Literary Services Directory
Services below are provided by individual General Members and Writers’ Council members of the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia (WFNS) or small businesses operated by WFNS members.
To contact a literary service provider, click their name to visit their website or find their email address in their listing. Services, rates, timelines, and other contractual matters must be arranged directly with service providers and cannot be negotiated, vetted, or mediated by WFNS.
Editors listed below provide various levels and types of editing services. We encourage all those seeking editing services to familiarize themselves with Editors Canada’s Definition of Editorial Skills.
If you are seeking a manuscript review or manuscript evaluation (that is, developmental advice for re-vamping, re-visioning, or re-conceiving a literary project that needs a fresh pair of eyes), you might also consider our Manuscript Review Program.
Ashley Alward is an experienced proofreader with other experience providing proofreading and editing (content and copy) for all writers. Pricing is $0.50 per page, regardless of genre. Interested clients are encouraged to email ashley.j.alward@gmail.com with a quick summary of what services they are seeking, the length of their work, and the approximate turnaround time they require the work returned to them. Resumé can be provided upon request.
Georgia Atkin (Halifax, NS) offers copy editing and stylistic editing for poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Her training includes courses from Ryerson University’s publishing program. She is a past recipient of the WFNS Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children prize, and since 2014, she has volunteered as editor for local Halifax poetry publication Open Heart Forgery.
Rachel Cooper (Canning, NS) works closely with her clients to ensure they get the best value for her services within their budget. She edits fiction (including for children), narrative non-fiction, reports, speaking notes, and website copy. She offers critiques as well as substantive editing, stylistic editing, copyediting, and proofreading. Experience: Before becoming a freelance writer and editor 20+ years ago, Rachel was managing editor for a family of trade magazines in Cambridge, England. And before that, she was an editorial assistant who learned the art of shaping words. Please see her website for details.
Cooper Lee Bombardier (Halifax, NS) offers structural/developmental editing, stylistic/copy/line editing, proofreading, manuscript evaluation (reader’s response), and author coaching. His editing style is nurturing and supportive, with an eye to publishing standards and currents in literature. Cooper has edited books on academic theory, research-based creative nonfiction, hybrid/experimental form, memoir, essay, technology, spirituality, and fiction. You can query him via his website.
Valerie Compton (Halifax, NS) is a full-time editor specializing in fiction and narrative nonfiction. She offers detailed and specific editorial guidance tailored to the needs of each manuscript and its individual writer. This is often a blend of substantive editing, stylistic editing, and mentoring. Valerie strives to write editorial letters that will inspire new insight and creative development. She has led fiction writing workshops for more than ten years, and is trained in copyediting (Toronto Metropolitan University). Her novel Tide Road was a finalist for the Thomas Head Raddall Atlantic Fiction Award, and her short fiction has appeared in many Canadian journals (including The Malahat Review, The New Quarterly, and Riddle Fence). Please direct inquiries to valerie.narrativeagency@gmail.com
Tim Covell (Halifax, NS) offers copy editing, structural editing, manuscript evaluation, reference checking, and formatting. He has edited academic books, cozy mysteries, and a YA novel, as well as several academic articles and book chapters. He works as a technical writer, and has published poetry, short fiction, essays, and academic articles. Tim also offers website design, upgrading, and tutoring, using WordPress. He has assisted several local authors update and expand their WordPress sites.
Georgina Godfrey Lewis (Halifax, NS) offers copy editing for fiction, as well as proofreading services and beta reading first-blush impressions. Please direct inquiries to georgielou.godfrey@gmail.com
Renée Hartleib (Halifax, NS) has twenty years of experience as a professional writer and editor and has published two books of her own in 2022 and 2025. Her biggest joy is helping other writers achieve their dream of publishing a book. She specializes in manuscript assessment, structural editing, stylistic editing, and copy-editing. In order to make sure that the fit is right, she offers a free 30-minute phone/video call.
Justine Hart (Halifax, NS) is an editor whose past clients include publishers such as Formac Publishing, Guernica Editions, and Eye of Newt books. She is pleased to work with authors on an individual basis to determine the particular needs of each manuscript, and to help writers connect with their target audience. Her range of expertise includes basic manuscript critique, substantive editing, copy editing, and proofreading. In addition to narrative fiction and nonfiction, she also works with academic writing and has a strong familiarity with the APA and Chicago principles. She happily welcomes new client inquiries; contact her at hartjustine.al@gmail.com
Allison LaSorda (NS) offers substantive editing for creative non-fiction and fiction, as well as proofreading services.
Annick MacAskill (Halifax, NS) offers bilingual (English and French) copyediting and proofreading services, as well as substantive editing for poetry and creative non-fiction.
Marina McCarron (London, United Kingdom) holds a Master of Publishing degree from Simon Fraser University and has worked in manuscript evaluation, substantive editing, and line editing for a variety of publishing houses as well as many private clients. She specialises in romance, crime and thriller, commercial, and literary fiction and memoir. She is also the author of two novels published by Head of Zeus, an imprint of Bloomsbury. Currently based in England, she was born and raised in the Maritimes. Please direct inquiries to marinamccarron@gmail.com
Sandra McIntyre (Wolfville, NS) is a fiction specialist with more than twenty years of editorial experience, a master’s degree in English (Dalhousie), and a certificate in book publishing (SFU). Sandra offers developmental editing, manuscript assessments, book coaching and more through Parlay Manuscript Services, which she operates with writer and story consultant Ali Bryan. Visit parlaymanuscript.com for a list of services, pricing, testimonials, and contact info.
Angela Mombourquette (Halifax, NS) offers substantive editing on feature-length works of non-fiction. Experience: Master of Journalism, University of King’s College, 2015. Editor, Atlantic Books Today, 2013-2014. Associate Editor, Saltscapes (also Good Taste, Living Healthy, Food & Travel), 2010-2013.
Raya P. Morrison (Halifax, NS) is a freelance editor and proofreader specializing in a diverse array of genres, including literary fiction, magical realism, fantasy, young adult, and non-fiction focused on travel, spirituality, and music. With expertise in all levels of editing—developmental, line, and copy—Raya P. Morrison brings a keen eye and a thoughtful approach to enhancing each manuscript.
donalee Moulton has extensive experience as a writer and editor and provides professional editing services to help authors refine their work. She specializes in structural (developmental) editing, copy editing, and proofreading for both fiction and non-fiction, ensuring clarity, coherence, and reader engagement. Her keen editorial eye and deep understanding of storytelling help writers strengthen their manuscripts while preserving their unique voice.
Pat Thomas (Hubbards, NS) has been a book editor for fifteen years. She offers editing on three levels: substantive, copy editing and proofreading – as well as formatting for print. Most of her edits apply all three levels to series fiction for multi-published authors or books of interest locally. Genres she’s comfortable with include historical, contemporary fiction and romance, paranormal, creative non-fiction, short stories, YA fiction and fantasy, anthologies, sagas, picture books, poetry and spoken-word poetry-to-print. Pat also does cover and interior design work. Please direct inquiries to editpat001@gmail.com or (902) 789-7689.
Marianne Ward (Dartmouth, NS) is a sensitive, supportive, enthusiastic professional editor who is committed to helping writers present their best work. She specializes in book-length manuscripts and has a particular interest in historical, middle-grade, and YA fiction but also enjoys memoir and non-fiction. She provides the full range of editing services–from manuscript assessment to substantive editing, copy-editing, and proofreading–and has assisted clients with successful submissions to publishers. Client testimonials and more information are available on her website: marianneward.ca.
Andrew Wetmore (Clementsport, NS) provides proofreading, editing, and copy-editing services for fiction and non-fiction authors, journalists, and playwrights/screenwriters. He enjoys helping authors get the distractions out of their texts so what they want to say gets to the reader clearly and with power. Experience: Wetmore has decades of experience as an editor, both freelance and for publishing houses and newspapers. He spent much of the past 15 years as part of, or leading, technical documentation teams for software firms.
Hui Zhou (Hammonds Plains, NS) is a freelance writer (Mandarin Chinese/English), translator and interpreter. She is a member of the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia< (WFNS). Her translation/interpretation services cover fields including legal, community/immigration, education, business, natural science, and literature (non-fiction/fiction books, essays, news, and stories).
Nicola Davison is an author and photographer based in Dartmouth, NS. She loves doing portraits of writers through her company Snickerdoodle Photography. Have a look at the headshot page and spot the local authors and creators among them. All WFNS members receive 25% off sessions.
donalee Moulton, an an experienced communications professional, offers event photography and publicity services tailored for authors and literary organizations. From book launches to literary festivals, she ensures high-quality coverage and strategic promotion to maximize visibility. Her expertise in media relations and marketing communications helps clients reach the right audience with compelling messaging.
Stephanie Domet‘s Tiny Empire Writing Workshop (Halifax, NS) is a place for young writers to learn and hone creative writing skills through discussion, writing exercises, reading their work aloud, and giving and receiving thoughtful feedback. In this workshop, effort and kindness count, but spelling does not. Taught by award-winning lifelong writer Stephanie Domet in her home in central Halifax. Workshop terms last eight weeks, and are priced at $200 per child. New sessions starting in January, for writers ages 8-17.
Hybrid publishers provide fee-based services to writers pursuing self-publishing options. We encourage all hybrid publishers, and those seeking hybrid publishing services, to familiarize themselves with the Independent Book Publishers Association’s standards for professional hybrid publishing.
OC Publishing (Halifax, NS) was established in 2016 by award-winning author Anne Louise O’Connell, who mentors new authors through the writing and editing process, guides them through the publishing process, and assists in the development of an author platform. We provide support to authors from story concept and plot development, through several phases of editing, followed by professional layout and design, and finally a published book (both print and ebook formats as well as hard cover for children’s books), and set up for printing and distribution. Genres published include women’s fiction, mystery, historical fiction, memoirs, YA, first readers, and children’s picture books. OC Publishing also offers self-publishing coaching and conducts an annual in-residence writing retreat every October.
Somewhat Grumpy Press (Halifax, NS) is a new (2020) and very small hybrid publisher run by Tim Covell that offers a range of services to assist independent authors, from editing to obtaining an ISBN to preparing and uploading your files for eBook and print distribution.
Renée Hartleib (Halifax, NS) loves working one-on-one with other writers and delights in being able to offer a thorough, thoughtful, and sensitive review of first drafts of both fiction and non-fiction. In order to make sure that the fit is right, she offers a free 30-minute phone/video call plus a free 10-page sample review. Renée has twenty years of experience as a professional writer and editor, ten years as a writing mentor, and has published two books of her own in 2022 and 2025.
Laura Aliese Miedema (Truro, NS) is an Author Accelerator certified book coach in Nonfiction, Fiction, and Memoir and an active member of Book Coaches Canada. Book coaches are trained mentors, editors, and cheerleaders that help writers at any stage of the process, from designing their books to drafting, revising, pitching, and publishing them. Laura works at all these stages and specializes in helping authors to approach publishing for the first, real time, so they can contribute their unique gifts to the common good and fulfill their deep purpose. She has been nicknamed “the Book Coach for the Underdogs” and works full time with writers all over the globe to have a fighting chance at approaching publishing. Laura has a big heart and a strong work ethic. She finds great joy in nurturing and empowering writers from all walks of life. WFNS members get $50 off their first purchase with Laura.
donalee Moulton offers personalized coaching for writers at all stages of their careers. With a background in publishing and communications, she provides expert guidance on story development, structure, and style. Whether shaping a novel, crafting short stories, or refining non-fiction, she helps writers gain confidence, stay motivated, and bring their vision to life.
Sensitivity readers (also called authenticity readers) draw on their personal backgrounds and experiences to review manuscripts that touch on marginalized and equity-deserving identities, groups, and communities. They aim to bring attention to harmful inaccuracies, biases, and stereotypes. If you’re considering hiring a sensitivity reader, please first consult Natalia Sylvester’s “What a Sensitivity Reader Is (and Isn’t) and How to Hire One.”
Ashley Alward offers sensitivity / authenticity reads for LGBTQIA2S+- and women-oriented work, with a specific focus in romance, domestic violence survivorship, and trauma recovery. Subtlety and nuance lie at the crux of authentic work: little changes, big results. Interested applicants can email ashley.j.alward@gmail.com at any time and may expect a response within two (2) business days.
Cooper Lee Bombardier (Halifax, NS) offers services as a sensitivity and authenticity reader, with a particular focus on LGBTQ, queer, and trans issues. He offers constructive and actionable feedback to authors on potentially biased language and representations in their writing.
Hui Zhou (Hammonds Plains, NS) is a retired scientist (with expertise in entomology, vector biology, and integrated pest management), a nonfiction writer and author. Born in Beijing, China, lived there for 48 years, Hui has quickly immersed herself in the history, culture and traditions of Nova Scotia where she calls home. Many of her articles have been published in print media since 1990’s. Running Wild with Bossy Boy (2018) is her first nonfiction book for children. Since 2016, she has provided interpretation, translation and translation proofreading services through Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS); provided court interpretation (2017-2019). Hui offers authenticity and sensitivity reading for manuscripts including Chinese history, culture, tradition, and lived experience and topics within her expertise in natural science and in languages. Please direct inquiries to instrat@eastlink.ca
Steph Zubriski (Bridgewater, NS) offers authenticity and sensitivity reading for manuscripts dealing with childhood trauma, parental queerphobia, psychological abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault, as well as abortion, eating disorders, alcoholism/sobriety, complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD), and invisible disability in post-secondary education contexts. Steph co-edits the Healthy Populations Journal at Dalhousie and has extensive experience peer-reviewing and editing in academic and digital publishing contexts. Please direct inquiries to stephaniezubriski@gmail.com.
You must be a General Member to submit a listing, and you must maintain your General Membership to keep your listing(s) in this directory. General Membership is open to anyone with an interest in writing.
To submit or update a listing, email contact@writers.ns.ca with the subject line “Literary Services Directory”:
- Identify the category for your listing.
- Provide listing text (up to 150 words) that begins with your name (or company name) and summarizes your experience and the services you provide.
- Include a link to your website or a contact email address.
- Include your city/town of residence. (OPTIONAL)
- Include any special discount for WFNS members. (OPTIONAL)
You may submit up to one listing for each category.
To ensure currency of this directory, WFNS staff periodically check the General Membership status of service providers. If your General Membership has been expired for 18 months or more, your listing(s) may be removed.
