Selected Projects
Editing Ecopoetry
Here Is Where We Disembark
by Clea Roberts
Poetry / Freehand Books / Calgary, Alberta / September 2010
For more information about this title, please visit Freehand Books
S E R V I C E S
Acquired as Acquiring Editor for Freehand Books
Substantive Edit
Copy and Line Edit
Proofing
FINALIST for the 2011 Gerald Lampert Award
“Her images of the landscape and climate are not only crisp and precise, but manage to speak about the physical conditions of this place and its emotional landscape in one and the same lyrical breath. . . . One cannot help but think of past Canadian masters when reading Roberts’ vivid portrait. . . . Roberts writes with a rare and haunting musicality.” – Judges’ comments, Gerald Lampert Award
R E V I E W S
Reviewed by Mark Callanan Quill & Quire November 2010
Reviewed by Barbara Colebrook Peace The Malahat Review
“Robyn is an excellent editor and working with her was a very natural, engaging and positive experience for me. She had a comprehensive understanding and deep respect for my vision and voice. She was good at asking the difficult, necessary questions that helped me dig a little deeper into each poem.”
– Clea Roberts
Editing Poetry & Short Fiction
Not Anyone’s Anything
Personals
by Ian Williams
Short Fiction / Freehand Books / Calgary, Alberta / April 2011
For more information about this title, please visit Freehand Books
“Not Anyone’s Anything discloses a radical new voice in Canadian fiction.”
- Rhea Tregebov
Poetry / Freehand Books / Calgary, Alberta / April 2012
For more information about this title, please visit Freehand Books
“Williams uses the hook of newspaper personals to not only showcase his talent but highlight how aware we all are of everything nowadays yet feel we’ve missed the magic moment.”
- Mike Landry
S E R V I C E S
for Not Anyone’s Anything:
Acquired as Acquiring Editor for Freehand Books
Substantive Edit
Copy and Line Edit
Proofing
for Personals:
Acquired as Acquiring Editor for Freehand Books
Copy and Line Edit
Substantive Edit by Owen Percy
A W A R D S
Not Anyone’s Anything WINNER of the 2011 Danuta Gleed Literary Award
N E W S
CBC 10 Canadian Writers to Watch 2012
“Nothing I say can really express the force that Robyn Read has been in my career.
Robyn has the vision to see right to the skeleton of a manuscript and the ability to offer something more than a massage. She offers something more like a chiropractic alignment. She isn’t hung up on past accomplishments, however impressive or negligible they may be. She sees potential in writers. Her confidence in me has been one of the great gifts of my early career.
Some editors see the forest. Some see the trees. A few may even see both. But when you’re lost and need coordinates, Robyn can show you the forest, the trees, the leaves, the sprout uncoiling, and the hibernating bear in your manuscript.
In the snowy, sub-zero days of a writing project, Robyn’s warmth, energy, and enthusiasm can get you excited about your book again.”
– Ian Williams
Editing Creative Non-Fiction
Every Wolf’s Howl
by Barry Grills
New Release
Memoir / Freehand Books / Calgary, Alberta / Forthcoming: October 2012
For more information on this title, please visit Freehand Books
S E R V I C E S
Acquired as Acquiring Editor for Freehand Books
Substantive Edit
Copy and Line Edit
B O O K L A U N C H E S
12 October 2012, Guillver’s Bookstore, North Bay, ON 7:30 p.m.
20 November 2012, Pages Books on Kensington, Calgary, AB 7:30 p.m.
“I now hold in my hands my copy of Every Wolf’s Howl. This memoir, a profoundly important project for me, was acquired by Robyn on behalf of Freehand, and edited and championed enthusiastically from the very beginning. Robyn’s work on this book demonstrated sure knowledge of the principles of editing as well as a profound sensitivity to my writing voice and my purpose in writing this book in the first place. I cannot thank her enough for the delicacy and skill she brought to the editing process. And her continuing championing of the work is deeply appreciated. I highly recommend her as an editor extraordinaire.”
– Barry Grills
Editing a Graphic Memoir
Tangles
A story about Alzheimer’s, my mother, and me
by Sarah Leavitt
Memoir / Freehand Books / Calgary, Alberta / September 2010
For more information on this title, please visit Freehand Books
S E R V I C E S
Acquired as Acquiring Editor for Freehand Books
Substantive Edit
Copy and Line Edit
Proofing
A W A R D S
WINNER CBC Bookie award for Best Comic or Graphic Novel 2011
FINALIST 2010 Writers’ Trust of Canada Prize for Nonfiction
(first graphic narrative to be a finalist in this category)
FINALIST the 2011 BC Book Prizes, Hubert Evans Non-Fiction Prize
Globe and Mail top 100 books of 2010
Maisonneuve top 10 for 2010
R E V I E W S
Reviewed by Bernice Eisenstein in the Globe and Mail 20 October 2010
I N T E R V I E W
Strange Little Creatures: A Conversation With Sarah Leavitt by Robyn Read
“I was very fortunate to have Robyn as the editor for my first book, Tangles: A story about Alzheimer’s, my mother, and me. Editing a graphic work like Tangles (i.e. a comic book) is a tricky process, and Robyn approached the task with a perfect balance of tough standards and deep respect for my voice and process. Her edits made the book clearer and stronger, which of course is the perfect outcome. Since our work together on Tangles, Robyn has continued to be supportive of my projects, and has provided invaluable suggestions about my next book. As well as being a precise, careful editor, Robyn is a warm, enthusiastic champion of authors and books. Highly recommended!”
– Sarah Leavitt
Editing a Work In Progress
Client: Phil Dwyer
(writer, currently at work on novel and short fiction; member of Writers’ Community of Durham Region)
S E R V I C E S
Manuscript Consultation
Substantive Edit
Copy and Line Edit
A T T E N D E D
“Getting Published in Canada Today.” Full Day Workshop.
Writers’ Community of Durham Region, Tranquil Garden,
Oshawa, ON. 28 May 2011.
This workshop started with a discussion about the publishing industry, focusing on Canadian small presses that consider new and unsolicited authors. The idea was to unpack a few of the mysteries about submissions (Is your beloved manuscript going through a machine and receiving a big YES or NO stamp? When an editor does not respond for a year does that mean the office dog ate the manuscript?), and talk about the structures and procedures of presses. The seminar portion of the workshop included instruction and handouts on: editing one’s own work; agents and representation; preparing one’s work for submission and writing a cover letter; researching and choosing presses for submissions & approaching those publishers; and marketing oneself as a writer. The workshop was followed by a robust Q&A. This workshop was for writers of all genres, emerging and established.
“Approaching a Publisher.” Small Group Intensive.
Writers’ Community of Durham Region, Nineteen on the Park, Lebovic Centre for Arts and Entertainment, Stouffville, ON. 31 May 2011.
You only have a few minutes – sometimes moments – to capture the attention of an editor.
Your query letter has to make an instant impression and inspire the editor to turn to the first page of your manuscript – and the first page of your manuscript has to be strong enough to convince the editor that, above all other submissions in the slush pile, this is the one to keep reading.
This two-and-a-half hour evening intensive was limited to 8 writers. These writers submitted their one page query letter and the first page of their manuscript two weeks before the intensive. Over the course of the evening, feedback was given on all query letters and first pages, which were addressed one by one, so that writers could benefit from direct feedback on their own work as well as the critiques of other writers’ submissions. This intensive also discussed synopsis and pitches.
“I learn so much from Robyn’s edits. Working with her has made my work clearer and sharper, but it’s done much more than that. I’ve learned more about my craft from her edits, and the great thing is, it informs my new writing too. She has exquisite taste, and an unerring eye for when I’m overdoing it. But, perhaps most importantly, she’s gained a wealth of experience in and knowledge of Canadian publishing, while managing to preserve her interest, enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Her enthusiasm for Canadian letters shines through in her seminars and workshops. It’s infectious. She’s a joy to work with.”
– Phil Dwyer
Editing a Novel (Spring 2011)
And Me Among Them
by Kristen den Hartog
Novel / Freehand Books / Calgary, Alberta / Spring 2011
For more information on this title, please visit Freehand Books
S E R V I C E S
Acquired as Acquiring Editor for Freehand Books
Substantive Edit
Copy and Line Edit
Proofing
A W A R D S
WINNER 2012 Alberta Trade Fiction Book of the Year
FINALIST 2012 Trillium Book Award
I N T E R V I E W S
Author Interview with Kerry Clare at Pickle Me This
And Up We Went With Her: Kristen den Hartog in conversation with Freehand Books by Robyn Read
“Robyn Read glows when she talks about good books, and she brings that same passion for reading to her work as an editor. She’s meticulous, generous, thoughtful, and also respectful of the writer’s craft. I feel lucky to have worked with her so closely.”
– Kristen den Hartog
Editing Short Fiction
The Reverse Cowgirl
by David Whitton
Short Fiction / Freehand Books / Calgary, Alberta / Fall 2011
For more information about this title, please visit Freehand Books
S E R V I C E S
Acquired as Acquiring Editor for Freehand Books
Substantive Edit
Copy and Line Edit
Proofing
R E V I E W S
Reviewed by Bob Armstrong Prairie Fire Vol. 12, No. 1 (2012)
Recommended by Sean Cranbury on Advent Book Blog 18 October 2011
I N T E R V I E W
Humanity Has Become the Beast: A Conversation with David Whitton by Robyn Read
“A great editor is a bunch of different people. She’s a reader, she’s a writer. She’s a diplomat. She’s a psychoanalyst and spiritual adviser. She’s a wing-man and co-conspirator. She’s a friend. Robyn Read is all of these people and more. She’s a mechanic: she understands deeply the gears and cogs that make a manuscript function: the interplay of language, character, plot, and theme. She’s a doctor: she deduces the person behind the book, his motivations and ambitions. And she’s an ambassador: she knows the business of publishing, its quirks and requirements, its ins and outs. I’m lucky and grateful that I got to work with Robyn Read. She made my book something I could be really, really proud of.”
– David Whitton
Editing Microfiction
Seen Reading
by Julie Wilson
Short Fiction / Freehand Books / Calgary, Alberta / Spring 2012 / Print
For information about this title, please visit Freehand Books
S E R V I C E S
Acquired as Acquiring Editor for Freehand Books
Manuscript Consultation
Substantive Edit
Copy and Line Edit
R E V I E W S
Reviewed by Kathryn Kuitenbrouwer in the Globe and Mail 4 May 2012
I N T E R V I E W
Seeing People Reading and Seen Reading: A Conversation with Julie Wilson by Robyn Read
“Writers often say it takes months, if not years, to look back on a book and see it for what it is. Working with Robyn Read as your editor, you’ll be keenly aware, every step of the way, of what your book is about to become. It’s the most exhilarating partnership a writer can hope for, and you’ll work harder, reach deeper, than you knew you could.”
– Julie Wilson
Editing a Novel (Fall 2011)
Not Being on a Boat
by Esmé Claire Keith
Novel / Freehand Books / Calgary, Alberta / Fall 2011
For more information about this title, please visit Freehand Books
S E R V I C E S
Acquired as Acquiring Editor for Freehand Books
Substantive Edit
Copy and Line Edit
Proofing
A W A R D S
WINNER McNally Robinson Book of the Year, 2012 Manitoba Book Awards
R E V I E W S
Reviewed by August C. Bourré in the National Post Afterword,
7 October 2011
“Robyn edited my first novel. I thought it might hurt. It didn’t. Robyn helped me make a better book. I’m in her debt.”
– Esmé Claire Keith
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Editing Ecopoetry
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Editing Poetry & Short Fiction
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Editing Creative Non-Fiction
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Editing a Graphic Memoir
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Editing a Work In Progress
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Editing a Novel (Spring 2011)
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Editing Short Fiction
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Editing Microfiction
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Editing a Novel (Fall 2011)
Services
What I can edit for you:
• Literary Fiction: Novel, Novella, Short Fiction, Memoir, Poetry
• Non-Fiction
• Genre Fiction
• Both Adult and Young Adult Literature
• Dissertations, Critical and Scholarly Publications
• Websites
• Programs
(I do not currently evaluate or edit Children’s Literature)
Manuscript Consultation
Get editorial feedback at any stage in the writing process by requesting a one-on-one, one-hour consultation. Location depending, these consultations can take place in person or over the phone. For this service, submit a query letter that includes a succinct synopsis of the project and an excerpt up to 20 pages in length (double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt, single-sided), 30 days in advance of the meeting. The consultation will:
• provide thorough and detailed feedback on the integral strengths of the piece, recommend cuts, additions, and revisions
• comment on a variety of aspects about the writing including language, arc, pacing, and structure
Manuscript Evaluation
This written evaluation of a document or project is suitable for works-in-progress. The evaluation will:
• summarize the integral strengths and weaknesses of the piece and recommend cuts, additions, or revisions
• comment on a variety of aspects about the writing including language, arc, pacing, and structure
Substantive Edit
This is an extensive and comprehensive edit of a complete work. The edit includes:
• a summary of clear and strategic recommendations for cuts, additions, or significant revisions
• commentary on specific lines or sections of the document concerning language, structure, arc, and pacing
Copy & Line Edit
The copy edit corrects specific errors of a project that has already gone through the substantive editing stage. The edit includes:
• corrections pertaining to grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and sentence structure
The line edit will provide focused critiques of individual lines or passages. The edit will:
• suggest omissions, revisions, or corrections pertaining to the coherency and consistency of the document
The copy & line edits are performed in tandem; a standalone copy edit (mechanics only) may be requested.
Presentation
Hire Robyn Read to:
• speak to your class, conference, or writers’ group
• be a resident editor or participate in a pitch camp
• organize and host a writing/editing workshop
Robyn has lectured, participated on panels, or delivered workshops on writing and publishing at the Humber College School for Writers and Creative Book Publishing program, the Alberta College of Art and Design, Grant MacEwan University, the Fernie Writers’ Conference, the founding conference of Canadian Creative Writers and Writing Programs, and for the Get Publishing Society, the Writers Guild of Alberta, the Whitehorse Poetry Society, the Writers’ Community of Durham Region, the Association of Canadian Publishers, and the Writers’ Union of Canada. For more information, please see Presentations and Teaching in the Editing Portfolio.
Submission Guidelines and Fees
All fees by estimate only. Please query Robyn Read (contact information is provided at the bottom of this site)
and write the service requested in the subject line. Include a succinct description of your project (title, if applicable), word/page count, an excerpt of the project (for creative writing 5-10 pages), your full name, address, email, and phone number, and your project will be considered for the service you have requested. Please submit only one project at a time. A Word document attachment (.doc or .docx) is preferable; please inquire about other formats.
Selected Clients
EDGE Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing (Calgary, AB)
Freehand Books (Calgary, AB)
Kisscut Design (Calgary, AB)
Samantha Haywood, Transatlantic Literary Agency, Inc. (Toronto, ON)
Skyhorse Publishing (New York, NY)
Tightrope Books (Toronto, ON)
University of Alberta Press (Edmonton, AB)
Writers’ Community of Durham Region (Ajax, ON)
Robyn Read
Robyn Read is the Managing Editor of Banff Centre Press, and lives in Banff, Alberta.
She has taught Introductory Creative Writing, The City in Canadian Fiction, and Canadian Dystopic Fiction at the University of Calgary, where she completed her PhD in English in 2010. She has guest lectured, participated on panels, and delivered workshops on publishing, editing, and creative writing for a variety of institutions and associations including Grant MacEwan University, the University of Lethbridge, Mount Royal University, the Humber School for Writers, the Association of Canadian Publishers, the Writers’ Union of Canada, the Association of Writers & Writing Programs, and Canadian Creative Writers and Writing Programs (CCWWP); a member of the founding committee of CCWWP, she sat on the Board of Directors from 2010–2012.
Robyn was the Acquiring Editor for Freehand Books, the Calgary literary imprint of Broadview Press, from 2009–2011, and worked in a freelance capacity for a number of presses until 2012. Books that she acquired and edited have won the Danuta Gleed Literary Award, Alberta Trade Fiction Book of the Year, McNally Robinson Book of the Year, the CBC Bookie for Best Comic or Graphic Novel, have been in the Globe and Mail top 100 books of the year, and have been nominated for the Trillium Book Award, the Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction, and the BC National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction. She has published her poetry and short fiction in various Canadian venues and is at work on a novel.
photo by Ayo Burgess