Arlene W. Robinson has developed and edited 200+ full-length manuscripts in a variety of genres since 1996. Her clients include women's fiction author Angie Daniels, sociology professor Joyce Tang and college-success guide author Josh Richardson. The true crime memoir The Twelfth Man Standing received Turner Broadcasting Network's Trumpet Award in 2002, and 'PRESSIONS: Memoirs of a Southern Cat by Edith M. Holmes, won the YOUnity Reviewers Guild Top Honor Award. Arlene welcomes new or published authors as clients, and enjoys helping journalistic, business and academic writers transform their writings into marketable, polished products for mainstream readers. She also takes pride in helping non-native-English writers produce topnotch fiction and nonfiction works.

While not a professional humor writer, she could be. Arlene lives in the Deep South with her probation officer/journalist husband and two almost-adult sons, and looks forward to the day when her human offspring venture into the world as independently as she envisions her writings springing onto bookshelves.

Specialities:

• Substantive & Developmental Editing
• Copyediting
• Fiction & Nonfiction Story Critiques
• Publishing Assistance
• Book Layout & Graphics
• ESL Style Conversions ("Americanization")

Feedback

"Every writer needs an editor—even someone like me who teaches journalism at the University of Washington and spent a career in newspapers.

"Arlene W. Robinson is a gem. She has 20/20 vision for fixing problems such as plotting, character development, spongy writing, you name it. Arlene edits with a balanced hand. By sprinkling laurels among her many darts, she draws a blueprint of what works and what doesn't. Forget those writing workshops; her detailed critique of my latest novel-in-progress is the best money I've ever invested in the craft." — Paul McElroy, author of Tracon

    ** Winner of the 2001 IPPY Award **

    ** Bronze medal for the 2001 Book of the Year Award **

    ** 2001 Benjamin Franklin Award finalist **

Nonfiction Client Feedback

"Arlene W. Robinson is everything you want in an editor: thorough, timely and accommodating. If it weren't for her, I certainly would not have landed a publisher for my manuscript. Not only was her editing topnotch, her advice on everything about publishing was very helpful. Arlene really cares about the work she does and it shows!" — Josh Richardson, Ahead of the Pack: Balancing Your Way to Personal Success in College, Thomson Delmar Learning (May 2005)

"Arlene Robinson did a wonderful job of editing my first book. What could have been a very intimidating process for a new author, she made easy and stress free. She was honest, professional and personable. It felt as though I'd always known her. Everything she told me she could do, she did, and always in a timely manner. I commend her on a job well done and would welcome the opportunity to work with her in the future." — Nancy D. Collins, Talkin' Out the House

"Thank you for your friendship, expertise and help! I look forward to working with you again when the time delivers another writing to me." — John M.C. DeBeck, Never Underestimate the Heart of a Champion, by John DeBeck with Arlene Robinson

"You are and have proven yourself to be so much more than a paid editor. I really feel that you are a friend because I cannot believe that an editor would do so much and go far out of their way to give such perfection, love and personal feelings to a stranger's half-baked manuscript. I shall always appreciate and remember you and your hard work and give great praises about you every opportunity that I might have. The people who have read this book give great compliments and I could not have done it without you." — Gene T. Reed, Here's to My Lady

"Arlene's passionate yet concise prose translated the essence of my art and photography into the written word . . . a daunting challenge for any writer! I highly recommend her to anyone who seeks to enhance their business image." — Camille Garick, Cordova Gallery, Duluth, Georgia

"It was very difficult to finish writing the book with my hectic schedule. To find an editor who not only produced an exceptional finished copy, but also had a general interest in the concept behind my book, was truly a blessing. Thank you for helping me bring this project to a close." — Robert Henderson Jr., Henderson Financial Group, Author of The New Underground Railroad: Breaking the Chains of Economic Bondage.

Fiction Client Feedback

2007 IPPY Awards Honoree

The Independent Publisher Book Awards has awarded Hannah R. Goodman, the author of My Summer Vacation, a Bronze Medal in the Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction Category

Reviews

My Summer Vacation is filled with all the joys and heartbreak of a teenage summer. The reader, like Maddie, will reach the book's conclusion a little wiser and a little stronger. Read this book! — Kathleen Hughes, author of Dear Mrs. Lindbergh

Recovery, troubled relationships, and . . . summer camp? An unlikely combination but Hannah Goodman cleverly weaves these elements together into an absorbing, thought-provoking story of love and loss that challenges young readers to respond with both their hearts and their minds. — Michael Cart, Founding Editor, RUSH HOUR

Nominated:
Horror Writers Association 2007 Stoker Awards Preliminary Ballot.
SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN A FIRST NOVEL

"My decision to contact an editor was an easy one to make. If you're a writer, you need one. Anyone who tells you otherwise is uninformed. Finding the right editor, however, is another story. I queried three initially, and was charmed right away by Arlene's ability. She marked every change and answered all my questions. And she's from the Deep South, like me. I never felt more comfortable talking to anyone. The result: a wonderfully well-edited novel I couldn't have possibly created without her help. Something I could market without fear. Having my novel edited has been my biggest investment so far . . . and it was worth every penny!" — Sue Dent, Never Ceese. A novel of spiritual fantasy ...

"I have used several editors, but found Arlene Robinson the best. What you'll love about Arlene is that you can talk with her. Additionally, you'll discover she can assist you with story form, plot, structure and the so-important characterization. She is a stickler about details in every scene and sentence, atmosphere and theme, in every word, sentence and paragraph of your story—just what you want if you're a writer. She will soon edit my second novel. I am delighted to have found this wonderful lady." — Kenneth Fore, author of Mossback 

Winner, YOUnity Reviewers Guild Top Honor Award

"If I should ever put pen to paper again, it will be Arlene W. Robinson that I call upon to help me. She not only edited the novel for me, she worked with me to get it published. And she did all this with professionalism and a quiet resolve. She was truly my angel upon my shoulder. Thank you, Arlene, from the bottom of my heart!" — Edith M. Holmes, author of 'PRESSIONS: Memoirs of a Southern Cat

Review of 'Pressions

"Read and enjoy the well-written and very creative story while also soaking in its message, because there most definitely is a message, one not to be missed. . . . The best storytellers over the scope of time have written this way, giving readers a tale too engrossing to do without, while also imparting a truth too crucial to all humanity to neglect. Remember the name: Edith Holmes, Storyteller. You'll hear it again, and again." — Linda Alexander, Author of Weekends In New England and The  Unpromised  Land

 

 

"When Arlene sent back the sample pages she had edited, I knew that she had changed them (quite a bit actually). The interesting thing was, I couldn't tell exactly where her writing started and mine ended. I immediately knew that I had found the editor for the manuscript I had worked so long and so hard on. I have found that she has great insight (and common sense) in her editing, coupled with a broad array of knowledge about things in which I have none. She has that genuine southern skill of making you feel right at home while she explains to you why she had to remove the three hundred words in the chapter that served absolutely no purpose at all. This combination of talents serves her well in turning out a product that is technically correct as well as very readable. I would recommend Arlene to anyone who wants to be treated in a professional manner and have their work completed on time and done well." — Daniel Joseph Farside, Author of If Frogs Had Wings

"I enthusiastically endorse Arlene. She is instantly and continually likable, which makes her a complete joy to work with. During the editing process she communicated freely and promptly with me. I could not have received these reviews without her."
"Jonnes has hit a homerun with his latest thriller, Big Ice." — WordMuseum.com

"Highly recommended." — ReadersRoom.com's Book-of-the-month Selection

"Vivid and accurate." — Brian Lutterman, Mystery Novel Award winner and Minnesota Book Award 1st runner-up

Other project highlights:

"I salute you. You were the captain of this ship. You believed in my story as much as I did. Thanks for forcing me to dig deep in my soul and capture the true story when I only wanted to dance at the tip of the iceberg." — Joe Lester, Author of I Am Not Afraid to Dream and Irresistible Impulse

"Arlene polished my manuscript like a new car in a dealer's showroom. She was passionate in the job, and that and her energy earned my trust and respect of this knowledgeable editor." — Kevin Noa, author of Two Princesses

"Arlene W. Robinson is a terrific developmental editor and isn't afraid to tell you the truth about your writing. In fact, after her first edit [of my novel-in-progress, tentatively titled Quantum Entanglement], I was two inches from throwing the manuscript in the trashcan. However, she told me that might happen. Now after two readers of the MS, they both think my first novel could land on the bestseller's list, and they wouldn't kid me either. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of time she puts into the work. Very importantly, I find that she doesn't think she's finished until I'm satisfied. She delivers what she promises. I highly recommend her and would be pleased to answer any questions from any writers thinking of doing work with her. She's amazing." — Stephen Page, Author of four best-selling nonfiction books

"The words that come to mind when I think of my editor, Arlene Robinson, are Energy, Enthusiasm and Encouragement. All this and talent too. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" — Rochelle Turoff Mucha, R.J. Scott & Associates, Inc./Consulting with Integrity, Author of Men and Me, Entertainment to Insight

Review for Men and Me 

"In Men and Me, Rochelle shares her story, a woman reaching out to all women who have laughed and cried with and over the men in their life. Through her candid and lively stories, she says out loud those words most women feel but never say, commiserates rather than advises, poses questions rather than answers. Her humor will entertain you; her reflection can be your insight." — Gail Evans, retired EVP for CNN, speaker and author of Play Like a Man, Win Like a Woman and She Wins, You Win

"Arlene ... made it into something that is now, to me, a masterpiece. I've learned so much from her, great person, great editor and personal advisor. I would use Arlene again. Thanks again Arlene for making my first editing experience painless and exciting." Rasheed Mohammed. Into the Soul of Darkness

JOURNEY TOGETHER: Protecting Our Children from Sexual Abuse, by R. L. Howard

MADE OR BROKEN: Football & Survival in the Georgia Woods, by Bill Lightle
Foreword by Vince Dooley, Athletic Director, University of Georgia

US Internships for International Students and Young Professionals, by Alexander Lostocco

The Evolutionary Workforce, by Darren Pym

Arlene Robinson is without question a wonderful and talented person to work with. Her approach to editing is knowledgeable and professional, and she is on the mark in her recommendations. Through her guidance, our novel grew one-thousand percent. As a working partner, it didn’t matter how busy she was, she responded to our queries within five to ten minutes of our request, be it technical or editing advice. We are committed to her for future works and appreciate all she’s done to help us finish our novel. — Robert & Gail Deschamps

"Arlene Robinson did an excellent job in helping me refine my manuscript and in editing the final version. She also edited my query letter and proposal. I am very pleased with the quality and timeliness of her work and the easy relationship we had on the project." — Peter Mantarakis

"Arlene is the best editor on the face of the planet! I could not have chosen a better person to edit my work. From the initial consultation and sample edit, she was extremely professional, courteous, and helpful. Her punctuality is to be applauded. She started working right away and was always available to answer any questions I had. I mean she literally replied to all of my e-mails within 2 hours. Her work was phenomenal and I know that because of her talent, my book will sell very well! If I ever need editing assistance in the future, I am definitely going to use Arlene." — Natalie Milom

"I am delighted with the efforts and help beyond the call of duty that I received from Arlene Robinson." — John R. "Jack" Sullivan

"I always felt I was in safe hands. Arlene's guidance always left me with confidence that my manuscript had her best interests at heart. She enhanced and added to the material and thereby made it more easily readable. It was a heartwarming experience seeing her at work. Thank you that you assisted me by editing the ms, I especially feel honored in the way that you massaged the words to make them easily readable. And thank you for the way that you treated me throughout the editing process." — Emmanuel van der Meulen

"Arlene, you are the best, and I really think the awards are because of your awesome work!" — Hannah Goodman

"Arlene is a wonderful editor and she knows her business. Her help, not only with editing but in the overall publishing industry has helped me immensely. She always looks for ways to improve my work and make the story better. She is a stickler for details and helped me trim down my verbose manuscript into something marketable. Undoubtedly, she has made me a better writer. She has a real talent for editing and I highly recommend her! Simply, the best." — Matt Marine

"Arlene Robinson has been my 'book lifesaver'! She has a wealth of knowledge. I call her a walking and talking library. She provides excellent editorial and consulting services!" Phyllis Goss