A Word from the Authors about Malone & Developmental Editing Services
“Working with Malone is like earning a graduate degree in writing.” Gary Goldstein, Senior VP, Kensington Publishing
Sharkey: When Sea Lions Were Stars of Show Business
(Excelsior Editions/State University of New York Press, April 2022),
by Gary Bohan Jr.
“Susan Mary Malone was essential in transforming me from a ‘newbie’ writer to a who now has a literary agent and a traditionally published book. Susan excelled at recognizing the merits of my story, even in unpolished form. She then expertly guided me with specific techniques and advice on how to bring the story to life. Her coaching helped me better shape the story, which was an essential part of the process. Susan’s two-tiered approach—a complete developmental edit followed by a subsequent complete proofing/review edit—encouraged me to first focus on the big picture, then refine the details. Susan was available whenever I requested her assistance, to make sure I was properly implementing her suggested techniques. She was never afraid to highlight certain passages and provide honest, no-nonsense critiques where such was needed; and she also let me know when I was on the right track. Throughout the process, she never over-edited or interfered with my writing style, but rather, she let my writer’s ‘voice’ develop naturally through my own hard work and perseverance. The result was a traditionally published book. In summary, Susan Mary Malone receives my highest recommendation for anyone looking for a top-notch editor.”
-Gary Bohan Jr.
Policing Black Athletes
(Peter Lang, Inc., November 2020),
by Vernon L. Andrews
“Susan Mary Malone hits the nail on the head. She is a tough taskmaster and a great motivator. I absorbed her detailed analysis of my book, dove into the suggested changes, took her advice to let the manuscript marinate after my corrections, then followed her instructions to reread my manuscript one month later. I saw exactly what she was talking about: I saw my own writing from a “distance” and made changes left and right. I would never have thought of making changes, letting the manuscript sit (because the world is waiting, right?), then rewriting sections with “fresh eyes.” Susan knows the techniques to get you where you want to go. She learns who you are as a writer and navigates along with you to your distant shore of publication. Susan Mary Malone has helped me produce the best work that I could have produced. I am extremely thankful. You will be, too, if you choose to knock on her door for coaching. My first book, Policing Black Athletes: Racial Disconnect in Sports, challenges many racial norms in sport and society and gives us a path forward for racial accord in the sports world. Her courage to give hard advice, with encouragement to excellence, is what motivated me to finish. She took a risk with my project. A great motivating coach is hard to find. Susan Mary Malone is now my John Madden, coach extraordinaire. “
– Dr. Vernon Andrews.
Fylgia
(Bedazzled Ink (June 1, 2018),
by Birgitta Hjalmarson
“Perhaps it wasn’t yet writer’s block but it was well on its way. I had done all I could. I had rewritten and revised, losing count of the drafts, possibly doing more harm than good. That was when — by pure chance it seemed — I heard an interview with Susan. She talked about her role as an editor (this was before I knew that she’s also a wonderful writer.) Her sense of story, her no-nonsense approach, even the sternness in her voice, moved me to send her my manuscript. She did everything she said she would, and more. She asked hard questions. She saw what was missing and made me see it too — characters needing more space, meaning clear in my head but not on the page, lack of balance between present and past. I’ll never forget the ease with which I finally finished Fylgia. It was one of those rare stretches that writers live for, when everything hums and time stands still. Even now, as I write my next novel, I draw on what I learned from Susan. Can’t wait to work with her again!”
— Birgitta Hjalmarson
Lords of an Empty Land
(Pinnacle (March 31, 2015),
by Randy Denmon
“Susan’s the best. No BS. She doesn’t shy away from telling you what’s wrong with your MS. And she’ll show you how to fix it.”
— Randy Denmon
Six Minutes
Burnstown Publishing House; 1 edition (July 24, 2015)
by Kathy Roberts
“Working with Susan Mary Malone did not even feel like work. She has a gift that few people have — providing invaluable guidance and knowledge in a supportive, positive way.”
— Kathy Roberts
Dead Man’s Road
(Mass Market Paperback – September 29, 2015),
by Randy Denmon
“Susan’s the best. No BS. She doesn’t shy away from telling you what’s wrong with your MS. And she’ll show you how to fix it.”
— Randy Denmon
Hold Me Again
(Black Lyon Publishing, LLC 2015),
by Rory Church
“I was able to take my writing to a higher level with the valuable help of Susan Malone. As I am a Romantic Suspense writer, Susan had to perform double duty – editing as well as advising from the female perspective. Certainly I owe a lot to my wife in that regard but I have to admit, once my wife reads Susan’s review and says, “See… I told you so.” Well, that pretty much seals the deal. My first book Home by Christmas, a holiday novella, was released by Black Lyon Publishing in early November. The advice I received from Susan regarding dialogue and pacing in the mist of conflict along with her hammering on active tense made for a much improved story. I have received great reviews and hope to collaborate with Susan again in the near future.”
— Rory Church
Trouble Brewing
(Dark Alley Press October 2014),
by Paul Ambercrombie
“How good a book editor is Susan? Let me put it this way: I’m hesitant to tell too many other writers how fantastic she is because I don’t want to have to stand in line next time I have a manuscript that needs her help. “
— Paul Ambercrombie
Home by Christmas
(Black Lyon Publishing 2013),
by Rory Church
“I was able to take my writing to a higher level with the valuable help of Susan Malone. As I am a Romantic Suspense writer, Susan had to perform double duty – editing as well as advising from the female perspective. Certainly I owe a lot to my wife in that regard but I have to admit, once my wife reads Susan’s review and says, “See… I told you so.” Well, that pretty much seals the deal. My first book Home by Christmas, a holiday novella, was released by Black Lyon Publishing in early November. The advice I received from Susan regarding dialogue and pacing in the mist of conflict along with her hammering on active tense made for a much improved story. I have received great reviews and hope to collaborate with Susan again in the near future.”
— Rory Church
Sons In The Clouds
(TJT Designs and Publications 2013),
by Randy Mitchell
“Working with Susan Malone continues being a terrific experience to this day.
“When we first began, I was a very inexperienced first-time writer with an extremely rough manuscript I wanted to make into something publishable–she helped make the impossible, possible. Susan dove in and did far more than simply edit grammar. She helped develop my story and make it the best it could be by teaching such valuable skills as character development, evoking emotions, tightening dialogue, and keeping the author’s omnipresent voice out of the equation, to name a few. She has a great eye for detail and will tug on a storyline till it’s in excellent form. She’s a great supporter, but isn’t afraid to point out flaws when needed. Without her, my first novel would have never been traditionally published.
“Susan is always there for me as a wonderful enthusiast. I’ve really enjoyed being creative with her and am looking forward to our future accomplishments.”
— Randy Mitchell
Missing, Calvin Crane and the Kidnapper
(The Artist’s Orchard, LLC May 7, 2013),
by Kevin Don Porter
“Susan Mary Malone is a godsend. With her detailed and comprehensive manuscript critique and dedicated follow-up and correspondence, Susan possess the rare ability to make you feel as if you were her only client. She has a gentle way of letting you know when things aren’t working, praising you when they are, and challenging you to push further — helping writers to develop and polish their skills to a mirror shine. Susan is a seasoned writing professional well-acquainted with publishing success. She counsels writers not only on craft, but on how to create an effective query letter and interact with literary agents, and how to navigate through the ever-evolving publishing industry. She is a cheerleader who has the diligence and dedication to help push writers to the top. Great writing takes skill, hard work and persistence, but if ever there was a magic bullet for getting traditionally published–Susan Mary Malone is IT!”
— Kevin Don Porter
A Life Lived Ridiculously
(Firefly Publishing & Entertainment April 1, 2012),
by Dr. Annabelle R. Charbit
“Susan was an amazing editor. She offered great advice on how to make the story more appealing. She suggested twists and turns that hadn’t occurred to me, and that greatly enriched the story. Susan and I worked as a team to make A Life Lived Ridiculously the best read possible and I felt that Susan really cared about the book, as much as I did. Susan’s extensive knowledge of the industry gave me the confidence to follow all her great advice, and the story would not be the success that it is, were it not for her input.”
— Dr. Annabelle R. Charbit
KenKarta: Battle of the Onoxmon
(The Artists’ Orchard, LLC; May 13, 2011),
by Alison Kartevold
“Susan Malone is a master of developmental editing. She not only sees what your work needs to reach the next level, she gracefully provides the necessary guidance to get it there. She demands your best, but never belittles. She’s there to make you better, not to put her thumbprint on your work. Susan’s support got me published and I can’t wait to work with her again on the sequel to KenKarta: Battle of the Onoxmon!”
— Alison Kartevold
Swiss Chocolate
(Dailey Swan Publishing/Jan. 25, 2011),
by James M. Weil
“I wrote Swiss Chocolate–a fictionalized memoir–and it was also 600 pages in need of serious editing. I had no idea where to begin. I was just too close to the story.
“I found Susan Mary Malone on the internet, and after reading what others had written about her editing skills I hired her on the spot. I was not disappointed. Not only did she give me a brilliant critique, but she honed in on the essential aspects of the story and characters and helped me flesh them out. Lucky for me, I didn�t take her editing personally, because she was brutally honest and cut and slashed endless window dressing. With her help, she taught me some of the most essential skills about good story telling. Working with her has made a permanent impact on my writing. She followed up with me as I painfully worked through the rewrites. I sent her back entire chapters, and she continued to mark them up and send them back with words of encouragement and wonderful critiques. This continued for months until Susan told me congratulations, I had nailed it, and go celebrate. And lo and behold, my book got published four years later. Susan Mary Malone is a truly gifted editor.”
— James M. Weil
Between the Fences
(Seven Stories Press),
by Tony Hefner
“I was taught early, that if you want to be an author the rule of the trade is there’s no such thing as good writing, only good rewriting. I was trying to get a story told and see some impact from the government for change in government policies toward migrant workers being detained in government facilities. The most important lesson I learn from Susan Malone is not to give up, and I didn’t. When Ruth Cavin from St. Martin’s Press gave the book a good review and made me an offer, I knew Susan had done a great job.”
— Tony Hefner
Peter’s Last Sermon: Identity and Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark
(Mercer University Press),
by James Dawsey
“I loved working with Susan Malone. Working with her was like taking a graduate writing course. As would any superb teacher, Susan pointed out the flaws, made sure I understood, suggested approaches, provided unlimited follow-up as I revised, and her optimistic, bountiful encouragement made it all a fun experience!
“Would I recommend Susan Malone to others? Yes and yes. My novel, Masters and Savages, came out in June 2009. I was so impressed with her work that I sent Peter’s Last Sermon: Identity and Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark to her, and I’ve also sent my most recent novel manuscript to her. If you are looking for help, but don’t see exactly where you need it, then Ms. Susan Malone from Malone Editorial is the person you should contact.”
— James Dawsey
Shadows in the Mist
(Berkeley/Penguin, Sept. 2008),
by Brian Moreland
Just released in Austria and Germany by Otherworld Verlag, 2010!
“Thanks, Susan, your critique and edit of my original draft of SHADOWS IN THE MIST really helped the book’s overall success. I orginally told the story from multiple viewpoints and you suggested that I tell the whole World War II part of the book from Lt. Jack Chambers’ point of view. I believe that really improved the story and deepened my connection with the protogonist. So pat yourself on the back.”
— Brian Moreland
Masters and Savages
(Mercer University Press),
by James Dawsey
New in 2010!
“I loved working with Susan Malone. Following upon numerous rejections, a university press expressed interest in my first novel. The fiction editor asked that I rewrite and resubmit. I did. But again came word that the work was not quite ready. I rewrote again. Still not ready. Suggestions seemed vague and not terribly helpful. And that is where Susan entered the picture. After reviewing my work, she enclosed an eighteen-page critique accompanying the marked-up manuscript. Working with her was like taking a graduate writing course. As would any superb teacher, Susan pointed out the flaws keeping my story from publication, made sure I understood, suggested approaches, provided unlimited follow-up as I revised my story, but put the burden of doing the work on me. And her optimistic, bountiful encouragement made it all a fun experience!
“Would I recommend Susan Malone to others? Yes and yes. That novel, Masters and Savages, will appear in June 2009. I was so impressed with her work that I sent my next academic book to her for review. Peter’s Last Sermon: Identity and Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark will appear in 2010. And I’ve also sent my most recent novel manuscript to her. If you are looking for help, but don’t see exactly where you need it, then Ms. Susan Malone from Malone Editorial is the person you should contact.”
— James Dawsey
Ida Mae Tutweiler and the Traveling Tea Party
(Authorlink Press),
by Ginnie Siena Bivona
Soon to be a Feature Film from Hallmark!
“To my mind, my book was finished, like a canvas completely covered in paint. Susan Malone not only showed me where the blank spots were, but her suggestions were exactly on target. If Ida Mae Tutweiler and the Traveling Tea Party is a success, it is only because her talent and craftsmanship took an unfinished piece of work and turned it into a finely tuned book. I am entirely convinced every writer who wants to be published needs a Susan Mary Malone behind them.”
— Ginnie Siena Bivona
Soul Mates Dissipate
(Dafina Books),
by Mary B. Morrison
Multiple Best-Selling Author!
“God blesses each writer with a gift. God blessed me with Susan M. Malone. While I possessed the talent to write awesome stories, heaven knows I was lacking in the nuts and bolts area (i.e., grammar, character development, etc.). But not for long. When Susan mailed me my manuscript along with her eighteen-page complete editorial, I was grateful I had chosen the perfect person for the job. Basically, Susan believed in my work and thanks to her I have a six-figure, three-book deal to prove it!”
— Mary B. Morrison
Every Woman Needs a Wife
(Strebor Books, an imprint of Simon and Schuster),
by Naleighna Kai
An Essence Bestseller!
“Susan has been more than a great editor, she has been a wonderful mentor. I started with an editor who generally checked for basic things (crossed the Ts, dotted the Is). Susan gave so much more–pacing, flow, plot, dialogue doctoring, character development, storyline consistency, adding the ‘page-turner’ quality that is necessary for any literary work or novel. I not only learned the correct process of writing, but how to write with an editor’s eye. Combined, these qualities helped my story to gain the attention of a major house.”
— Naleighna Kai
The Retreaters
(ABC Books, Australia),
by Sharlene Miller Brown
New in 2008!
“Susan’s specific comments on character development, plot, pacing, not to mention her detailed attention to the finer ‘nuts and bolts’ of writing, was a light-bulb moment. She opened my eyes and showed me just how much work as needed, but more importantly, made me see that I could do it. Having seen the novel through to publication, I now know just how crucial the right creative input at the right time can be. Working with Susan Malone was absolutely pivotal in my writing career.”
— Sharlene Miller Brown
Superwoman’s Child
(Strebor Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster),
by J. L. Woodson
Nominated for the 38th NAACP Image Awards for “Outstanding Literary Work”!
“When I was a new author, Susan helped me to turn an English assignment and entries from a journal I’ve kept since I was six years old, into a full novel. Susan’s insight helped me to create a better story, a more realistic character, and eliminate unnecessary writing. Thanks to Susan’s help, I received a three-book deal from a major house before I turned twenty.”
— J. L, Woodson
O’Brien’s Desk
(SunStone Press),
by Ona Russell
A Publishers Weekly Spring Pick to Watch!
“If you’re serious about writing, Susan Mary Malone is for you. After finishing my first novel, I deluded myself into thinking that I didn’t need an editor. As a college literature professor, I was convinced that I was skilled enough to do the job myself. Only after numerous rejections and nearly succumbing to the siren call of a vanity press did I question this assumption. And it was lucky that I did. Even luckier that I stumbled upon Susan. An astute and conscientious reader, Susan saw immediately what my manuscript needed to make it saleable. As a result of her detailed, comprehensive critique, I was soon able to do the same. She did not change my story, she helped me enrich it. She did not silence my voice, she helped me find it. And she did it in a timely manner. Clear, insightful and honest. Approachable, patient and encouraging. That is Susan Mary Malone. My writing deepened as a result of her editing, and my novel was sold to a wonderful publisher. I look forward to working with her again.“
— Ona Russell
Forever Sarah (2007 Fiction)
& Secrets of Success: Key Insights for Life’s Journey from the Great Western Myths (Nonfiction)
by Gerald W. Morton
“Within a year after I began working with Susan Malone, I had several completed works, an agent, and two contracts with publishing houses, with a third in negotiation. I learned more from Susan about language and literature than I had as a Ph.D. student or from my 25 years of teaching writing and literature. Susan helped me find my ability to write, taught me to see my own work with an objective eye, and helped me become my own best critic. Most important, she enabled me to believe in myself. Her critiques are so comprehensive, her guidance so clear, and her cheerleading so infectious that I really learned to ‘see’ myself as a writer.”
— Gerald W. Morton, Ph.D.
Buddha Wept
(GreyCore Press),
by Rocco Lo Bosco
“Susan Malone helped me turn two raw and unwieldy manuscripts into polished and marketable novels. She’s got a diamond-cutter’s accuracy, a pilot’s sense of commitment, and a sculptor’s caressing touch. She covered the entire gamut of what makes a novel work: characters, story, dialogue, action, pacing, setting up scenes, and language-right down to the last period. She’s proof of something another writer once told me: ‘The writer’s only half of a good book. The editor is the other half.’” If you are a writer, this editor is definitely on your side.”
— Rocco Lo Bosco
Broken Hearts
(SunStone Press),
by Bob Levy
Featured in Publishers Weekly’s “Behind the Bestsellers”
“Working with Susan Malone will prove to be an asset for any aspiring writer. Her technical expertise and concise explanations of what to do or not to do during the writing process were invaluable. To top it off, she is a world-class cheerleader who instills a belief that with hard work, you can beat the odds.”
— Bob Levy
In The Boat With LBJ
(Republic of Texas Press),
by John. L. Bullion
“”What separates great editors like Susan Malone from the merely competent ones are the principles and strategies that guide their editorial hands. After Susan works on a manuscript, it is beautifully shaped for its intended audience. Publishers recognize this quality: that’s why authors who rely on her have such a high rate of success. For a writer today, Susan Malone is the ideal editor.””
— John L. Bullion
Mixed Messages
(Urban Books; released in mass market by Kensington),
by LaTonya Williams
“When I submitted my manuscript to Susan, I had full knowledge of the major amount of work that was ahead of me. Being a first-time writer, I was thrilled to work with an editor who possessed a highly regarded reputation. When I received my edited manuscript along with a twenty-page critique, I buckled down and completed the revised story. With a new sense of enthusiasm and direction, I followed Susan’s critique as if it were a teaching manual. Because of Susan’s help, I signed a two-book deal with a major publisher. Susan is exceptionally talented in equipping writers with the necessary tools to skillfully craft a dull piece of work into a wonderful masterpiece.”
— LaTonya Williams
When Philosophers were Kings
(SunStone Press),
by Stephen M. Best
“Susan Malone put her heart and soul into something I had already put my heart and soul into, and in the end I found I possessed a publishable manuscript. Much of the thanks goes to Susan, for she clearly understands the intricacies of the publishing world today, and draws something more out of you when you think there is nothing left.”
— Stephen M. Best
The Madhatter’s Guide to Chocolate
(Rabid Press),
by Rhett DeVane
“Susan Malone provided an in-depth, precise evaluation of my manuscript. Her comments prompted me to correct several bad writing habits. She also pointed out areas where I could improve the flow of the story line and development of the characters. Having Susan edit my work was like taking a creative-fiction writing course. Certainly, let your mama and friends read your work, but depend on Susan Malone’s professional critique to make it shine.”
— Rhett DeVane
Drifting at the Bottom of the World
(Bella Books),
by Auden Bailey
“Without Susan Malone’s help, I doubt my novel would have been published. Her editorial guidance significantly improved my manuscript, and her encouragement kept me motivated as I rewrote the book and submitted it to publishers. With Susan, you’re not just getting a pair of eyes to review your work, you’re getting a talented editor and author who cares deeply about your success.”
— Auden Bailey
Beneath the Window
(Iron Mountain Press),by Patricia Wilson Clothier
“High praise goes to Susan Malone’s inspiring editorial skills. She gives a college education in writing. Susan follows each admonition with an explanation, demonstrating her ideas. She gives firm yet encouraging advice. I recommend her to all aspiring writers.”
— Patricia Wilson Clothier
The Closing
(Rabid Press),
by Dagmar Marshall
“Susan did a fabulous job for me when she edited my novel. I couldn’t believe the depth of her evaluation–there’s no doubt she knows your work when she’s finished. She praises the good parts and very smoothly guides you through working on the not-so-good parts. Susan never tried to change my story-line or my characters–only to make sure “everyone” stayed in context with the plot and their personalities. Susan will do whatever she says she will do–and more. She never stopped encouraging me and never stopped giving me advice whenever I needed it–to this day, if I call on her, she always replies. She’s a joy to work with.”
— Dagmar Marshall
Criminal Behavior
by James A. Drexler
“Having the chance to work with Susan Malone has been a Godsend. Going well beyond pointing out the many flaws and mistakes, Susan provided something much more valuable. With good humor, patience, and unique ability, she took the time to teach me to appreciate the craft of writing.”
— James A. Drexler
Say It Loud
by Annie S. Barnes, Ph.D.
“Malone Editorial Services helped me get my first commercial book contract! If you desire to publish books and write winning book proposals, connect with the expert and reliable Malone Editorial Services.”
— Annie S. Barnes, Ph.D.
The Company She Keeps
by Georgia Durante
“Susan Malone’s critique of my manuscript was an eye-opening lesson in writing for a polished effect. She made me see the errors so vividly. My rewrite after making all the adjustments she suggested is what finally sold my book. She is absolutely the best!”
— Georgia Durante
Two Sweeties
by Norman S. Giddan, Ph.D.
“Susan Malone taught me technique and style.”
— Norman S. Giddan, Ph.D.
The Disappearance of Pegeen
by Margaret Marie Marsala
“The wonderful response to The Disappearance of Pegeen could never have happened without Susan Malone’s incredible touch. The story was always there. But it was buried in the muck and mire of my mind. Malone reached in and pulled out the story. She’s the reason The Disappearance of Pegeen is on its way to print.”
— M.M. Marsala