Paul Carlucci

For 25 years, I’ve worked as an editor, writing coach, award-winning author, and journalist in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. I’m a member of Editors Canada and the Editorial Freelancers Association, and I work in Canadian, American, and British conventions.

Editing Experience

I’m highly skilled at all types of editing, from developmental to proofreading, with expertise in both fiction and non-fiction. Genres include memoir, thought leadership, literary fiction, crime fiction, YA and middle grade, and speculative fiction as well as academia and professional research.

I’m at ease with leading style systems, including Chicago, APA, Canadian Press, and MLA, and I’m a quick study of house styles and accompanying spelling lists. I stay current on inclusive language conventions, and I’m comfortable working with a variety of applications, including Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat. I don’t use AI in my editing process.

Specific clients include or have included traditional and hybrid publishers like Inhabit Education, Radiant Press, Guernica Editions, Figure 1 Publishing, and Duke University Press; organizations and institutions like the US-China Business Council, the Institute for Research on Public Policy, the American Institutes for Research, Ivey Business School, and Toronto Metropolitan University; and businesses like S&S Activewear and Mme L’Ovary. I’ve worked with individual businesspeople, academics, students, and self-publishing authors, and I’ve helped multiple writers with projects that have gone on to be published by traditional presses and academic journals. I’m also an editorial adviser on the Pathway to Publication program operated by Sit Write Here, a California-based coaching agency.

Writing Experience

As a writer, I’ve written copy for small-business websites, and my journalism has been published in outlets big and small, from obscure community newspapers to major outlets, including The Globe and Mail and Toronto Star.

I’m an award-winning author. I wrote The Secret Life of Fission (Oberon, 2013; Danuta Gleed Literary Award winner), A Plea for Constant Motion (House of Anansi, 2018; ReLit Award finalist), The High-Rise in Fort Fierce (Goose Lane Editions, 2018; Ottawa Book Award finalist), and The Voyageur (Swift Press, 2024; Ottawa Book Award finalist). Individually, more than 20 of my short stories have been publishing online as well as in journals and magazines.

I’ve also received generous grants from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council, and I’ve been a member of peer juries adjudicating grants, awards, and contests.

Working Together

I don’t offer free samples or free consultations, though I’m happy to apply the cost of either as a credit toward the full job. However, I can provide some insights via email, and if I’m one of three editors you’re considering, we can schedule a 25-minute call to determine project fit. You can also view the free writing resources and on my website. Without a signed service agreement, I’m unable to review chapters, character lists, and other manuscript materials, and I don’t open these files when sent by clients I haven’t met.

I use the rate chart published by the Editorial Freelancers Association to set my prices. Please have a look before querying, as my quotes will never be below these ranges. In your query, please include the word count, the deadline, a brief synopsis, and your budget. I usually respond within 24 hours.

I have several client testimonials on my website, and I’ve included some immediately below. 

Thanks!

Testimonials

“Three of the five pieces Paul edited for me have since been accepted for publication. I’m bringing him my novel next. If you want an editor who improves both your sentences and your storytelling, hire him.”

Keith Fowkes, author of “The Pendant,” “Among a Thousand Lakes,” “You’ve Got Nothing to Worry About,” “Sympathy Card,” and others

“I found it very easy to work with Paul. On top of being highly skilled, he’s incredibly efficient, warm, and friendly. What impressed me most was how quickly he understood what exactly I wanted. In the future, I will continue to work with him on all my projects.”

Aditi Sen Chowdhury, associate professor, Queen’s University, Department of History

“Working with Paul Carlucci as an editor is like taking a master class in narrative first aid. I’ve seen him save a paragraph’s life by dispensing with a comma with the care and attention of a physician prescribing medication to a patient. Carlucci’s sharp eye, generous heart, and supportive spirit helped change [Survivors of the Hive], and my writing life, for the better.”

Jason Heroux, author of
Survivors of the Hive, Like a Trophy from the Sun, and others

“Since 2019, Paul has been an invaluable member of the editorial board behind
Trigger, the annual publication series initiate by FOMU – Museum of Photography Antwerp and designed and published by FW: Books Amsterdam. Beyond meticulous copy-editing and proofreading, Paul offers thoughtful developmental feedback that helps authors/artists arrive at their strongest personal texts. . . . I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking a copy editor who is both rigorous and generous in his practice.”

Tom Viaene, editor-in-chief, Trigger

“Paul Carlucci has been Inhabit Education’s trusted freelance editor and proofreader for five years. His work is thorough, thoughtful, and consistent. . . . I highly recommend his services.”

Nicola Smith, managing editor, Inhabit Education