Work with an award-winning published author, former CBC journalist, and experienced editor who can help you strengthen your manuscript while preserving your voice.

Whether you’re working on a novel, memoir, short story collection, children’s book, or creative nonfiction manuscript, an experienced outside editor can help you see what’s working, what needs attention, and how to make your writing stronger.

I provide thoughtful, professional manuscript editing and critique for writers who want more than a quick proofread. My goal is to help you improve the structure, clarity, pacing, voice, and emotional impact of your work, while respecting the story you are trying to tell.

As a traditionally published author, former CBC Radio host and producer, book reviewer, columnist, and editor, I bring both a writer’s eye and an editor’s discipline to every manuscript I review. I understand how personal writing can be — and how valuable it is to receive honest, constructive feedback from someone who knows the craft.

Why Work With Me?

I’ve spent my professional life working with words — as a novelist, journalist, broadcaster, reviewer, editor, and teacher.

My background includes:

Traditionally published fiction and nonfiction
My books have been published by NeWest Press, Robert Davies Publishing, Whitecap Books, and Mediscript Communications.

CBC journalism and broadcasting experience
I worked as a CBC Radio host and producer, including on regional and national programs such as Morningside, Sunday Morning, and Gabereau.

Published reviews, columns, and essays
My book reviews and opinion pieces have appeared in publications including The Globe and Mail and the Calgary Herald.

A Master’s degree from the University of Guelph
My graduate work focused on facilitation and conflict management — skills that are surprisingly useful when helping writers receive feedback, solve creative problems, and move their work forward.

Experience helping new and emerging writers
I work especially well with writers who are serious about improving their manuscript but may be new to the editing or publishing process.

Editing & Manuscript Services

Manuscript Evaluation

A big-picture review of your manuscript, focused on what is working, what needs improvement, and what steps would make the project stronger.

This may include feedback on:

• Story structure
• Pacing
• Plot development
• Characterization
• Dialogue
• Voice and tone
• Narrative clarity
• Reader engagement
• Strengths, weaknesses, and revision priorities

Best for writers who want professional guidance before investing in a deeper edit.

Copy Editing & Line Editing

A closer edit of the manuscript itself, focused on improving clarity, flow, style, sentence structure, consistency, grammar, and readability.

This may include:

• Tracked changes in Microsoft Word
• Comments and suggestions throughout the manuscript
• Improvements to sentence structure and flow
• Clarification of awkward or confusing passages
• Attention to consistency, tone, and readability

Best for writers who have a complete or near-complete draft and want to improve the quality of the writing.

Proofreading

A final-stage review for spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, formatting inconsistencies, and small errors before self-publishing, submitting, or sharing your work.

Best for manuscripts that have already been edited and are close to finished.

Short Sample Critique

For writers who want to start small, I offer a short critique of up to four pages, a short story, or the opening chapter of a manuscript.

This is a useful way to get professional feedback before committing to a larger edit.

What You Receive

Depending on the scope of the project, you may receive:

• A Word document with tracked changes
• A clean version with changes accepted
• Editorial comments throughout the manuscript
• A written assessment of the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses
• Practical suggestions for revision
• Guidance on structure, voice, pacing, and overall effectiveness

What Writers Say

“The review was thoughtful, detailed, and clearly came from a place of genuine care. Margie’s suggestions helped me see my story from a new perspective and gave me practical, actionable ideas for improving it.”
— Marta M.

“Margie’s work was thorough, and she always delivered within the promised timeframe. I learned a great deal from her, especially about publishing standards I hadn’t known before.”
— Ming L. S.

“Her brilliant overview of my manuscript, with suggestions on how to improve the flow of the story, gave me hope that I am on the right track. A good editor is worth their weight in gold, and Margie is indeed that gold.”
— Mark F.

“She is a wonderful editor, always respecting the writer’s voice while suggesting ways to improve the story’s flow. Her work is thorough, covering many aspects of the editing process.”
— Margarita E.

Fees

Every manuscript is different. Some writers need a final proofread. Others need a deeper editorial review of structure, pacing, voice, and story. For that reason, fees are based on manuscript length and the level of editing required.

Short Critique

For writers who would like to begin with a small sample, I offer a critique of up to four pages, a short story, or an opening chapter.

Starting at $125

Manuscript Assessment

A written editorial assessment focused on the manuscript’s strengths, weaknesses, structure, pacing, characterization, voice, and revision opportunities.

Starting at $350

Copy Editing / Line Editing

A closer edit of the manuscript, including tracked changes and comments, focused on clarity, flow, grammar, consistency, readability, and style.

Starting at $500

Full Manuscript Edit + Assessment

A more complete editorial package that includes tracked changes, a clean copy, comments throughout the manuscript, and a written editorial assessment.

Starting at $750

For longer manuscripts, please contact me for a custom quote.

Email: margietlr4@gmail.com
Text: 604-803-8538