It takes more than a great idea or a way with words to publish a novel...especially in today's ever-changing publishing landscape. You need someone who knows the ins and outs of both the business and the craft. You need someone who is on your side, but not afraid to deliver the truth—or make you work hard to be your best. Think of me as your personal writing trainer.

I specialize in editing all kinds of fiction, including first novels and memoirs. I also edit nonfiction proposals. I will guide you in writing and revising compelling query letters and synopses to agents and publishers.

I have more than ten years experience editing the work of both aspiring and successful writers. As a freelance editor, I evaluate your fiction or nonfiction manuscript, concentrating on helping you develop your work for the marketplace. Included in my services is a report in which I focus on issues such as structure, style, and clarity. With novels, I will help you develop characters, plot, pacing, dialogue, and dramatic tension. Line editing is included in my fee.

In addition to editing, for more than twenty years I have been teaching writing to college students, short story writers, and novelists, both in the classroom and online.
Testimonials:
Susan Shapiro, author of SPEED SHRINKING and FIVE MEN WHO BROKE MY HEART
"Nicole Bokat is a fantastic ghost editor who I've worked with on both memoirs and novels. She's also helped many of my students get agents and editors."
Kathleen McCleary, author of HOUSE AND HOME
"I worked closely with Nicole for many months on my first novel, House and Home. Nicole was a careful and thoughtful reader, and really helped me tighten my writing by pointing out spots where it was repetitive or where I'd relied on a cliché. Nicole has an excellent eye — and ear — for writing. She appreciated the rhythm of my writing and always made suggestions that were in keeping with my style, my story and my characters. Overall, the biggest help to me was her understanding of my characters as individuals. She was very good at highlighting spots where there were inconsistencies in character, and her suggestions helped me fine-tune my story so that it was seamless. After Nicole finished editing the novel and I sent it out, I had multiple offers of representation from agents, and then multiple publishers who wanted to buy the book. I sold it to Hyperion less than two months after sending out my first query letter to an agent. I had a great experience in working with Nicole, and am sure you will too."
Naomi Rand, author of IT'S RAINING MEN, STEALING FOR A LIVING and others
“Nicole Bokat has been reading my work for years and her comments are always incredibly helpful and insightful. She knows instinctively what makes a novel tick, and is always able to pinpoint trouble. Better yet, she can offer solutions, ones that work.”  
Mark Aspinwall, author of the novel in progress COLD HAVANA TOMB
"Nicole was such an enormous help in the way I thought about Cold Havana Tomb, my first novel. She brought a sharp but sensitive eye, spotting things I had missed, probably permanently, helping me restructure and rethink a story I thought was ready. And she patiently answered way too many questions about the fiction market — she's a real treasure!"
John Devore, author of the novel in progress RUNAWAY YACHT
“I got your letter and the manuscript.  I feel like I just received an entire writing class condensed into just two weeks... and you did all the work.”
Ben von Klemperer, author of the novel in progress BOOKING VICTORIA
"Nicole is a real pro — a seasoned instructor and a sharp-eyed editor who will make your work a whole lot better. Whether your challenge involves dialogue, plot, voice, or just finding the time to write, she's seen it before and knows exactly how to help. For many months, her thoughtful guidance and quick responses were my best weapons against the blank page."
Anne Strauss, first novel represented by agent, under review by publishers
"It all started in your class in the fourth floor walkup at MediaBistro...you taught me how to write a book. I am forever grateful."
Tiffany Yeager, first novel represented by agent
"I knew the second that I read the summary of Nicole's editorial notes on my novel Elasticity that things were going to be OK. She was able to pinpoint pacing and structural issues, and she called out positives with humor; from her first comment to her last suggestion, any fear that she wouldn't "get it" was wiped away. It's rare that one finds an editor that has such an understanding of language combined with a deft hand, and she has both. The book has benefitted so, so much from Nicole's guidance and I don't know where I'd be without her. I just hope she's available the next time!