AREAS OF SPECIALTY

• Sci-fi/fantasy and speculative fiction for adults and teens

• Dystopian or supernatural settings

• Mysteries/thrillers

• Literary fiction

• Genre-bending fiction

• Middle grade & YA novels

• LGBTQ fiction

AVAILABLE FOR

• Manuscript critiques, content editing, developmental editing, first chapter reviews, query letter and synopsis editing.

“A.R.’s notes are insightful, thoughtful, and just plain right. She’s able to zoom out and see the structure and intent of a novel, but also has a poet’s ear for language on the sentence level. A.R. is an ideal reader and editor: She sees the best in your work, and she believes you can make it better.”

-Maggie Lehrman, Senior Editor at Abrams/Amulet, author of The Cost of All Things (forthcoming from Balzer + Bray)

“A.R. Capetta knows what makes a good story.  She appreciates the importance of plot and pacing, as well as need for unique and consistent characterization. Her feedback is clear, thoughtful and often profound — the kind of insightful editorial remarks that will not only make your WIP stronger but will make you a better writer on your next project, too.”

-Winifred Conkling, author of the Jane Addams award-winning Sylvia and Aki

 “A.R.’s editorial feedback changed the way I saw my own novel.  In a wonderful way. She peeled back my story layer by layer, character by character, highlighting the strength of each while raising the tough questions that needed to be asked. My protagonist and the people around her were brought front and center and asked to account for themselves, their wants, their fears, their motivations.  A.R. managed all of this with a wonderful enthusiasm that I had started to lose. She shed a new light on the world I’d worked so hard to create, a world that had accumulated a few cobwebs from the months of second guessing myself.  She picked it up, blew off the dust, and breathed a bit of fresh life into it.  That’s something I couldn’t have done on my own.”

-Meg Matherne, MFA graduate

"I have to start by saying that I am absolutely in AWE of the work you did on my manuscript. You noticed and pointed out things that weren't even blips on my radar, and while part of me is kicking myself for being so dense in places, the rest of me knows that this is exactly why writers work with an editor! Your feedback, questions, and suggestions could not have been more helpful, and I now have a plan moving forward into revisions. You pointed out strengths in a way that made me feel proud of myself and highlighted weaknesses without being mean or judgmental, which is so appreciated."

-Katie Keridan, Campell, CA

“A.R.’s thorough feedback and insight provided invaluable guidance to my first chapter edit and critique.  She helped identify what was lacking in the chapter and pulled from the strengths in my writing to work with me and help shape the development of my story’s structure.  The extensive time and follow up A.R. provided illustrates her enthusiasm for working with budding writers. Working with her was an an experience that inspired myself as a writer to continue my novel with confidence.”

-Jennie Klesman, writer

“A.R. has a gift for guiding the structure of a manuscript and for fine-tuning the sentence-level details. Her suggestions are clear and insightful, and reflect the tone and style of the piece. Working with her has made me a better writer and helped to transform my novel into something of which I feel proud.”

-Kara Stockinger, writer

"A.R.’s editorial critique helped me refocus my story and remember my original intent. Using her razor-smart, specific questions, I was able to bring forward critical backstory pieces I’d weeded out and placed in later chapters. Additionally, A.R. helped me narrow in on a key aspect of my protagonist’s character that wasn’t coming through. What I valued most of all, however, was that she provided a very critical, in-depth analysis in a positive way. I enjoyed talking and working with her very much and will ultimately use her again in the future."

-Lori Sawicki, Ann Arbor, Michigan