Deborah Saenz Gonzalez

Services Offered

Developmental Editing

Ghostwriting/Collaborating

Developmental Editing

A "big picture" edit of a manuscript focusing on the content and structure of a non-fiction book. This process ensures the premise is strong, tone is consistent, and intended

audience is clear.

Copyediting

Ghostwriting/Collaborating

Developmental Editing

Checking the manuscript for grammar, spelling, punctuation, internal consistency, and accuracy. This type of edit eliminates any errors in the book without changing the

substance of the text.

Ghostwriting/Collaborating

This is for authors who have valuable ideas to share but lack the time or skill to write their own book. Deborah can help identify the premise, map out the most effective structure, and get the content out of your head

and on to the page.

Author Coaching

Book Proposal Preparation

Ghostwriting/Collaborating

Do you find yourself stuck in your writing journey? Coaching involves brainstorming the concept for your project, giving feedback on your writing/chapter outline, establishing measurable goals, deciding whether to pursue traditional or self-publishing, and figuring our next steps in your publishing journey.

Book Proposal Preparation

Deborah will help you put together a book proposal, including a chapter outline and sample chapters, so that a publisher clearly sees the need for your book. This includes analyzing the "hook", audience, competitive books, and author platform.

About Deborah

Deborah graduated from Northwestern University with a bachelor's degree in communication studies and spent two years in the public relations/marketing industry before discovering her passion for book publishing. She began her career in publishing in 2010 at InterVarsity Press, where she served as a marketing manager for 8 years and had a hand in over 300 book projects. Her love for words also propelled her to earn a Certificate in Editing from the University of Chicago's Graham School of Continuing Studies. She is now serving authors and publishers as a freelance editor, ghostwriter and author coach. Her strong editorial and marketing instincts, combined with her insider knowledge of the industry, sets her apart as a valuable collaborator for anyone wanting to get their story out into the world. As a Mexican-American woman from the Texas borderland, she is especially passionate about helping authors of color to communicate their stories and ensure their voices are heard.

Endorsements

"In my 37 years of senior management of book publishing, wholesaling and retailing work, I have rarely met and perhaps never directly managed an individual who was more skillful, reliable, resourceful, and creative than Deborah Gonzalez. If I were looking for a seasoned marketing, communications, social media, or editorial colleague, I cannot think of anyone I would more quickly choose. I cannot recommend her highly enough. Working alongside her was a joy, from start to finish."

Jeff Crosby, CEO/President, Evangelical Christian Publishers Association

"As someone who had a book on my heart but was too busy with my full time job, I needed someone who could help me think through and organize the vast material I had in my head, in recorded sermons, in articles, and pull it all together. Deborah was like an angel. She worked always in the background editing, rewriting, critiquing, and revising rough spots. Working with Deborah was like someone knowing you so well they finish your thoughts. I couldn't have picked a better collaborator and highly recommend her to anyone needing help with a book."

Dr. Alejandro Mandes, author, Embracing the New Samaria

"Throughout the course of our long working relationship I’ve been impressed by the professionalism, collegiality, and commitment to excellence consistently on display from Deborah. From passing interactions to the deep work of collaborative writing and the inevitable revision that attends to it, Deb has demonstrated maturity and graciousness, and her work is always spot on. I’d work with her again and again without a second thought."

David A. Zimmerman, publisher, NavPress