Larry O’Connor
Developmental Editor
Larry O’Connor is a journalist in New York City and author of Tip of the Iceberg, a memoir shortlisted for the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing that revolves around northern myth and a scalding mystery in his family. Booklist remarked that “this self-portrait of a young man with dreams too big for his small town should strike a resounding chord with readers of such memoirs as Russell Baker's Growing Up and Tobias Wolff's This Boy's Life.” Larry is also the author of a novel, The Penalty Box. A travel essayist, Larry and the novelist Mary Morris co-authored Maiden Voyages, an anthology of women travel writers that was published in the U.K. as The Virago Book of Women Travellers. He also is a gifted coach of young writers who taught in the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, and for years guided young journalists in their writing craft at both The Wall Street Journal and the New York Post.
AREAS OF SPECIALTY
Creative and narrative nonfiction, adult fiction including contemporary fiction, upmarket fiction, memoir, travel memoir, sports nonfiction and fiction
AVAILABLE FOR
Manuscript critiques, content editing, developmental editing, first chapter evaluations, private writing coaching, query letter proposal review
“Larry is a brilliant editor, able to read on the micro-level but also someone who can really see the forest through the trees. He has helped me shape and revise my books during the past two decades. Larry is a smart, focused professional with a firm but gentle hand who is very responsible and always on time. I would not have the career I have today were it not for him.”
-Mary Morris, Doubleday's acclaimed author of novels Gateway to the Moon, The Jazz Palace and travel narrative classic Nothing to Declare
"Until recently, I've only had experience working with publishing company editors, and when I decided that I wanted a keen and objective editorial eye on a draft of a new novel I've been working on, I went to Larry. He is highly responsive and timely, but even more important to me was his complete engagement with my novel and his ability to see both the big picture and the nuances in the work. His notes and suggestions were wonderfully cogent, specific, and useful. It was my first time working with Larry, but it won't be my last.”
-Cherise Wolas, acclaimed author of The Resurrection of Joan Ashby and The Family Tabor
“Larry is not only professional, dedicated and timely -- but he was easy to work with and took my vision, my voice and my passion and made it shine for the world to appreciate even more. His suggestions helped me see the big picture and made me a better writer in the process!”
-Jim Peera, author of The Healium Way – The Art of Being Extraordinary and Living Without Regrets
“I am absolutely the luckiest writer in the world to have found a professional who possesses a passion to help others become the best storytellers possible. Larry is knowledgeable beyond words, kind to the core and has exceeded my expectations.”
-Kelly Karam, writer
“Larry was highly responsive and very professional. His services were encouraging yet constructive. I was impressed with the depth of detail and sensitivity he put into his feedback.”
-Dana Rodney, author of the novel The Last Polar Bear
“I'm so glad Larry accepted to work with me. I am not the best at structure and I couldn't have asked for someone better. I'm now studying Larry's detailed notes and feedback for the revision of my manuscript. His input has been invaluable to me, not only for pointing out what can go/be adjusted, but because he pointed out what he thought was good within the manuscript. This will help me move along with enthusiasm instead of beating myself over flaws and approaching the editing process as a chore. Larry was very responsive and delivered his observations with warmth, kindness, and knowledge.”
-Ann Strachan, writer
"With a keen eye for structure, story, grammar, and writing, Larry offers expert advice to help authors shape their work and polish a manuscript for publication. He is equally versed in fiction, memoir, and nonfiction. Larry’s astute comments and encouragement during the writing or rewriting process are invaluable.”
-Jenna Holst, Journalist and author of Stews, In the Garden of Faith, and Running Shadows
“Just went briefly through Larry's notes, and I want to thank both of you for a job well done. His suggestions will be immensely helpful in producing a wonderful book. I very much appreciate your recommendation of such a knowledgeable and skilled editor. You Yellow Bird folks are great!”