s edits, suggestions … her remarks are very encouraging. I feel very fortunate to have connected with DJ as my editor. Looking forward to continue our work together on my manuscript.”
– Icey Campbell

r that I say thank you.”
— L.P. Chase

“I want to tell you how much I appreciate your insight into my poems. Your suggestions and corrections are spot-on for where I’m trying to grow.”
— Russell Blinder, Poet

“I just read quickly through your comments (stealing a little time from my day job—which I now must get back to) and thought they were outstanding! This is the stuff that I wanted to learn about.”
— Ken Waxlax, Fiction Author

“Thank you for all your support and edits on this story. I really appreciate your assistance. Your patience with me and your advice on revisions is invaluable. I feel inspired and encouraged.”
— Mary Gould, Short Fiction Author

“Your quick turn around time is amazing! Thanks again for all of your help.”
— Charles Long, Fiction Author

“Thank you, thank you, and thank you. Your critique really hit home. I loved your comments . . . . ‘Don’t hold the reader’s hand,’ ‘Trust your audience’ and, my favorite, ‘Oh please, let’s not go into the fish’s head.’ (I still chuckle when I read that one.) But with all seriousness, that is what I needed. Those comments helped . . . redirect me. I really appreciated your common-sense views.”
— Ken Lang, Fiction Author

“I looked at the edits. Thank you so much for your help! I’d marry you for the free editing advice.”
— Del Schlangen, poet

“The article turned out amazing! Thanks so much. I’m so happy with your work!”
— Krissy Brady, Editor, Brady Magazine

“If Darla is an example of the type of people nSight hires, then I am confident that you have provided me with a good team.”
— Robert Siek, Assistant Editor, Prentice Hall

“Thanks for your support and congratulations on making a living utilizing your talent and skills by doing work you enjoy.”
— Ilan Herman, Fiction Author

“Darla Bruno performed the final editing for this book. Her insight transformed my work into a finished product for which I am thankful.”
— Tom Farrington, Author of Battling the Killer Within

“I don’t know what I would do without you! Thanks!”
— Rita Guastella, Director of Communications, Project Bread – The Walk for Hunger

“I recommend her as an efficient and effective copyeditor.”
— Karen Cheng, Associate Project Manager, Argosy Publishing

“I found Darla both easy to work with and conscientious about her deadlines.”
— Kathleen Byrne, Project Manager, Argosy Publishing

“Her work is exceptionally thorough. She has provided first-class editorial services.”
— Stephanie DeGonzalez, Project Manager, nSight

“Thanks for your flexibility, great attitude, and hard work. It was a pleasure working with you on this project.”
— Sarah Yezzi, Senior Technical Editor, Prentice Hall

“Your comments were nuanced, insightful, authoritative without being dictatorial. . . . I felt as I was reading your comments that it was in good hands, that I was happy that you had read it, that I was better off that you did.”
— Thomas Finn, Author of short fiction pieces

“Thanks for your words of encouragement and advice. They are very helpful and appreciated. I know I hired the “write” editor for the job. . . . No pun intended of course :)”
— Tina Kotulski, Memoir Writer

“Received the structural edit back on my first manuscript and I love DJ’s edits, suggestions … her remarks are very encouraging. I feel very fortunate to have connected with DJ as my editor. Looking forward to continue our work together on my manuscript.”
— Icey Campbell