Rebecca Hartwell
Editor, Author, Seamstress, Equestrian
Hello!
My name is Rebecca, and I am a developmental editor who helps authors go from feeling lost, overwhelmed, or uncertain around their writing to having a clear, grounded, hopeful, and actionable plan for their story’s success.
I am an indie author myself, and my passion for learning more about how stories work, my love of reading in the genres that inspired me to write, and my own experiences getting my work developmental edited pushed me to start the full-time career I am now in love with. I have been a proud Story Grid Guild member for four years now, and am delighted to have worked with dozens of amazing authors over the last five years, almost all of which have trusted me with their work multiple times.
I love strengthening and expanding my understanding of what makes good stories great at the highest and deepest levels of the craft through courses, books, and the best teacher of all—experience. I feel honored to help other writers achieve their dreams of telling impactful, unforgettable stories.
I live in Maine with my two cats and a ridiculous amount of craft supplies, and can often be found swing dancing, playing and singing Irish Trad music, and finding every excuse I can to play dress-up.
On the topic-expert side of things, I love to put my wealth of information on historical clothing and all things equestrian to good use.
Both paths were where I thought my whole life was going to lead at different points in my past!
-Historical Clothing: I have an associate’s degree in fashion from the Dublin Institute of Design, specializing in historical fashion and costume. I have fifteen years of experience researching and recreating the historical fashion of every era from ancient Rome through WWII, mostly for reenactment, living history, theater, and more. My research has taken me down many rabbit holes on material trade routes, dyes and embroidery, socio-economic influences on fashion, and a myriad of other topics I am excited to put to good use in helping other authors.
-Horses and Riding: I grew up on a horse ranch in the Nevada Mountains, showing and competing across ranch work, cart driving, all western and English show disciplines from the age of 9. I’ve also been training horses from untouched foals to professional working horses from 14, and teaching riding lessons since 16, including working with a local therapeutic riding program as a volunteer instructor.
I consider it a privilege to help other authors accurately depict equine behavior, and either the special bond between horse and rider, or the fears and disconnects that can happen there, in their writing.
Why Choose Me?
My specialization in fantasy, romance, and historical fiction makes me well-suited to assess your manuscript at every level from universal concepts to the practical elements of a scene. I understand what it's like to pour your heart and soul into a story, only to realize that it has a very long way to go before it is viable for a wider audience. That's why my goal is to give you an exceptionally good structural feedback experience and help you put your best work forward, improve your writing skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the craft.
And I’ll do it in record time, with transparent and guaranteed deliverables.
That way you can save yourself years of uncertainty, worry, and work trying to figure it all out yourself, and spend more time letting your creativity run free, knowing that more souls will come to adore the same worlds and characters you love. More than that, with my included debriefing calls and 90 days of email support, you will also have professional help in making sure you make the right changes.
When you work with me, you are getting my full attention, not just becoming my side project, where my focus may be sporadic like with many editors. I am committed to not only giving you a great experience, but helping you grow and improve with every book, and doing so in whatever story structure vocabulary you are most comfortable with.
If you are ready for a reader-first structural edit by a professional peer, book your free introductory call, or check out my media appearances below!
Want to get a feel for my personality and expertise?
Check out some of my interviews through the links below!
Now that you've gotten to know me...
I'd love to get to know you as we work together to bring your ideas to their highest, glittering, world-changing potential!
