Rave Reviews from 40+ Clients

“Mara is more than an editor. She's a thought partner, collaborator, and fierce advocate for you and your words. She comes prepared with gardening gloves and boots; the woman is willing to get into the weeds with you. More than once, I sent her work that I knew lacked clarity and focus, writing I wasn't sure how to fix. Amazingly, she turned them into some of my favorite pieces I've written, never compromising my unique voice. If you are lucky enough to work with her, you'll not only share your story with more heart and distinction, but you'll become a better writer in the process. There is no one like her. Seriously, book now before her calendar fills up.”

Merideth Hite Estevez, author of The Artist's Joy (2024, Broadleaf Books) and Art is How God Loves Us (forthcoming 2026, Broadleaf Books)

“Mara is an extraordinary editor. She is a joy to work with and was so easy to collaborate with during my editing project; Mara is patient, responsive, caring, insightful, creative, fun, and productive. I have worked with other strong editors on past projects, but Mara brought something unique and special to the editing process. She understood me, my brand, my message, and my goals, and she cared about both my book and my reputation. We were always on the same page, which made the editing process smooth and efficient. She also understood my audience and was astute at ensuring nothing was confusing or unclear to the reader. Her suggestions and changes always added significant value to the manuscript and the reader's experience, and her expertise and enthusiasm were invaluable. Thanks in large part to her, my first book received an ‘excellent’ review on Kirkus. I could not have asked for a better editor, and I look forward to working with Mara on many more projects.”

David Allen Parker, Jr., author of Slam Dunk Job Search

“Mara was handed a book manuscript in need of lifesaving treatment; the raw material was there, but it needed a heavy round of edits to make it work. She did so much to transform it: structural notes to make it flow, meticulous line-by-line edits, and research into the material we were covering to help us bolster and strengthen our arguments. We got a manuscript back that was ready to print, and we couldn’t have arrived there without her diligence.”

Bethany Mandel, columnist and co-author of the forthcoming Stolen Youth

“I have benefitted from Mara Eller’s editing services for my last several books, each with slightly different needs. Whether she did basic proof reading and grammar checking or provided more substantive advice on better flow and communication, or even on how to rearrange material more effectively, her suggestions—as well as her “catches” of infelicitous prose on my part—have always been extremely helpful. I have used other editing services that did not have this kind of range or sense of partnership: they were more wooden and mechanical, less thorough, and did not ‘think’ their way into the substance of what I was saying in order to come alongside the project. However, Mara grasps what the writing is about and works on its best prose presentation. It’s amazing how she can improve a manuscript. I hope that Mara can work with me on many more books in the future. I highly recommend her to all authors.”

Michael Peterson, PhD., author of C. S. Lewis and the Christian Worldview and numerous others

“Mara is such a talented and thoughtful writing teacher! I've learned so many excellent techniques for improving my writing craft. I trust her implicitly as an editor, coach, and thought partner for anyone who wants to improve her skills and build her confidence as a writer.”

Ariel Curry, Acquisitions Editor, Sourcebooks

“I stumbled upon Mara Eller as a writing teacher and editor after working on my memoir for ten years—yes, ten years of adding and subtracting chapters, changing titles, and a gazillion rewrites. Mara’s input helped crystalize my theme, refine my voice, and strengthen my message. My memoir is finally published, and I couldn’t have done it without the skill and confidence I gained from working with Mara.”

Ann Averill, author of Unmoored: How an Adoptee Found Her True Identity

“I hired four different editors for a project I was working on, and Mara was my favorite. The pieces she edited came back nicely cleaned up with the clear direction they didn’t have before she worked her magic on them. She was so helpful that I decided to work with her for the rest of my project. Mara is a kind, reliable, trustworthy person with a natural talent for editing and story development. I loved how she could figure out what I was trying to say but couldn’t seem to articulate myself. When you work with Mara, you aren’t getting only editing services but your own individual writing education. Mara works one-to-one with you, and when she sends your piece back edited, she gives you detailed comments telling you what would work better and why. She is always available to answer any questions you might have. I have learned so much from her. Working with her has been a priceless experience for me. She truly is a godsend.” 

Jessica H.

“Your advice to add more personal content was greatly valued! It was HARD for me to go deeper and share these things, and I needed the push. I know added those details will make the book more relatable. I wish I had known about you for my first edit!! You were thorough and speedy. Thank you!”

Christa S.

“Mara is an absolute dream to work with! As a first-time author, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from the editing process, but Mara exceeded every expectation. Her keen eye and expert edits transformed my manuscript in ways I never imagined—and I couldn’t be happier with the result. Beyond her incredible skill, she delivers feedback with a perfect balance of clarity and encouragement, making the entire process both enlightening and enjoyable. It feels like I’m not alone in it anymore. I can’t recommend her highly enough!”

Laura Upchurch, author of a forthcoming memoir