Hello! I am a developmental and substantive editor and a writer, too! My book The True Adventures of Gidon Lev received a starred review on Kirkus and was listed as one of their Best Books of 2020.
I provide developmental and substantive editing for fiction and narrative nonfiction to elevate the material to the most entertaining, compelling, meaningful version of itself. I work closely with you to support your process and your unique voice. I want you to not only enjoy the editing experience but also write UP to your potential. It is a hard truth that while writing is a soulful and creative experience, it is also very competitive. Your writing must stand out from the crowd. I'll help you get there. I provide my clients with ebooks on writing craft and offer intensive writing courses as well.
For many years, I worked as a story analyst in Hollywood for producers looking for cinematic material. My deep experience with story structure, character development, theme, symbolism, and sheer entertainment factor, plus my undiluted enthusiasm for you and your project, is a good combination. Working with the right editor is all about chemistry.
My writing has appeared in the Huffington Post, the Jewish Journal, Moment Magazine, the Times of Israel, the NY Post, and many others. My writing was included in Aging: An Apprenticeship, along with contributions by Gloria Steinem, Donald Hall, and Judy Blume. I have taught story-telling classes at Warner Bros. Studios, the London Screenwriting Festival, Cal Arts, and The Oxford University Student Union.
You can learn even more about me on my website: www.JulieGrayEditing.com.
Julie is a brilliant story teller and gifted book doctor. She knows what a great book should look like, and gives her whole self towards ensuring that you craft your best work. She has many years of experience in the center of the industry and has loads of insights into getting read and published. Elana Sztockman, Ph.d, Lioness Books
I've been working with Julie Gray for seven years, on my screenplays, short stories, and novels. What I love most about Julie the balance she provides between genuine encouragement with stark honesty. She doesn't stop at making this piece or that piece better – she wants to make you better. And she has the skills, experience, and knowledge to do just that. James Matlack Raney, Jim Morgan and the King of the Thieves (trilogy)
Julie Gray is an absolute treasure and so much more than a story editor. She is insightful, creative, extremely experienced and an invaluable mentor. Writing my YA book series, Julie coached me in so many areas such as weaving together the various and complex dramatic plots and twists for maximum tension, emotional honesty and entertainment. I highly recommend her to all writers. Ondine Sherman, Sky