Every author is unique. Each project is, too.

What’s the process like?

Whether you’re starting with a spark of an idea or have a completed manuscript, the first step in working together is always a conversation. I want to get to know you, your project, and what you need.

Maybe it’s line edits. Or accountability and thoughtful feedback. Maybe you need thirty thousand words trimmed. Or you know what you want to write, but don’t have the time to do it yourself.

Together, we’ll create a plan to help you meet your goals — and your deadline.

Manuscript Edits

This can involve both developmental edits, helping you craft a story that readers want to keep reading, and/or line editing, where every word in every sentence is evaluated for accuracy, clarity, and impact.

Essays and Sample Chapters

You want to be published. With thoughtful feedback and thorough edits, I can help you put your best work forward.

Ghostwriting

You have all the content, just not the capacity for writing. I can take your ideas, expertise, and message and create compelling prose in your own unique voice.

College Essays

Ideally, this is a 4-step process. Brainstorming together followed by three rounds of edits. (Structural, line, refining.) If you already have a draft, it’s a 3-step process.

Let's work together

Testimonials

  • “Sonya isn't just a thorough editor, she's a skilled teacher. She compiles a variety of essays and content to educate and equip writers to put forth their best writing.

    Above all, Sonya is encouraging. She reads with passion and offers kind insights. She empowers writers to keep on writing and to keep on trying.

    With her support, I've had the courage to polish my writing, submit it, and I've even won first place for an essay contest!

    As a published author, I've worked with a variety of editors and Sonya stands out to me for her specific feedback that gently guides you to the version of the strongest story. I honestly wish I could work with Sonya on every project!”

    || Reem Faruqi, Children's Book Author

  • “Sonya's razor-sharp eye has made my writing clearer, punchier, and more powerful. Whether editing standalone essays or an entire manuscript, her thoughtful feedback proved invaluable.

    Working with Sonya has absolutely made me a better writer, and I hope to continue working with her for the rest of my life.” 

    || Ashlee Gadd, Founder of Coffee+Crumbs and Author of Create Anyway, Magic of Motherhood, and You’re In Good Company

  • Working with Sonya on our first book, exceeded our expectations of working with a ghost writer by a hundred times!

    She made the process so easy for our type-A, perfectionist brains. We tend to get overwhelmed with all the tiny details of a project and she created a system for us, as a team, that worked seamlessly to ensure we hit the end goal before the due date.

    She completely understood our vision for the book without much back and forth and was able to perfectly match our voice as authors. The book quickly molded into our exact vision we had dreamt up upon beginning the book writing journey, with Sonya’s guidance and expertise! 

    || Meg DeLong + Ea Fuqua, Owners of The Tidy Home and Authors of Tidying Up

  • “Sonya Spillmann is a master at helping writers shape a narrative that is going to resonate with readers.

    Her editing is thoughtful and intentional, always aiming to make each sentence strong and clear. But it is her ability to help writers get to the emotional heart of each piece she reads that sets her apart from any editor I’ve ever worked with.

    Everything I have put in the world that was sifted through Sonya’s careful editing eyes first is far and away a stronger piece, leaving a greater impact on readers than I could have possibly accomplished on my own. She is my go-to forever."

    || Katie Blackburn, Author of Gluing the Cracks, The Very Best Baseball Game, and Grace Will Be There 

  • “If you want to become the best writer you can be, work with Sonya.

    She has an incredible ability to not just offer helpful edits regarding word choice and phrasing, but she also helps writers dive deeper into their own stories. She will push you in the best way and help you take your work to the next level.

    I've worked with Sonya on several projects, and her feedback has been absolutely invaluable.”

    || Sarah J. Hauser, Author of All Who Are Weary 

  • “My editor insisted I cut over 30,000 words from my special project (didn't she know it was perfect as it was?!). Oh, and I had less than a month until the deadline. Wouldn't that entirely change the flavor of the book? Would it even feel like my book anymore? It seemed impossible.

    Sonya saved the day. She made judicious changes that not only preserved the tone I was going for, she improved it by a ton! And she was so personable and kind.

    If you want your work to sound fluid, accessible, and not have to murder your tone to get it that way, go to Sonya. She's not just an editor but a wise caregiver for your work.”

    || Erik L. Peterson, Professor and Author