Tara Avery

I have worked as a writer, editor, and writing coach (or, as I like to think of it, storytelling counsellor) for over twenty years. I’m also an experienced ghostwriter who has worked on novels, articles, screenplays, and marketing copy. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre, Film, and Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia.

I am the National Treasurer of Editors Canada, the Branch Chair of Editors BC (after previously serving as BC’s treasurer and co-chair of Social Media, Communications and Events), and a Professional member of the CIEP. I’ve given numerous presentations with the Federation of BC Writers (for whom I also facilitate a neurodivergent-specific writing circle), the Delta Literary Arts Society, the Vancouver and Surrey Public Libraries, and WORD Vancouver. In 2024, I chaired the Editors Canada national conference in Vancouver, BC. I’m the President of the Federation of BC Writers Board of Directors.

From substantive and developmental to stylistic and mechanical, I have experience across all forms and genres of editing. I’ve edited Amazon best-selling novels, academic work for prestigious journals, business publications, and reports to US Congress. Fiction, however, is my true passion as both a writer and an editor.

I love all speculative fiction—fantasy, sci-fi, paranormal, urban, cozy, contemporary, dystopian—for adult, new adult, and young adult audiences. I also love romance, cozy mysteries, women’s fiction, and chick lit. My favorite stories involve rich characterization, vivid world-building, and excellent dialogue. With truly fantastic characters to work with, all things are possible. In non-fiction and creative non-fiction, I’ve primarily worked with self-help authors and memoirists.

As a storytelling counsellor and coach, I help authors unlock the best version of their work by delivering useful, relevant critique and suggestions without overwhelming or frightening them. One-on-one sessions allow me to develop individualized solutions for struggling or stuck authors.

Authors, I’ve been where you are. I know how hard it is to trust a stranger with your baby.

Luckily, I’m really great with kids.