Why work with me?

I'm a writer but also a senior editor at Augur Magazine and a fiction editor at JMWW where I provide editing services.I approach editing with the author's intention at the forefront. I am an avid practitioner of word economy and specialize in flash.Heather O'Neill once said about writing, "This story was so elegant and perfect. There was not a spare word."

Here's the Tea

Melissa has a great eye for what a story needs. She’s my go-to person whenever I’m struggling to finish a story. She can pinpoint pacing issues and where a plot or character needs further development. She’ll help you figure out what areas to cut and where the emotional core of a story is. She’s worked extensively as a magazine editor, slusher, and also as a novel beta reader, and it shows in the dedication and insights she brings to each project. I always appreciate how she gives actionable feedback that immediately improves the story. Can’t recommend her enough!
- Angela Liu, Nebula, Rhysling, Ignyte-nominated author

It is a privilege and delight to work with such an astute, enthusiastic, and thoughtful editor as Melissa. At every step of the process, it was clear that she saw and understood my vision for the piece, its emerging throughlines, and opportunities for further development. I learned so much from our dialogue, and her input and guidance were instrumental in pushing the story closer to what I had hoped to achieve and truly making it shine. From start to finish, it was a wonderful experience. I can't recommend her highly enough!
- F.E. Choe, author of "Cordelia’s List of Things Not to Ask/Say Around Bea on Our Birthday"

Melissa will always be my go-to reader for feedback. I am blown away by her empathy and care for my work without sacrificing intentional and constructive feedback. I can’t wait to work on my story now and implement some of the notes she suggested, and I am more encouraged than ever to start subbing my flash around. I would work with Melissa again in a heartbeat!!
- Kelley Tai, editor and Aurora Award-nominated author

I was so lucky to work with Melissa. She has a keen eye for detail, as well as story structure and pacing; her input left me with a new understanding of my own work that I can apply to new pieces. I was amazed by the way she connected with the heart of the story and the care she showed throughout the process. Melissa helped bring out the story I had wanted to write, and I can't recommend her highly enough.
- Diana Dima, author

Melissa is a talented writer and gifted editor. She has a sharp eye for grammar, a musical ear for rhythm, and a skilled hand for prose that always benefits her authors. She has the sensitivity and emotional nuance to both tease out and amplify the heart of a story and to honor and uplift the author’s vision without compromising or erasing their intent. I had a wonderful time working with Melissa and I cannot say enough good things about her.
- Nicole Balsamo, writer and editor