Marlies Sargent

I am a freelance fiction editor who helps authors create their best work. I offer collaborative editing and copyediting for newer authors (and established authors, too) looking to self-publish. I am passionate about collaborating with writers to support them in producing a novel they are proud to publish. My collaborative editing includes elements from both line / style editing and copyediting. 

As an editor and former teacher, I build relationships with my clients, and help them develop their writing skills throughout the editing process. My hope is that by working with me, clients will learn a few new skills that they can take with them into their future projects. My style is supportive, personable and communicative. I endeavor to empower authors in conveying their ideas to their readers through their organization and writing style, all with the objective of helping to bring out the best in each project.

I have experience working with romance novels and fantasy novels. I also have experience working with nonficition books, including books about spirituality and prison chaplaincy. I am currently taking on new clients, so please send me a message if you are interested in working together.

Please visit my website for more information. I’ve love to chat with you about your project and how I can support you.

Reviews:

Working with Marlies was an absolute pleasure. Not only did she find numerous ways to make my book better, her willingness to explain the rationale for even the smallest changes made the editing process so easy. When making her recommendations, Marlies always looked for and found the right balance between the rules of grammar and my style as an author. I look forward to the opportunity to work with her again in the future!

(Kit Olmstead, urban fantasy romance author of
This Sweet Magic)

Thank you for your invaluable help on my upcoming fantasy novel, Golems of Beithir! It was a pleasure working with you to bolster the quality of the manuscript, and you also brought great ideas and improvements to the table. I particularly liked the way you helped to bring out some of the subtle feelings and emotions and make them come alive in the narrative. Thank you again.

(Michal Snaerravn, fantasy author of
The Golems of Beithir)

Marlies was a dream to work with. I met her at a book event. When I reached out to inquire about editing services, she provided me with a quote, offered to do a sample edit on some of my pages, and gave me a timeline that worked perfectly for my book’s release. Her turnaround time on my project was prompt. I loved the technical knowledge she brought forward in the copy editing stage and her critiques throughout made the story that much better. It was a pleasure working with Marlies. I highly recommend her work.

(C.A. Fray, romance author of Shred the Season)

Marlies took a newbie writer’s labour of love into her capable hands and gently made editing suggestions that would enhance the readers’ enjoyment while maintaining the writer’s voice and style. Marlies offered a collaborative style and she delivered (her Style Sheet alone was worth more than gold)! I look forward to working with Marlies and relying on her wisdom in the future.

(Donna Waugh, fantasy author of Search for the Crystal Shard)