About ten years ago, after 25 years as a reporter and city editor for various newspapers, I began writing book reviews in addition to editorial-writing duties while at the Tallahassee Democrat. In 2000 I started a weekly book column for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, where I worked for three years as an editorial writer and columnist. In 2003 I moved to the cross-town newspaper in Charlotte County, Florida, the Charlotte Sun-Herald, where I continued the book column and my opinion writing.
Through that period I often worked with authors who, having read my book column, figured I could help them improve their work. One of those guys was Sam Stahl, a stylish, tenacious writer who buttonholed me one day as I was drifting into work.
He asked me to read a few of his novellas; several weeks later I told him they were pretty good. A few months later he showed up at the office and gave me a book. It was a compilation of his novellas. On the frontispiece was a dedication to me.
The gift was like a sign. Right then, I knew what I would do. With the support of my wife, Ginger, I decided to resign my job and become a book editor.
Now, I teach writing and reading workshops. I also coach writers and edit and format books.
I know what it’s like to self-publish, and I bring a holistic approach to the job. This business is all about reputation; I stand by mine when I promise to do the best I can to give you the best book you can write.