Need Help With Your Book?
My goal is to get your manuscript to be the best possible version of itself, a process I find richly rewarding. My favorite moment is when a writer says to me, “This is how my book was always supposed to be.” The actual content of your work—whether it’s a novel about immigrants, a literary thriller, a collection of short stories, or a deeply personal memoir—isn’t what necessarily attracts me as an editor. The book’s potential—its heartbeat—does.
I have over a decade of experience working with aspiring and established authors alike. I love thinking about how a story achieves liftoff: what it needs for the reader to be transported, what’s getting in the way, and elements at the “macro” and “micro” levels: everything from structure and pacing and plot to the nitty-gritty of dialogue and prose rhythm. So often in writing, the problem isn’t the “what” (the content), but the “how” (the execution). This is my wheelhouse.
In addition to manuscript editing, I offer hourly consultation services. Writers sometimes seek my help with submissions materials for agents or because they wish to learn more about the publishing process. My goal is to arm clients with practical information and strategic guidance.
Looking for a quick tip? Here’s a short video where I offer my favorite bit of writing advice, something that has helped me as a daily practice.
How I Work
The right fit between author and editor is crucial. I only want to work with you if I’m confident that I will offer value. I turn down projects if I feel this isn’t the case.
I offer flat rate services for manuscript consults and consulting services at an hourly fee. We can discuss your specific goals and concerns to figure out what works for you.
Testimonials
Maya is a brilliant editor. She took such care with my memoir. Her edits were intelligent, insightful, and astute, helping me to streamline my big, ropey story. Her suggestions were beautifully structured, detailed, and nuanced. As I revised, I felt her companionship, our conversation continuing in my head. It was an utter delight to feel as though I had her beside me at every step of my revision, cheering me on. I appreciated her thoughtfulness, generosity, and warmth.
—Linda Katherine Cutting, author of Memory Slips (Harper Collins), winner of the Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Award
Entering the publishing world isn’t easy, and for people without prior experience, it can be overwhelming. This, on top of the hard work of writing and editing a novel. I’m grateful for Maya’s services. She is knowledgeable and straightforward, providing insider guidance to help navigate the path toward getting published. More so, she is a gifted editor and pleasure to work with. Without Maya’s thoughtful feedback, the true heart of my novel would still be hidden beneath layers of unnecessary prose and pacing flaws. I’ll return to her again and again with future work and encourage any emerging author to do the same.
—Ashley Wolfe, author of Pachamama
Contact me
Email me at mayalang@gmail.com to learn more.