“Robin Martin’s editor’s eye is so well attuned she not only gets right to the heart of the story you want to tell but spots all the cliches, less-than-perfect word choices, and unnecessary details that keep your story from singing.”
Robin Martin, Founder
Freelance writer and editor
Fiction writer
MA English (Writing) California State University, Sacramento
BA English (Summa Cum Laude) Rutgers College
Location: Northern California
While working with a nationally-known literary agent, Robin reviewed queries and proposals, acquired manuscripts for representation, performed developmental and line edits, advised substantive edits, researched publishers, developed proposals, created pitch lists, and pitched manuscripts to publishers.
As an assistant editor for an internationally-acclaimed literary magazine with more than 120,000 readers, Robin evaluates manuscripts for publication. With professionally trained writing skills and strong editorial judgment, she is able to identify the elements of a powerful and effective story and to articulate the strengths and weaknesses of a piece.
From 2004-2010 she was the managing editor of a Sacramento-area non-profit organization’s 28-page quarterly publication, reviewing submissions, working with writers, doing substantive, line, and developmental edits, determining content, acquiring permissions and establishing and meeting the publication schedule.
Robin’s work has been published in Narrative Magazine, Word Riot, Rain Taxi, Gently Read Literature, Calaveras Station, Mothers’ Movement Online, Mothers’ Support Network Quarterly, American River Review, and she is a staff writer for the San Francisco Book Review and the Sacramento Book Review.
Read an interview with Robin in Creative Writing Now!
Read Robin’s review in Gently Read Literature. 
What clients and associates say:
“Robin’s Evaluation and Critique on my first manuscript was amazing! She captured the essence of the story and the characters and gave me advice on the areas that could be improved. I learned several things about the craft of fiction writing from her inputs. I’m enjoying work on the next draft and looking forward to working with Robin on the next steps of my first writing project.”~ Rob Mahan, first-time novelist.
“Robin has been of immense help in editing a novel I’ve written, which was inspired in part by my art business. She is patient, thorough and insightful. Robin has offered much-appreciated constructive criticism, and helped me to develop a more consistent POV – an aspect of writing which had been my Achilles heel.” ~Albin Winters, first-time novelist.
“YOU ROCK! I really, REALLY, appreciate an editor that is straight forward with requested changes to my work. It’s surprisingly hard to find an editor that works that way. I’ll make the additions and corrections you have suggested and I’ll send it on back asap.” ~Chris McCann, graphic designer and illustrator.
“I was so lucky to learn about Robin Martin at Two Songbirds Press through a mutual friend! Robin gave me so much good advice and set me on the path to find a literary agent who would be interested in my children’s book. She wrote an amazing query letter on my behalf. Robin also really did her research in finding twelve agents who would be most likely in accepting my work. I would joyfully encourage any aspiring author to meet with Robin and see what direction she would recommend for the best chance of success!” ~Joanne Romero, Childrens’ Book Author
“Robin Martin’s editor’s eye is so well attuned she not only gets right to the heart of the story you want to tell but spots all the cliches, less-than-perfect word choices, and unnecessary details that keep your story from singing.” ~ Peter Grandbois, professor of writing at Denison University, author of Nahoonkara (Etruscan Press 2011), The Gravedigger (Chronicle Books) and The Arsenic Lobster (Spuyten Duyvil 2009).
“Robin, You are at the top of my editor list when folks ask me for a reference.” ~ Dan Melzer University Reading and Writing Coordinator, California State University, Sacramento.
“Robin’s substantive edit of my manuscript was extremely helpful and has assisted me not only with my manuscript but as a creative writer in general. In a short period of time, she was able to pinpoint all of the areas in my novel that needed attention and then offered suggestions where I could add strength to the characters, plot, and more. Robin gives you the tools and hints to do this strengthening instead of putting the words and ideas onto your pages; I have found this approach of hers to be invaluable to me while I craft other stories outside the scope of my original novel. I would recommend Robin’s services to any aspiring writer without hesitation.” Mike Siebenaller, first-time novelist.
“Robin did a great job of filling my needs as an inexperienced author with no online capabilities.” ~Kenneth E. Nelson, author of Neighbors: A Summer-Winter Affair, and Dear Mr. Nelson.
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