Here’s what authors are saying about working with Sallie Vandagrift
“Sallie Vandagrift is a dream editor, a keen and gifted reader who has an instinct for the perfect word, the moment when the writing simply needs to say more, or less. Sallie is that rare editor, a word-witch who always sees clearly and honors in her editing work the book you want to write. Working with Sallie, I saw my novel acquire new dimensions, new moments of grace. Sallie is enthusiastic, smart, and quick to respond, and with her editorial help my book took shape in a way that matched my vision.”
—Susanne Antonetta, author of Entangled Objects
“Collaborating with Sallie Vandagrift on Coyote Fork was a high point of my publishing life. She is the best copy editor I have ever worked with: punctilious, intelligent, and with a keen eye, not just for detail, but also for the overall structure and tone of the novel. And I also very much appreciated the care and professionalism with which she prepared the press release and sought coverage for the novel. I warmly recommend her.”
—James Wilson, author of Coyote Fork
“You only have one chance at a debut novel! Sallie Vandagrift took care of me with the greatest attention to detail and responsiveness. She championed my first book, worked tirelessly to help it be as successful as it was, and was instrumental in me winning several awards and accolades. I look forward to a long working relationship with her and I know you will too!“
—Ruben Degollado, author of Throw
“I enjoyed working with Sallie on my most recent collection of short stories, The Beasts of Belladonna, while she was an editor at Slant Books. Although I’d already reviewed the manuscript dozens of times, she spotted several passages that benefited from her insights. Her thoughtful, respectful attention helped me to produce a better book.”
—Gilbert Allen, author of The Beasts of Belladonna
“What a delight it was to work with Sallie Vandagrift as I brought the manuscript of Ordinary Time into its final shape. She’s imaginative, smart, astute, and kind, and an editor well worth working with and for.”
—Paul Mariani, author of Ordinary Time
“I had the good fortune to work with Sallie Vandagrift as copy editor of my second novel. It may have been more good fortune for me than for her since the novel presented several challenges, as it was set in the 17th century and had a mix of Englishes, all of which needed to be consistent and readable. Sallie was thorough in catching any and all inconsistencies, suggesting ways to make the text more readable, and doing it all with professionalism and good humor. She was a pleasure to work with.”
—Thom Satterlee, author of God’s Liar
“Sallie Vandagrift simply shone as a copy editor for my young adult novel All in a Garden Green. She went far beyond mere mechanics and made suggestions that beautifully matched the spirit of the story. And all through the process, any question that I had got an immediate response. I recommend her talented services to all who desire the same fine treatment for their work.”
—Paul Willis, author of All in a Garden Green
“It took many years for me to earn that first coveted traditional publishing contract. Unpublished authors ask my advice, now that I have multiple contracts. The one factor just as important as talent and perseverance is an excellent editor. A successful editor helps the writer turn seeds, soil, and sprinklers into a blossoming garden. Sallie Vandagrift is my gardener. She has talent, integrity, and heart. She is truly dedicated to the art of expression.”
—A. E. Smith, author of The Secret of the Ruby
Sallie Vandagrift 