I’m a prize-winning author of nine books and a developmental editor, copy editor, and proofreader with experience at major traditional publishing houses and hybrid publishing houses like Thomas & Mercer (crime fiction, mysteries, and thrillers), Lake Union Publishing (contemporary and historical fiction), Lucky Bat Books (science fiction, fantasy, and horror), Disruption Books (narrative nonfiction), and Advantage Books (business books). I specialize in genre fiction (crime fiction, science fiction, horror, and fantasy) and narrative nonfiction (memoir, history, travel writing, creative nonfiction, and so on). These are the kinds of books that I like to read and write myself, so if you’re one of my fellow authors—especially if you’re written a mystery or thriller—I’ll get you in ways that other editors might not. Publishing a successful novel or nonfiction book requires assistance and support from several professionals—at the very least an editor and a designer. Agents and publishers stop reading most manuscripts before the end of the first page. (Yes, really.) Readers likewise sample the opening when searching for their next book. Let me show you how to craft the first page—and the pages that follow—without losing readers. With developmental editing and manuscript evaluation, I can tell you how to get unstuck, if your opening grabs the reader’s attention and refuses to let go, if there are any plot holes or illogical turns of events, if your characters are well-rounded and believable, if the pacing feels right, if suspense scenes are actually suspenseful, if your setting and description are vivid enough that readers can “see” your story like a movie playing in their minds, if the dialogue sounds right, if you’re missing any key elements of story structure, if your book meets audience expectations, if you have boring scenes that need to be cut or revised, if the climax is satisfying, if you’re missing anything, and if readers will want to buy your next book after they finish this one. With copyediting, line editing, and proofreading, I combine extreme attention to detail by adhering to The Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary while simultaneously preserving every author’s style and voice, taking pains not to replace either with my own. I can add a professional polish to virtually any book that will enhance your authentic style and voice by removing any errors, awkward phrasing, and lack of clarity that can get in the way.Learn more at michaeltotten.com.