Ally E Machate's professional editorial services cover editing, freelance writing, copywriting, and editorial consultations.
 

"I hired Ally as an editor, writer, and project manager for a wide variety of books in the health, self-help, sports, and psychology categories. She was always my first choice for the most difficult or rushed projects, and she never failed to deliver. She was always punctual and flexible in taking on different types of projects. I frequently commented that I wished I could clone her. Ally has a great eye for detail, but also keeps the bigger picture in mind. She is also a joy to work with, and I cannot recommend her highly enough."
—Andrea Au
Editorial Director
Hatherleigh Press

 



 

 


"Ally’s edited the first seven chapters of my memoir, Faithful to the Finnish Line, as well as an agent query and an essay. I’ve been impressed with her clear and concise manner of communicating—not just to me but through me to the audience I’m writing for. She’s particularly good at pointing out when dialogue is too vague or confusing or when it should be used to propel a scene instead of description. She also has a keen eye for continuity. It’s important to have someone like Ally watching out for these missteps."
—Linda Jämsén, author



 

 

 

 
“Ally understood my vision, my thoughts and my voice. There was no question – she knew exactly where I was coming from. Her comments and edits were informative, eye opening and very impressive. She was professional, answered all my questions and gave me helpful advice. In turn, Ally has given me a newfound confidence. I am so fortunate to have Ally on my side and I am glad I took a risk…one that paid off! She is invaluable!”
—Cheryl Kerrigan, author of Telling ED No! and Eating Disorder Recovery - Conquering ED!
"A good editor has the ability to discern a piece's strengths and weaknesses. A great editor will do that and more: she will work hard to preserve your style and voice, believe in your work, and care about your success. Ally Peltier is a great editor."
—Lauren Manoy, author
Where to Park Your Broomstick


"Ally edited my nonfiction book proposal and query letter, as well as some sample chapters. Her comments and suggestions were helpful, encouraging and reinvigorating. She was extremely professional and always had good suggestions that did not change or impose on the style and substance of my writing. I would happily recommend her to anyone."
—Eliza Amon, journalist
The Mickey Mantle's: Behind the Scenes in America's Most Famous Sports Bar“When I sent my latest proposal to my agent, she found it relevant, compelling, and, well… amateurishly written. With pen between my legs, I sent my stuff to Ally for a word make-over. She gave me tough love, which I needed. Her editing resulted in work that was far more descriptive, less cluttered, and fun to read. I call her my ‘wizard of words.'”



 

 

 

 
"I worked with Ally on a personal essay for a contest. I knew the piece had potential, but I had no idea how to order it, how to pull it together and make it coherent. Ally was able to point out the ways I could create structure and rhythm and make it flow. Her sharp eyes and ears were so key to this project. Twentysomething Essays by Twentysomething WritersI couldn't have done it without her."
—Lauren Monroe, author
"My Roaring Twenties" from Twentysomething Essays by Twentysomething Writers



 

 

 

 
"Ally is a reliable writer and a pleasure to work with. She ensures that both content and prose match the tone, level, and many specific requirements our projects entail. She has always been professional and dedicated to her work."
—Margo Orlando, Associate Editor, SparkNotes
Editing
Almost any piece of writing requires a good editor. If you're hoping to see your book in print, you need guidance from someone who understands the business of publishing. If you have a message to convey, you want your material enhanced by someone who specializes in effective communication. From developing a rough draft to that final once-over just before printing, our team of experienced editors, copyeditors, and proofreaders can get it done.
 
Let us help you perfect your:
"Thank God for Ally. She's been an asset to me in everything from proofreading, editing, notes on story and character, to even helping with the action lines and stage directions. From screenplays Baggage Claimto stage plays her work has been both timely and efficient. I highly recommend her as long as she doesn't get so busy that she doesn't have time to help me out again!"
—David E. Talbert, bestselling author of Baggage Claim
multi-award-winning playwright, and screenwriter of the movie First Sunday

 



 
Creative Works
Creative works such as novels, memoirs, and stage- or screen-plays can sometimes require a special type of editing that goes beyond grammar and punctuation.
"Sometimes it's so difficult to untangle a scene or put your finger on exactly why something is working or not working. But Ally's comments and suggestions were all right-on-target. Her interest has simply been to make my work the best it can be. Nectar From a StoneI am certain that her insights have improved my novel and I can't imagine what I would have done without her guidance."
—Jane Guill, author
Nectar From a Stone
You need someone who will help your work reach its highest potential without changing your style or injecting her own. Ambitious Enterprises' editors have the experience and skills necessary to help you get your creative work into publishable (or performable) shape by critiquing your:
  • story development
  • plot execution
  • characterization
  • dialogue
  • grammar and punctuation
  • basic writing technique


If all you need is someone to make sure you've dotted your i's and crossed your t's correctly, our copyeditors and proofreaders can help with that, too.

Click here to get a free white paper on creating an effective fiction book proposal.
 

 



 
Nonfiction Manuscripts
There are many elements that make a strong nonfiction book.
"I needed a freelance editor to edit five books in five weeks for a new branded series, an exceptionally challenging task. Ally not only improved each book's readability, she created a format for the entire series that is based on a solid understanding of the market. Her ability to understand and translate our vision to the page was incredible: she organized each book to best present its information to the reader and also line edited the content to convey the desired tone. She identified areas for improvement and explained her modifications to the authors clearly, but gently. She submitted her edits with detailed letters addressing overall concerns and suggested excellent solutions. I've already contracted with her to do another five titles, and I look forward to a continued relationship."
—Shannon Berning, Editor
Kaplan Publishing
The tone and style must be right for your audience; the structure and organization must appropriately convey your message and information; and, of course, your writing must be clear, accessible, and interesting enough to keep a reader's attention, whether she's browsing as a reference or absorbing each word cover to cover.

With decades of collective experience shaping, editing, and managing nonfiction book projects, our team has what it takes to corral your series or help you get your manuscript into top form, whether at the developmental or technical (copyediting and proofreading) level.

 

 



 
Book Proposals
The most important piece of writing for a nonfiction author isn't the manuscript—it's the book proposal!
"From the first rough draft to the final polishing, Ally took a personal interest in my work and used her insider's experience to help me avoid the pitfalls that sink good proposals before they ever get off the ground. The Mind RulesMy book proposal attracted the attention of four great agents within the first two months of sending it out and I had to choose between them."
—John A. Zulli, author of The Mind Rules

Most agents and publishers want to see a 25-50 page proposal that highlights certain aspects of your book idea before they ask to see the manuscript. In fact, most nonfiction book deals are made based on the proposals alone—before a manuscript has been written!

Former acquiring editors and literary agents partnering with Ambitious Enterprises will edit and shape your nonfiction book proposal so it has the best chance of grabbing an agent or editor's coveted attention. Just need someone to clean up your grammar and punctuation, and make sure everything is clear? No problem.

Ally is also available to write proposals for books on which she will be a collaborator.
 
Click here to get a free white paper on creating a traditional nonfiction book proposal.
 
Samples:

 

For more samples, visit Ally’s Freelancer’s Marketplace listing.


 


 
Query Letters
Writing your query, or pitch letter, is in many ways the most important step in the
"When I decided to offer an essay on writing to the Writer's Journal, I had no idea how to write a query letter. That matters a great deal—I knew that. Ally read my draft and suggested major changes, which I made. It worked! I sold the article, and got paid."
—Carter Jefferson
freelance writer and editor of The Internet Review of Books
submission process: no one will read that great story you've slaved over if your query doesn't demand attention first. You have only one page to make an agent or editor ask to see your manuscript, book proposal, article, or essay. Failure to include the right information in the most engaging way can turn your critical marketing tool into a paper airplane destined for the wastebasket.

Ambitious Enterprises teams up with former acquiring editors, literary agents, and published authors to service our clients—they know firsthand what makes a winning query letter. We'll help you identify which elements of your query are and are not working, and give you detailed advice on how to improve your approach.


 


 
Essays & Articles
When you only have a few pages to get your message across, every word counts.
"Ally helped make the writing process as easy as possible for this busy entrepreneur and aspiring writer. She helped me to focus my ideas and turn them into interesting and well-written articles ready for submission."
—Lisa Dolce, CEO
Pinnacle Career Resources
Are you writing creative essays for publication? Are you an entrepreneur looking to publish articles as a way to promote your business and establish your expertise? Whatever your goals, we can guide you through the process of writing and submitting a short piece for publication, helping you find the best way to organize your thoughts and editing each line until it sparkles.


 


 
Book Collateral
Ally has been writing and editing reading group guides, book jackets, book
"Ally lives up to all the acclaim, and then some. She is a talented writer who consistently creates top rate [reading group] guides for us on a regular, timely basis. Her finished work is praised by our authors, editors, booksellers, and consumers—her discussion questions provide insightful, conversation-starting analysis for a wide range of book subjects. She is trustworthy, incredibly punctual, and has made a large impact on the sales of our paperback list. I heartily recommend Ally for any sort of editorial project."
—Carla Gray, Associate Director of Marketing, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
covers, and catalogs since she got her first job in publishing back in 1999, and now she's training her team. Are you trying to craft copy that will get your book from the shelf to the shopping cart? Are you targeting book clubs as a potential market? Let Ambitious Enterprises create or edit the book collateral you need to achieve your goals.
 
Samples:
For more samples, visit Ally’s Freelancer’s Marketplace listing.
 

 

 


 
Copywriting & Content Management
Whether online or in print, it's essential that your marketing tools convey your message effectively to your audience or target market. You need clear, lively descriptions of products and services to entice prospects and keep their attention. You need a valuable outlet for expression and connection. Sure, you can write enough to fill a page. But why waste that crucial first impression on content that may not be operating at top capacity? Let a professional writer or editor work with you to create or polish content that communicates what you want and need, and in your own voice. We can help with your:
"Ally has a knack for translating important information to the page while maintaining a client's unique voice, and her guidance on what to include on my website—the first plank in my platform-building process—was invaluable."
—Dr. Maggi Cary
AuntsandNieces.com

  • websites
  • brochures
  • catalogs
  • newsletters
  • blogs
  • bios
  • display cards
  • postcards

Samples:
For more samples, visit Ally’s Freelancer’s Marketplace listing.
 
Professional freelance book editor and editorial services.
Ally Peltier is a freelance editor and self publishing consultant who provides professional editorial services.