References for Sarah Cortez’ Editing Skills
“Ms. Cortez has a keen eye for structure and details, and a sharp ear for language and rhythm. Her enthusiasm is contagious, her energy inspiring. She uses these talents in a supportive and professional manner to diagnose story problems both great and small, and to help a manuscript achieve its artistic and commercial potential. I highly recommend her as a sharp and dedicated professional in the publishing field.”
Gerard Houarner, (www.gerardhouarner.com)
Among Mr. Houarner’s many accomplishments … Fiction editor, Space and Time Magazine (www.spaceandtimemagazine.com), Fiction writer of four novels, four collections, and over 250 short stories, 48 Honorable Mentions in various editions of the Year's Best Fantasy and Horror from St. Martins Press
“Ms. Cortez is the sort of editor with whom I love to work…she has a good eye.”
Joseph Bruchac, Author and Editor, (www.josephbruchac.com)
Among Mr. Bruchac’s many awards … American Book Award, Rockefeller Humanities Fellowship, NEA Writing Fellowship in Poetry, Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature, Cherokee Nation Prose Award, Hope S. Dean Award for Notable Achievement in Children's Literature, 1998 Writer of the Year Award and Storyteller of the Year Award from the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers, Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers Circle of the Americas
“Sarah Cortez provided editing and proofreading services for a soon-to-be published manuscript that my wife Vanessa wrote. Sarah’s input, insights, and work were stellar. She was punctual and professional from the word "go" and she met the rather aggressive deadlines we set for the work to be done. Her process was eye-opening for me in its depth and deliverables; not only did she mark up the manuscript but her mark-up was accompanied with an in-depth written assessment of the book itself. She was extremely likeable and personable when we spoke, and she additionally made herself available for a one-hour consultation if and as needed. I appreciate her efforts and greatly respect her business acumen. If I had to guess, I think she would be hearing from me again. I heartily endorse Sarah's work!
Top qualities: Expert, Good Value, High Integrity
Kenneth Hall
Houston, Texas, June 24, 2012
“During the first two years of our acquaintance, I took every writing class Sarah Cortez offered (even a memoir class intended for Hispanic university students). Why? Well, she was hard to please, but kind about it. And there was her dazzling mastery of line- and copy-editing. But as a developing writer, what kept me coming back was her extraordinary gift for understanding composition, for seeing to the heart of, then clearly explicating, how an author’s intention for this or that piece of writing was supported or weakened by its architecture. She is, quite simply, one of the best editors I’ve ever known.”
John R. Coats, author of Original Sinners, A New Interpretation of Genesis (published by Free Press/Simon & Shuster: 2009)
