June2019

Diana Courtney-Smith, Wordsmith

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What could be better than building a valuable relationship with an ally who is dedicated solely to helping you write the incredible book that you envision? As a professional book coach and experienced editor, I’m committed to helping you write the very best book possible in a dynamic, creative, and nurturing environment. As an editor who has a deep and abiding fascination for the dark side of human nature and all things otherworldly, I can help you develop compelling characters, and build atmosphere and narrative arcs that will transport your readers.

My eclectic career path has taken me into the expansive world of books via many unconventional routes, allowing me to cultivate and hone my various skills. Working in the literary and coaching world in so many diverse capacities has also given me a unique and comprehensive perspective, along with the experience, insights, and empathy it takes to be a dedicated book coach and skilled editor. In addition to editing and coaching fiction and non-fiction, I also beta read and review fiction books (US and UK published) for prominent book and review websites. This type of work allows me to look at your manuscript through the lens of a professional reader, which is a very different perspective from an editor.

So how do my singular background and skills translate into helping you? Well, not only will I provide a safe environment in which you can thrive as a writer, and ultimately complete the book you've visualized, I will:

  • set you up for success as you embark on your writing journey
  • support you if (when) you hit those sticky spots in your manuscript
  • identify, explain, and offer solutions for story- and content-level issues
  • polish your work at the sentence level, and make your work wonderfully consumable by your readers
  • celebrate your successes with you!

My diverse education and literary background, extensive hands-on experience, and dedication to remaining current in the latest editing and coaching skills are only some of the valuable elements I will bring to our partnership. I adore working with my authors, as is shown by the testimonials of my latest clients, and I’m dedicated to going the extra mile to make sure you are supported and successful! Book your free consultation today, and let’s get started.

Favorite authors include:

Neil Gaiman, Joe Hill, Simone St. James, Elly Griffiths, Ann Cleeves, Riley Sager, Sujata Massey, Barbara Erskine, Daniel Hecht, John Connolly, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Ray Bradbury, Sarah Addison Allen, Darynda Jones, Charlaine Harris, James Herbert, G. M. Malliet, Deanna Raybourne, Anna Lee Huber, Alice Hoffman, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Paula Brackston, Erin Hart, Charlie Lovett, Douglas Preston & Lee Child, Anne Rice, Laurie King, Amanda Stevens, and Rhys Bowen...to name a few.

Working With Me

Do you work in all genres?

While I specialize in mystery and supernatural fiction, I also work broadly in US and UK-published fiction and have a number of areas of non-fiction in which I have expertise. To do the type of coaching and editing that I do, I feel it’s important that I have an excellent understanding and appreciation of the genres in which I work. I am a voracious reader with many interests, and I have extensive knowledge of readers’ expectations in the categories listed below.

 

If you’re not sure if your manuscript fits within my body of expertise, please get in touch with me!

  • Folklore/Mythology
  • Magical Realism
  • Paranormal
  • Horror– all subgenres EXCEPT extreme
  • Mystery– all subgenres EXCEPT legal
  • Thriller/Suspense– all subgenres EXCEPT legal, espionage, military, political, technothriller

I spent many, many years writing and editing in learning and development, so I also have expertise in these non-fiction areas:

  • Mentoring
  • Career development
  • Leadership development
  • Coaching
  • Management
  • Communication
  • General learning and development
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Frequently Asked Questions

"An editor doesn’t just read, he reads well, and reading well is a creative, powerful act.”

–Susan Bell

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