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Susan Bono
Editorial Services
Writing Instruction

P.O. Box 928, Petaluma, CA 94953

Phone and fax: 707-762-3208
Email: sbono@tiny-lights.com

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are  
tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson  

A good editor gives you at least two extra eyes—one in the center of your forehead that stays focused on your literary vision; one in the back of your head for tracking details and keeping your bases covered.

 As a former high school English teacher, writer's group facilitator, workshop presenter, editor and small press publisher, I have been helping writers improve their vision for more than 20 years. I enjoy all types of editing projects, but specialize in facilitating you and your fiction, essays and memoir.  


Editing

 I charge a $2.00-per-page reading fee—this includes margin notes—and $50.00 an hour for editorial analysis. I am happy to receive inquiries by email, but like to talk to clients either in person or over the phone to establish the nature of the project, the needs and goals of the writer, timelines, etc. If we decide we're a good fit, a sample of your ms. can assist me in better determining the price of the job. I can do on-line editing, but prefer to make notes on hard copy. 


The Flat Rate Edit ($75)

 For short pieces (3,000 words or less), I offer a flat rate edit. $75.00 includes margin notes and an in-depth written analysis, with emphasis on practical suggestions. In these “essay intensives,” I am often able to help writers identify and break through patterns that have been limiting the scope of their work. Hard copy or email submissions okay, but please query first.   
  


Some Endorsements

 Patricia Harrelson, essayist, Community College instructor, Jamestown, CA:

 “We who keep scribbling are blessed by the likes of you who scribble on our work.”

Judith Ryan Hendricks, author of Bread Alone (Morrow, 2001), Isabel's Daughter (June 2003) and Baker's Apprentice (2005) . www.judihendricks.com: 

“Susan, thanks for showing me why God created editors.”

Rebecca Lawton, author of Reading Water: Lessons from the River (Capitol Books, 2002). www.becca.lawton.net: 

“An accomplished writer in her own right, Susan is a superlative editor as well: incisive, sensitive, tactful, and respectful of the author's unique voice. Her light, sure touch only improved my work. The literary conversation we had while revising my essay "Faith in the Dry Season" not only led to a deeper understanding of the piece but to a Pushcart Prize nomination. Beg, borrow, barter--do anything you can to raise the funds to work with her. You'll be glad you did!”

Alla Crone, author of East Lies the Sun , Winds over Manchuria , North of the Moon , Legacy of Amber , Rodina and Maxim . www.allacrone.com :

“After writing for years and publishing six books, I have never had such in-depth help as I did from Susan Bono. My only regret is that I didn't meet her earlier! Her critique was detailed, meticulous, not only in regard to the theme and structure of my current book, but also the grammar and lazy writing. For that I am eternally grateful. In short, she didn't let me get away with anything, and yet her comments were tactful and kind. My next manuscript is going to her as soon as I finish my first draft.”



CLASSES AND EVENTS

For more information,

Susan Bono: editor@tiny-lights.com

 

Word by Word: Conversations with Writers
KRCB Radio 91 FM, 7 p.m., First and Third Wednesdays of the month

Some of you came to know Word by Word when selected segments from Tiny Lights' Searchlights & Signal Flares were a regular feature. The format has changed a bit, but WbW continues as a bi-monthly literary radio program funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Host Jordan E. Rosenfeld still interviews established and emerging authors about the love and labor of their craft. The show now features regular segments by Susan Bono (“Likely Story”) Susan Starbird (“WordPlay”) and Colin Berry (“White Space”).

These shows are now being archived “On Demand” at www.krcb.org

 

Sonoma County Book Festival

September 16, 2006
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Old Courthouse Square
Santa Rosa , CA

Make your visit to the Book Festival complete by visiting the Tiny Lights booth and attending the panel on creativity with Susan Bono, Jordan Rosenfeld and Eliot Fintushel.! Get information as it unfolds at www.socobookfest.org

 

Bust Out Comedy Revue:

 

Friday, Oct. 6, 2006, 8pm

Sebastopol Center for The Arts

678 Depot Street, Sebastopol

Cost: $12.00

Info: 707-829-4797

 

A funny ,entertaining evening with music and all shades of humor—from gut-busting to aw shucks to bittersweet to satire to just plain quirky. An antidote to front page madness.

 

Featuring local actors and artists, including teacher/publisher Susan Bono, Healdsburg literary laureate Armando Garcia, Phyllis Wyatt, Akasha Halsey, actor/teacher Carnelius Quinn, musician John Fitt, Barbara Toohey, cowboy poet Vince Pedroia, Patrick Fanning, and Guy Biederman (a.k.a. Knucklehead).

 

 

 Writing Short, Personal Nonfiction

University of CAlifornia Extension, Santa Cruz

Not For Credit  
Sat 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Oct 14, 2006
Number of Sessions: 1

Tuition:  

$135.00

Method of Instruction: CLASSROOM
Campus:  CUPERTINO

Instructor:  

Susan Bono

 

Course Description:

Whether your goal is capturing a few choice memories to pass along to the grandkids or publishing personal reflections in newspapers and magazines, you'll leave this class with plenty of practical tips for writing successful short nonfiction. Taught by the editor of Tiny Lights, an online and print magazine of short nonfiction, this one-day workshop offers writing exercises and feedback, plus marketing advice. We'll study examples of the short form--some sweet, others snappy--and spend time working on our own mini-masterpieces. We'll also look at finding venues, approaching editors and what we owe our audience in terms of truth. Bring writing materials and a willingness to experiment! All skill levels welcome.

 

Note(s):

Appropriate for beginning and experienced writers.

 

 

 

 

3rd Annual Point Reyes Writing Retreat

(noted in October 2006 Writer's Digest Magazine)

Patti Trimble and Susan Bono
May 2007 (date to be determined) (7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday 4 p.m.)
Point Reyes National Seashore

This workshop is for anyone who enjoys writing about nature and wants to develop skills of observation and craft. We will spend most of our time writing—from our memories and from our observations of the natural world. There will be workshops on poetry, memoir, essay, and description, as well as time to share our new work in a supportive community of writers (under the stars, or as the sun rises over Limantour?) There will also be time for relaxed walking with a visiting naturalist who will help expand our awareness of our weekend habitat. This event supported by Poets & Writers, Inc. through a grant from the Hearst Foundation.

$155 includes accommodations at the Clem Miller Environmental Education Center . Dinners are pot luck. Participants supply their own breakfast and lunch.

Information and Registration:

(415) 663-1200
email: seminars@ptreyes.org
website: www.ptreyes.org

 


Some Highlights of 2005:

Sebastopol Writer's Conference
October 23, 2005
Sebastopol Community Center
Sebastopol , CA

Stay tuned for more information about the first annual Sebastopol Writer's Conference slated for October 23. Sonoma County writers, this is a celebration and exploration of the talent residing in your own neighborhood. After this event, you'll be convinced that there is no greener grass beyond any of our fences! And those who venture in from “beyond” will enjoy being a little jealous! www.sonomacountywritersconference.com

Alameda Literati Faire
Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Al DeWitt O Club
641 West Red Line Avenue
Alameda, California .

Never pass up a chance to visit the island of Alameda and spend time at the decommissioned Naval Officer's Club, especially when its ballroom is filled with writers, publishers and editors! I'll be there to admire the chandeliers with you during the editors' panel! www.alamedaliterati.org

 

Featured speaker at the Redwood branch of the California Writers Club

Join us to discuss personal essay.

February 13, 2005
4 p.m.
529 5 th Street
Santa Rosa , CA

Contact: Charles Brashear: (707) 545- 3903
See also California Writers Club website:
http://www.calwriters.org/html/redwood.html

 

An Afternoon with Sheila Bender (with guest Susan Bono)

Sheila Bender, author of eight books on writing and publisher of the online magazine Writing it Real , is offering a reading/workshop in honor of her new book, Writing and Publishing Personal Essays (Silver Threads) , at Copperfield Books in Petaluma . Sheila will be conducting exercises from the book and answering questions on the craft of personal essay. Don't miss this opportunity for a relaxed and inspiring afternoon with an expert on personal narrative.

Sunday, April 3, 2 p.m.
Copperfield's Books
140 Kentucky Street , Petaluma
707-762-0563

( Sheila is also a staunch supporter of Tiny Lights . TL essays by Susan Hagen, Bora Lee Reed and Susan Bono have been included as examples in this informative how-to book. They will be on hand to celebrate!)

For more info on Sheila, visit http://www.writingitreal.com , and http://www.sheilabender.com