I am an author, editor, and book coach. I'm also the creator of Story Medicine, the course for writers who want to use their power as storytellers to support a more just and verdant world.My debut novel, HOT SEASON won the 2017 Gold IPPY Award for Best Fiction of the Mountain West, and in the same year I was named "One of 25 Oregon Authors Every Oregonian Must Read" by The Oregonian. I'm also the editor of Dispatches from Anarres, an anthology of short fiction in tribute to Ursula K. Le Guin, a finalist for the Foreword INDIES.I believe in the power of story to heal, help, and make whole. I also believe in the Chicago Manual of Style.Genres: Literary, speculative, historical, mystery/thriller, YA.Services: Manuscript evaluation, developmental editing, line editing, and creative consulting on works in progress.Testimonials:“Susan DeFreitas isa genius—the queen of the big picture.”—Ariel Gore, author of We Were Witches (Feminist Press)“I already knew you were a phenomenal WRITER. What I did not know is that you are a thrilling editrix, too. I loved your ideas so very much.”—Lidia Yuknavitch, author of The Book of Joan (Harper)“I just cannot express my appreciation for your editorial work. This book is SOOO much stronger for your eye and wit.”—Aya De Leon, IPPY Award–winning author of the Justice Hustlers series (Kensington Books)“Your insights and comments have been amazingly helpful. I think they’ll make the book much stronger.”—Scott Sparling, author ofWire to Wire (Tin House Books)"If you are in need of an independent developmental editor, I highly recommend Susan DeFreitas. I recently hired her to do a last read on my new novel and she slayed. Brilliant insight, and not afraid to point out areas that need work."—Mo Daviau, author of Every Anxious Wave (St. Martin's Press)"Susan saved my second book (and maybe my whole series)! She was able to take my first draft, sort through the mess, and find the story I really wanted to tell."—Brian Tashima, author of the Joel Suzuki series (Prism Valley Press)"A genius editor."—Cathrine A. Hamilton, author of Nine Days (Kinglet Books)“I’ve got a shelf full of craft books but none has ever made me feel as empowered and ready to write as one session with Susan. She understood where I wanted to go with my novel and asked just the right questions to help me understand how to get there. I walked away inspired, excited, confident and motivated.”—Kristin Brown, author of Coldwater (WIP)