Consulting on Manuscripts

I'm happy to read and provide detailed feedback on manuscripts-in-progress: book-length or shorter works, nonfiction or fiction. With more than a decade of editing experience, I'm adept at developmental commentary (thematic, narrative, structural) as well as nuts-and-bolts line editing, so can supply either or both.

My goals as an editor are to respect and foster writers’ intentions for their work while helping to streamline and develop narratives as fully as possible, with the aim of pushing manuscripts toward publication. I can also provide advice on submitting work to literary markets and fine-tuning MFA applications. 

I charge by the hour for shorter projects, and by flat rate for developmental and line editing on book-length projects; for rates and specifics, contact me at doriandfox@gmail.com.  

Testimonials

I am a new writer of Creative Nonfiction and have been working with Dorian for nearly a year. He has been absolutely terrific and is a gifted coach. He is a critical reader and outstanding editor but is also unfailingly patient and kind. More importantly, he pushes me to get to the core truth of any piece I give him while still being sensitive to my style and voice. He also discusses writing with me in a clear, analytical way, which is a talent that few writing teachers have, and I always leave our meetings feeling energized and eager to start writing again. I know my writing will only continue to improve under his tutelage. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found him! 

- Lynda Rushing

Dorian is a talented editor who intuitively works with a writer’s unique voice. He is highly skilled at providing both line edits and big picture feedback. His detailed notes were always encouraging and kind, as he guided me through the revision process. He helped identify themes in my memoir and cut material that wasn’t essential to the story. Thanks to Dorian, I now have a polished draft ready for submission to agents.

- Patty Mulcahy

Working with Dorian on my book-length manuscript has been an invaluable experience. His comments are always thorough, thoughtful, and encouraging. Dorian is a skillful copy editor, but he is also adept at addressing big picture issues and identifying the heart of a story. My manuscript is certainly better off after Dorian's feedback. Perhaps even more importantly, his questions and suggestions have pushed me to be a better writer. 

- Lea McLellan

Dorian is everything a writer would want in an editor– kind and skillful, creative and patient. His intuitive notes and eye for detail elevate your writing, as he offers shrewd comments on every aspect of a piece, from story notes to correcting spelling and grammar (not that my manuscript had any such errors, of course). I cannot wait to work with Dorian on my upcoming projects; he has an emotional understanding of story regardless of genre or goal.

- Emily Steers