Novel Editor Examines Elements Of Successfully Written Memoirs

Nov. 18, 2011 - PRLog -- DALLAS, TX: Book Editor Susan Mary Malone (http://www.maloneeditorial.com) recently published a critical examination of the process for writers wishing to pen their memoirs. She advises writers to be aware of the difference between a life history and a memoir. The article can be found here: http://www.maloneeditorial.com/blog/?p=145

Malone, editor of over 40 books published through traditional publishing companies, advises that anyone seeking to write their memoirs needs to consider three very basic points before beginning the manuscript and throughout the writing. She also covers points having to do with the theme of the work, writing style and characterization. She stresses that these must be looked at, regardless of the content of the person’s story, in order to make a commercially successful memoir.

Malone states: “Ever since ‘Angela’s Ashes’ hit the scene (some sixteen years ago), the Memoir genre has been hot. And I get a lot of them, especially in this day of POD and e-books, where self-publishing is so easy, and so inexpensive. But one’s life story, no matter how tangled with twists and turns, how fraught with trials and tribulations, does not necessarily make for a compelling memoir. The genre itself is about something different.”

Susan Mary Malone has worked as an editor, columnist and journalist since 1993, with a BS in Political Science and minors in English and Journalism. She has a client list that includes NY Times Bestsellers, Essence Bestsellers and books featured in Publishers Weekly. She is also an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction herself.  She participates as a speaker in literary conferences such as the recent Harriett Austin Writer's Conference (at the University of Georgia), the Blue Ridge Writer's Conference, the South West Writer's Conference, and the recent East Texas Writer’s Guild Conference, among others. Her full biography and featured list of published authors can be viewed at  http://www.maloneeditorial.com/

# # #

Malone Editorial Services offers a comprehensive developmental editing package for fiction & non-fiction manuscripts. Over 35 books edited by Malone Editorial Services have recently sold to traditional publishers.