Want a Book Editor Who Really ‘Gets’ You?

Testimonials

“Howard has gone above and beyond to help guide me in the process of completing my first book. I’ve asked all sorts of questions that have nothing to do with the job he was hired to complete, and he has taken the time to answer them helpfully and thoroughly. Howard has felt like a partner throughout. My memoir is much richer and more meaningful because of the direction he provided. I’d recommend him to any first-time author who needs both technical support, bigger picture guidance, and an experienced industry professional with whom to work.” — Nate Methot, author of A Life Derailed: My Journey With ALS. Read more about my work with Nate here.

“I am a first-time author, and Howard’s guidance both with his editing and coaching has been tremendously valuable. He has helped me write my story with such authenticity, grace, and vulnerability. I know the success of this book and the revealing of my story has a lot to do with his guidance. He is professional, calm, communicative, and I look forward to continued work with him for my entire book series.” — Meredith Patterson, author of Confessions of an Actress. Read more about my work with Meredith here.

“Howard was quite gentle, encouraging, and patient with me until the pages came alive with the threads of my personal narrative. Our back and forth exchanges forced me to rethink and relive many crucial anecdotes in the personal parts of my narrative. I had been writing reductively about personal material: ‘this happened and then this and then that.’ Howard counseled me to put in the sensory details.” — Aviva Rahmani, author of Divining Chaos: The Autobiography of an Idea. Read more about my work with Aviva here.

“Howard showed me how to take my collection of carefully written blog posts about my faith-based journalism career and shape it into a compelling and flowing narrative. He knew exactly what I needed to add or delete, what needed filling out and where I needed more context or dialogue. I followed his lead with excellent results. Beta readers have been very enthusiastic and I found a publisher almost immediately after I began to submit. I recommend him very highly!” — Judy Gruen, author of Bylines and Blessings: Writing My Way Home (Koehler Books, February 2024)

“(Howard Lovy) pushed me me to dig deep to rework passages and improve my prose. He responded to my emails quickly, and was even available after the work was completed for some mop-up issues. I applaud Mr. Lovy for his hard work on my behalf and highly recommend him as a developmental editor.” — Dr. J.D. Remy, author of Ballad of a Sober Man. Read more about my work with Dr. Remy here.

“A lot of writers have interviewed me, or tried to interview me. Most of them bring their own ideas about who I am, or who they imagine I am. But Howard actually listens to what I say and really gets my voice and what I am all about.” — Peggy Caserta, Author of I Ran Into Some Trouble. Read more about my work with Peggy here.

“Had a great time working with Howard. I had a draft of a manuscript and needed to fill it out and figure out what was working and what wasn’t. Howard provides great overall feedback and recommendations as well as detailed notes for each chapter. Highly recommend, your work will get the attention it needs!” Read more of my reviews on Reedsy.

Who I am: I began my career as a traditional newspaper journalist, but over the years have adapted to changes in my profession, covering everything from religion to science and technology. Since 2012, I’ve focused primarily on independently published books, both as executive editor of Foreword Reviews and as news and podcast producer at the Alliance of Independent Authors, where I host an author-interview podcast. I also write author features for Publishers Weekly, among other publications.

Voice: As a book editor, I specialize in memoir, history, business, and other nonfiction. My three decades in journalism have given me an ear for each author’s unique voice. I help them make their words jump off the page. I’ve worked as a newsroom mentor and writing coach for years at newspapers and magazines.

Wisdom: Older authors, in particular, have enjoyed working with me as a book editor because I understand their wealth of experience and unique voices. I know how to help them tell the stories of their lives with maturity, wisdom, and wit. I work very closely with authors to make sure they are telling exactly the story they want to tell. I very much enjoy seeing their ideas and experience transform into a work ready for publication.

Why me? I know what publishers, book reviewers, and journalists look for when evaluating a book for publication, review, or to cover as news. Every story, whether it’s about business, history, or your own memoir, is ultimately about people. I am able to help writers tell stories that connect with readers and take them with you on your journey.

What I do as a Book Editor

Manuscript Evaluation: You’re not certain you want a full edit on your manuscript yet, but you want to know how you’re doing. I’ll give your book a full evaluation, pointing out where it succeeds and where it could do better, along with a full and detailed list of recommendations. If you choose to continue with a full edit, the price of the evaluation will become a down payment toward the full price of the complete edit.

Developmental Editor: Come to me with your notes, your first draft, your second draft, your 80th draft, or just your idea, and let’s work together to tell exactly the story you want, and need, to tell.

Copy Editor: You’ve done all the developmental work you’re going to do and you’re happy with the story. Now, you need to make sure everything is consistent, facts are checked out, chapters flow easily without any internal contradictions, and your book is free of grammatical and spelling errors.