Paul Samuelson
Editor. Story Consultant. Book and Script Doctor. Writing Coach.
storywrangler.com
Paul Samuelson
Hello, I’m Paul Samuelson, editor, story consultant, book and script doctor, and writing coach. I specialize in narrative material, fiction and non-fiction:
- Novels
- Screenplays
- Short stories
- Stage plays
- Biographies
- Memoirs
Any writing that’s story.
Experience
I’ve edited, consulted on, and/or helped rewrite nearly 300 mostly narrative manuscripts. I was once editor in chief of a publishing house no longer in business. Since then I’ve worked freelance.
I was employed in the L.A. film industry for many years and have read and scheduled scripts for production, acquiring a thorough knowledge of feature and TV script form, structure, and content. Having also written screenplays and teleplays, I’ve learned hands-on what works as drama and, contrastingly, what is seemingly lifeless.
My main strength as an editor is in understanding how stories are effectively developed, of how character and plot dynamically interact to build reader interest. I can tell early on which elements are lacking and how to get a narrative on track.
First and foremost to me is honoring an author’s creative intent.
When in the writing process an editor can be helpful
In the beginning
If a writer has only a loose hold on a concept, with just a couple of vaguely conceived characters in mind, an editor as consultant can be of help at the start of a project, joining with the author in formulating plot structure, giving shape to characters, and generally aiding to kick-start a writer’s inspiration.
At midstream
If a writer is stuck down the line, an editor can work with her or him to help clear a viable storyline path. This is most common in the second act of a play or script, or in the middle (sometimes called “the muddle”) of a novel, Characters need to deepen and plot should build. Toward the center of longer stories writing can become as swaybacked as an overloaded old dray horse.
After the first draft
When a first pass is completed and the author feels that there’s something lacking, but is unsure of what’s needed, an editor can work with the author to help find a “spine” in the story to give it stronger direction, more energy.
Before putting it out there
A final red pen line editing, including word, phrase, and dialogue change suggestions, can help make a story shine its brightest.