After twenty years of experience with employers including The Economy Company, Macmillan, McGraw-Hill, Lucent Books, KidHaven Press, Blackbirch Press, and Gale Group, I began to do freelance editing in 2006. I estimate that I’ve edited at least 300 books. Although most of my experience is with nonfiction, I am equally comfortable editing fiction.

Email: marla@writinghealer.com

Copy Editing

• Grammar
• Punctuation
• Spelling
• Syntax

Substance Editing

• Sense
• Consistency
• Logic
• Structure
• Organization

“With the benefit of Marla Ryan’s inspired editing, my book Laura Ingalls Wilder (KidHaven Press, 2006), brought me my first national writing award: first place for a children’s nonfiction book in the National Association of Presswomen 2007 Communications contest. Marla’s suggestions improved the tone and content of my manuscript immensely, and added a shine that made this book a winner.”

—Kaye Patchett, winner of the 2007 National Federation of Press Women's
First Place Award for a nonfiction children's book

Laura Ingalls Wilder by Kaye Patchett

First place, children’s nonfiction, National Association of Presswomen Communications contest, 2007

DNA on Trial by Tina Kafka

First place, young adult/children’s nonfiction, San Diego Book Awards, 2005

Zombies by Cynthia Jenson-Elliott

Finalist, young adult/children’s nonfiction, San Diego Book Awards, 2008

J.K. Rowling by Bradley Steffens

Winner, Theodor S. Geisel Award (best of the best), San Diego Book Awards, 2008