Editorial Freelancers Association
Member Profile
Michael J. Totten
Publishing a successful novel or nonfiction book requires assistance and support from several professionals—at the very least an editor and a designer.
For twenty years I’ve worked both sides of the desk as the prize-winning author of nine books and as a developmental editor, copy editor, and proofreader with experience at major traditional publishing houses and hybrid publishing houses like Thomas & Mercer (crime fiction, mysteries, and thrillers), Lake Union Publishing (contemporary and historical fiction), Lucky Bat Books (science fiction, fantasy, and horror), Disruption Books (narrative nonfiction), and Advantage Books (business books).
I specialize in genre fiction (crime fiction, science fiction, horror, and fantasy) and narrative nonfiction (memoir, history, travel writing, creative nonfiction, and so on). These are the kinds of books that I like to read and write myself, so if you’re one of my fellow authors—especially if you’re written a mystery or thriller—I’ll get you in ways that other editors might not.
Agents and publishers stop reading most manuscripts before the end of the first page. (Yes, really.) Readers likewise sample the opening when searching for their next book. Let me show you how to craft the first page—and the pages that follow—without losing readers.
My wonderful writing teachers Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Dean Wesley Smith, and the legendary Kate Wilhelm spent years teaching me how to write professionally, what acquisition editors are looking for, what triggers the dreaded rejection slip, and how to hold a reader’s attention without giving them the slightest excuse to abandon a story. I can make sure your book meets industry standards and prepare it for publication so you can sell it.
With developmental editing and manuscript evaluation, I can tell you how to get unstuck, if your opening grabs the reader’s attention and refuses to let go, if there are any plot holes or illogical turns of events, if your characters are well-rounded and believable, if the pacing feels right, if suspense scenes are actually suspenseful, if your setting and description are vivid enough that readers can “see” your story like a movie playing in their minds, if the dialogue sounds right, if you’re missing any key elements of story structure, if your book meets audience expectations, if you have boring scenes that need to be cut or revised, if the climax is satisfying, if you’re missing anything, and if readers will want to buy your next book after they finish this one.
With copyediting, line editing, and proofreading, I combine extreme attention to detail by adhering to The Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary while simultaneously preserving every author’s style and voice, taking pains not to replace either with my own. I can add a professional polish to virtually any book that will enhance your authentic style and voice by removing any errors, awkward phrasing, and lack of clarity that can get in the way.
I also offer inexpensive independent publishing services like e-book and trade paperback design.
Here are some testimonials from authors I’ve worked with:
“I strongly recommend the services of Michael J. Totten. As an accomplished writer, journalist, and editor, Michael is second to none. He has helped me with two books and enormously improved both. He is very responsive to questions and concerns and easy to work with, and I look forward to working with him on my third book.” —Fred Litwin, author of I Was a Teenage JFK Conspiracy Freak
“I’ve admired Michael J. Totten’s work as a writer for years, but it turns out he is also a superb editor. He copyedited my most recent novel, and he was a delight to work with from start to finish. He’s quick, responsive, constructive, and sharp-eyed. You can’t go wrong working with him.” —Judith Deborah, author of The Falling Knife
“If you’re looking for an editor to help you take your book to the next level, look no further than Michael J. Totten. I’ve always found his astute insights invaluable.” —Scott William Carter, author of The Gray and Guilty Sea
“Michael was both professional and prompt. He edited, did the interior design, and published two of my novels. He brings experience as a prize-winning author to the table, and this enriches his editorial and procedural insights and recommendations. His critiques were constructive, encouraging, and took my unique voice and strengths into consideration. I highly recommend him and intend to use him again.” —Erik Bundy, author of Magic and Murder Among the Dwarves
“Writers searching for thorough, insightful, and immensely helpful editing will find it with Michael J. Totten. He helped me clarify murky language, fix problems with the plot, and add greater impact to the climax.” —Caroline Taylor, author of Beautiful in Death
Oregon City, OR
US
Email: michaeltotten001@gmail.com
More information: View PDF file
Years in the field: 20
Years freelancing: 20
Michael Totten
Publishing a successful novel or nonfiction book requires assistance and support from several professionals—at the very least an editor and a designer.
For twenty years I’ve worked both sides of the desk as the prize-winning author of nine books and as a developmental editor, copy editor, and proofreader with experience at major traditional publishing houses and hybrid publishing houses like Thomas & Mercer (crime fiction, mysteries, and thrillers), Lake Union Publishing (contemporary and historical fiction), Lucky Bat Books (science fiction, fantasy, and horror), Disruption Books (narrative nonfiction), and Advantage Books (business books).
I specialize in genre fiction (crime fiction, science fiction, horror, and fantasy) and narrative nonfiction (memoir, history, travel writing, creative nonfiction, and so on). These are the kinds of books that I like to read and write myself, so if you’re one of my fellow authors—especially if you’re written a mystery or thriller—I’ll get you in ways that other editors might not.
Agents and publishers stop reading most manuscripts before the end of the first page. (Yes, really.) Readers likewise sample the opening when searching for their next book. Let me show you how to craft the first page—and the pages that follow—without losing readers.
My wonderful writing teachers Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Dean Wesley Smith, and the legendary Kate Wilhelm spent years teaching me how to write professionally, what acquisition editors are looking for, what triggers the dreaded rejection slip, and how to hold a reader’s attention without giving them the slightest excuse to abandon a story. I can make sure your book meets industry standards and prepare it for publication so you can sell it.
With developmental editing and manuscript evaluation, I can tell you how to get unstuck, if your opening grabs the reader’s attention and refuses to let go, if there are any plot holes or illogical turns of events, if your characters are well-rounded and believable, if the pacing feels right, if suspense scenes are actually suspenseful, if your setting and description are vivid enough that readers can “see” your story like a movie playing in their minds, if the dialogue sounds right, if you’re missing any key elements of story structure, if your book meets audience expectations, if you have boring scenes that need to be cut or revised, if the climax is satisfying, if you’re missing anything, and if readers will want to buy your next book after they finish this one.
With copyediting, line editing, and proofreading, I combine extreme attention to detail by adhering to The Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary while simultaneously preserving every author’s style and voice, taking pains not to replace either with my own. I can add a professional polish to virtually any book that will enhance your authentic style and voice by removing any errors, awkward phrasing, and lack of clarity that can get in the way.
I also offer inexpensive independent publishing services like e-book and trade paperback design.
Here are some testimonials from authors I’ve worked with:
“I strongly recommend the services of Michael J. Totten. As an accomplished writer, journalist, and editor, Michael is second to none. He has helped me with two books and enormously improved both. He is very responsive to questions and concerns and easy to work with, and I look forward to working with him on my third book.” —Fred Litwin, author of I Was a Teenage JFK Conspiracy Freak
“I’ve admired Michael J. Totten’s work as a writer for years, but it turns out he is also a superb editor. He copyedited my most recent novel, and he was a delight to work with from start to finish. He’s quick, responsive, constructive, and sharp-eyed. You can’t go wrong working with him.” —Judith Deborah, author of The Falling Knife
“If you’re looking for an editor to help you take your book to the next level, look no further than Michael J. Totten. I’ve always found his astute insights invaluable.” —Scott William Carter, author of The Gray and Guilty Sea
“Michael was both professional and prompt. He edited, did the interior design, and published two of my novels. He brings experience as a prize-winning author to the table, and this enriches his editorial and procedural insights and recommendations. His critiques were constructive, encouraging, and took my unique voice and strengths into consideration. I highly recommend him and intend to use him again.” —Erik Bundy, author of Magic and Murder Among the Dwarves
“Writers searching for thorough, insightful, and immensely helpful editing will find it with Michael J. Totten. He helped me clarify murky language, fix problems with the plot, and add greater impact to the climax.” —Caroline Taylor, author of Beautiful in Death
