Editorial Services

Whether you are a writer dreaming of publication, a business reaching out to the marketplace, or a grandmother sharing memories with her family, you have a story to put into words. Writing your story the way it deserves to be told is as important to MAD about Words as it is to you.

With more than 25 years experience in publishing, promotional writing, and independent consulting, Mary Ann de Stefano has the skills, style, and knowledge you need to help you reach your writing goals. Contact her for a free initial consultation.

A small sample of Mary Ann’s personal and professional work can be found here.

Great Words & Great Ideas for Your Business

Call on Mary Ann to conceive your promotional material, grant proposal, website, manuals, and more. Your writing jobs receive her undivided attention while your staff concentrates on their regular work without feeling crushed by special projects.

Mary Ann delivers polished prose suited to your particular audience. She specializes in communicating complex information in a clear, concise way with a flair that will enhance your company’s image.

“I know of few individuals more hard-working, reliable, effective, talented, and committed.” —Joyce Whidden, Executive Director, Adult Literacy League, Inc.

Your Newsletter: We’ll Do it with Style

Newsletters are a great way to create top-of-the-mind awareness. We are a one-stop shop for electronic newsletters. We’ll conceive, design, write, and mail it for you. We’ll even manage your mailing lists and provide you with marketing data. And we’ll do it all with style and pizazz.

Editing

Whether you’re just starting as a writer or a pro working on your latest project, your writing can benefit from response by a keen reader. Mary Ann reads your work with care and addresses the sort of content and style issues your mother and best friends either don’t understand—or won’t tell you about. She emphasizes instruction over criticism and approaches your writing with the respect and empathy you deserve.

I’m trying to take on what you’ve talked about and can actually feel where I have done that in my writing. Just talking with you about it and reviewing the notes that you provided have given me a lot of insight…. Thanks for your encouragement. It’s nice knowing that there is someone out there who believes in me! –Chris Blackwell, Author, Kira of Atlantis

Manuscript Evaluation

After a close reading of your manuscript, Mary Ann provides you with a detailed written evaluation of your manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses that will act as your road map for revision.

Full-length, partial, and sample evaluations available.

Mary Ann did so much more than just edit my novel Prodigious Savant. She also showed me where it worked, where it didn’t work, and how to improve the manuscript to publishing quality. I would highly recommend her for your next project. –J.J. White, Novelist & Freelance Writer — First Place Winner, 2009 Royal Palm Literary Award for his mainstream novel, Prodigious Savant

Book Proposals & Query Letters

Mary Ann demystifies the submission process and helps you put your best foot forward as you enter the highly competitive world of publishing.

Coaching

Do you want to write but don’t know where to begin? Or perhaps you’re writing and feel overwhelmed by all the choices you need to make and your spirit is flagging. In meetings, phone calls, and e-mails, Mary Ann provides guidance and encouragement at every stage of your writing project. With methods that are instructive, not destructive, she’ll help you articulate and reach your personal writing goals.

I was stalled when Mary Ann became my writing coach. I had spent over seven years contemplating a novel and accumulating volumes of notes, but wasn’t sure how to proceed. Through a series of weekly meetings, Mary Ann helped me sort through the chaos in my head and find the one true voice that really mattered. —Joe Zagame, Author, The Immigrant

Tutoring

Are your writing skills holding you back in school or on the job? Mary Ann will use your school papers or work documents to zero in on your particular needs and show you how to make your writing shine.

You really are a great teacher! My writing style has improved dramatically. –Kara, a graduate student writing her dissertation

Fees

Every writing project is different. Mary Ann offers a free 45-minute initial consultation to evaluate your needs. Then, if you like, she’ll propose a work plan and payment schedule for your approval. Because she wants to develop long-term relationships with her clients, she offers friendly, affordable fees.

Contact Mary Ann to schedule a no-charge, no-obligation consultation.