Testimonials
Melanie is the best kind of voice to have in your head. I know I can trust her to give honest feedback while still energizing me to get to the next page. Melanie has invigorated each story I have brought to her, but more than that she has molded my writing practice so that my work keeps getting better when she’s not around.
When I had my first meeting with Melanie, within two minutes she had put me completely at ease and seemed to be reading my mind, answering questions before I even asked them. Her mentorship hasn’t just been about cheerleading, it has been more about the practical aspects of being a writer: how to edit, how to network, how to make money.
One of the best things for my career has been Melanie’s advice, guidance, and red pen. It’s wonderful to be excited about getting notes back, to be excited to show someone stubborn stories that just aren’t working, but most of all it’s amazing to know that you have someone you trust in your corner making your work better and better. She is also just a remarkably smart, genuine and witty person. Being around her is always a good time and then almost without realizing it you’ve taken your work to the next level by the time you say goodbye.
–Margaret Spilman, PEN Center USA Emerging Voices Fellow, 2014 & MFA candidate at San Francisco State. Read more about Maggie’s mentorship with me on PEN Center USA’s blog.
Many thanks to my superb editor Melanie Thorne, without whose invaluable experienced attention to detail and high level of professionalism, as well as her compassionate emotional support for the hours needed to create and refine the words, this book would not have been polished to timely completion.
–Laura Basha, author of The Inward Outlook
Melanie is the best. Hands down.
After receiving an undergraduate degree from NYU and a graduate degree from USC (both in writing), attending workshops at Tin House and Yale, getting multiple manuscript consultations, and having my work published by Grove Press and Houghton MIfflin, I feel I can say at this point that I have some experience working with feedback.
If you want someone to tell you your work is brilliant and perfect, give it to your best friend, mom, sister, etc. If you want someone to force you to work every page, someone who is not going to let you get away with mediocrity or obfuscation, someone who is going to propel the work far beyond its present state, give it to Melanie.
There are many freelance editors out there. I consider myself so lucky to have found Melanie, who simply cannot be beat.
what others are saying:
“Melanie is the perfect blend of critical and encouraging.”
“In addition to Melanie’s notes and comments being incredibly helpful, I really appreciated her workshop. I’ve found other classes and writing groups much less useful, and I think Melanie is very skilled at leading and guiding these discussions. This was the first time I’ve walked away from a workshop feeling like I had real concrete ideas about how to improve and move forward.”
“Sometimes Melanie sees a truth or pattern in my writing and I’m like, ‘Who are you?’ Amazing. I’m so thankful for her edits and notes.”
“Melanie is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. I can’t wait to take her next class!”
“Melanie gives detailed and thoughtful feedback, and puts all her attention and energy into her students. She is a great instructor.”
“I have an MFA in writing and have been doing writers’ groups and workshops for years. Melanie is, hands down, one of the smartest and most insightful instructors I’ve ever had. Melanie has a keen eye for story and, unlike many instructors, never tries to steer your project in a direction that you don’t want to go. Melanie is an instructor who can help you make your book the best it can be. Anyone would be lucky to have the chance to work with her.”
“Melanie knows her stuff and delivers it in a compelling manner.”
“Melanie believed that I could write a book before I really believed it. Thanks to her, I’m this much closer to finishing my book.”
Melanie Thorne 