Bringing Your Voice into Focus
Editing should enhance a manuscript, not constrain it. While careful attention to grammar and style is important, I believe that preserving an author’s unique voice is equally crucial. Every book has its own character, and not every manuscript needs to be rigidly shaped to fit a specific mold.
My approach is centered on helping authors achieve their vision while maintaining the authenticity of their work. I prioritize clarity and precision, but I also respect the individuality of each writer’s voice. Whether you're an indie author or navigating the traditional publishing process, my goal is to refine your manuscript without compromising its essence. Together, we can create a well-polished book that stays true to your original intent.
Services
Editing
Editing is a crucial step in the writing process, ensuring your manuscript shines before it reaches your readers. Turning a rough draft into a polished piece can be challenging, but having the right support makes all the difference. I offer a variety of editing services tailored to your needs—whether you’re looking for Beta Reading, Developmental Editing, Line Editing, Copy Editing, or Proofreading. Each service is designed to help shape your story, from refining its structure to elevating your prose and catching any errors.
By investing in these specialized editing services, you can confidently present your work at its best.
Writing
Bring your book to life with my custom design services. Each design is thoughtfully crafted to reflect your unique style and vision, ensuring your work is presented with sophistication and flair. I take the time to understand your goals and personal aesthetics, transforming them into a cohesive and visually compelling layout. From choosing the right typefaces to creating elegant, readable designs, every element is tailored to engage your readers and leave a lasting impact.
Let me help you present your story in a way that’s as captivating as the journey behind it. Your book deserves nothing less.
Design
At The Problematic Pen, I offer personalized copywriting services backed by nearly twenty years of experience as a communications director. This background gives me a deep understanding of how to craft messages that not only capture attention but also communicate effectively across a range of platforms. Whether you need compelling content or refined copy, I apply the same attention to detail and strategic insight that has shaped my career.
I take the time to understand your vision, ensuring that every piece I write resonates with your audience and aligns with your goals. Your satisfaction is my top priority, and I’m committed to exceeding your expectations with every project.
Why “The Problematic Pen”?
For a couple of reasons. First, writing is hard. It’s an intricate puzzle, a Gordian knot that can make you feel ingenious one moment and shatter your confidence the next. Writing is a fascinating craft that challenges you to learn, experiment, take risks, and reflect critically on everything—including yourself. That’s why I write, and it’s why I edit.
But in recent years, the term problematic has taken on a new connotation. It no longer simply describes challenging complexities; it’s often used to dismiss ideas that don’t align with a specific set of cultural or ideological norms. In this sense, problematic has become a way to discourage exploration of certain topics or perspectives. And those who engage with these “off-limits” ideas—whether from the past or present—are sometimes met with disproportionate criticism or exclusion.
Thankfully, for those of us who value free thought and creative expression, freelancers and independent publishing now offer more alternatives than ever before. There’s a growing community of readers eager for authentic stories and diverse voices—voices that might not fit neatly into the expectations of traditional publishing.
The Problematic Pen is for writers who believe that honesty, authenticity, and creative freedom are essential. Unfortunately, much of today’s publishing industry has shifted its focus, prioritizing ideological messaging over artistic exploration. This has led to a climate where creative risks are often discouraged, and art is sometimes filtered or sanitized to fit a specific agenda.
I became an editor to help writers who want an alternative to these limitations. My goal is to support authors who believe that art should reflect the complexities of the world, even when those reflections are challenging or uncomfortable.
In other words, The Problematic Pen is editing for the independent, bold, and unapologetic author.