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SERVICES
A second set of eyes can mean the difference between good work and great work. I've edited every kind of nonfiction there is, from bestselling blockbuster books to scholarly articles. Whatever the writing, I ensure your thoughts are expressed clearly, concisely, and powerfully. I also check that all work is error free. If you are concerned about language or structure, or simply need a proofread, I can help.
I offer various editorial services:
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Proposal writing and fine-tuning for pitching to literary agents and publishers
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Manuscript development, including substantive, structural, and line editing
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Copy editing and proofreading
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Business writing for reports, communications strategies, and more
Writing
Editing (all levels)
Communications
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ABOUT ME
For fifteen years, I worked in Toronto, Ontario, as an acquiring editor for some of the largest trade publishers in Canada. The majority of the books I published went on to be national bestsellers, and many garnered top awards. I always counted myself lucky to work with amazingly talented and driven people (authors and publishing professionals alike). But now, as a freelancer based in Hamilton, Ontario, I have the luxury of doing the work I love without the corporate life.
I've lived and worked in the UK and the US, in various roles, but always returned to Canada. So many of the best stories, and storytellers, are here.
I specialize in narrative nonfiction across many genres, including memoir and biography, culture, arts, humour, sports, politics, history, and more. I'm a lifelong learner, and relish teaming up with enthusiastic and knowledgeable authors. If you're excited about your work, then I'm eager to work with you.
To read about some of the books I've successfully edited and published, see the Projects section below and click on the covers for links to more information.
I've had the pleasure of working with some truly outstanding writers, artists, and storytellers. No two projects are alike, and I work closely with authors to figure out exactly what they want to say, and help them say it. These are just some of the books I've been fortunate to be a part of.
PROJECTS
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Many of the books I've edited have gone on to be recognized by some of Canada's top literary awards. Prizes are never a guarantee, but it's always a proud moment when work receives this kind of attention.
BOOK AWARDS
The 2023 Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize
Finalist
For the Love of Learning: A Year in the Life of a School Principal
By Kristin Phillips
The 2022 Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Nonfiction
Finalist
The Long Way Home: On Blackness and Belonging
By Debra Thompson
The 2022 Alberta Literary Awards, Wilfrid Eggleston Award for Nonfiction
Winner
Praying to the West: How Muslims Shaped the Americas
By Omar Mouallem
The 2019 RBC Taylor Prize for Literary Nonfiction
Longlist
Son of a Critch: A Childish Newfoundland Memoir
By Mark Critch
The 2015 Governor General's Literary Awards, Nonfiction
Finalist
The Social Life of Ink: Culture, Wonder, and Our Relationship with the Written Word
By Ted Bishop
The 2014 Ontario Library Services Northern Literature Award
Winner
Indigenous Healing: Exploring Traditional Paths
By Rupert Ross
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"I had the pleasure of working with Justin as my editor on two books: 1972: The Series That Changed Hockey Forever, and Draft Day. In both instances, Justin was a steady and calming hand from start to finish. He was professional and punctual, keeping the projects pointed in the right direction. He asked helpful questions and offered excellent suggestions to improve the manuscripts. A true pro."
Scott Morrison, #1 bestselling author of 1972, and award-winning sports journalist
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"I had never worked with an editor and Justin was great! I could always bounce ideas off him, which helped me refine my thoughts on certain topics and do my best for the reader. His suggestions made the book better!"
Dr. Dana Sinclair, performance psychologist and author of Dialed In
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“A good editor should be like a tugboat, nudging your book in the direction it needs to go, rather than a tow-truck, hauling it to where they think it ought to be. Justin Stoller is one of those editors who ‘gets’ your project, and doesn’t try to impose his own view. He’s intuitive and incisive, firm and tactful, and able to give correction without giving offense, whether in detailed line edits or larger structural concerns. He’s not afraid to advise you to cut fifty pages or to back away from the manuscript when you’re writing off in all directions. And he gets back to you quickly.
“I came to Justin with my ‘blob that ate Chicago’ file: 300 pages of research, reflection, travel notes—and no shape. Under his guidance, my book emerged with an elegant three-part structure with prose that blended memoir, interviews, and archival documents.
“The result, The Social Life of Ink, was favourably reviewed in the Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, National Post, and the Literary Review of Canada. It was the subject of interviews on CBC’s The Current and National Public Radio in the U.S. And the book received civic, provincial, and national prizes—nominated for the Governor General’s Award in Nonfiction.
“Without Justin Stoller the manuscript would still be in a drawer. I recommend him most highly. Justin walks on water.”
Ted Bishop, author of The Social Life of Ink and Riding with Rilke
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TESTIMONIALS
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CONTACT ME
For a free quote, please reach out to tell me about your project and how I might help (email is generally best). I look forward to hearing from you.
289-941-1484
@JustinMStoller