Here are some of my testimonials, along with the projects I’ve been involved in. I’ve tried to show the variety in my work, which has included many types of fiction and some non-fiction as well.
The Hex is In – Mike Resnick
Copy Editor
I was asked to help edit this anthology after Mike had sadly passed away. It is a collection of the stories he wrote for his wife, starring Harry the Book, a bookmaker in a fantasy New York where mages, dragons and zombies are a natural part of the landscape. When the hex is in, Harry has to send in his own pet mage to break it, or his punters may break the bank and put him out of business (again). I thoroughly enjoyed working through this piece. I’m proud to have been involved. Buy it on Amazon.
“I’ve been working with Tarryn for well over a year now and have found her diligent, thoughtful, and prompt. She’s versatile in her ability to work with both American and British English, and has a considerable knowledge base which allows her to better edit for content rather than just grammar and punctuation. When asked to proofread work edited by other professional copy editors she often finds all sorts of things the others have missed. But more importantly, she’s a pleasure to work with as she frequently offers a kind word or a witty joke to go along with her editorial suggestions.” ~ Alex Shvartsman
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The Rosetta Archive
Co-Editor
I am very proud and happy to have been part of this project. I was brought on to do the copy editing and proofreading of this anthology, as well as admin functions and communication. It was a learning curve for me but I enjoyed it so thoroughly.
This anthology would not exist if not for the Rosetta Awards, instituted by the Future Affairs Administration in China. The stories chosen include some others as well that were not entered into the Awards pool, but which stand on their own merits. We have stories from China, Brazil, Sweden, Russia and Korea, among others.
Buy it on Amazon.
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The Middling Affliction – Alex Shvartsman
Copy Editor and Beta Reader
This is the first book in the Conradverse Chronicles. Conrad Brent is a middling, a mudlark, a magical sensitive who cannot cast magic of his own. His kind are hated in the secret community of sorcerors and wizards and other fey creatures that hide in plain sight in New York. So Conrad keeps his odd disability under wraps, using talismans and trinkets to aid him in his daily tasks. He is a part of the underground unofficial magical police, protecting Brooklyn from all sorts of monsters and rogue practitioners.
But something strange begins taking place in New York. Something is turning magic users into middlings. And time is running out to find the culprit and reverse the process, before the entire city explodes into violence and mayhem… I give this one five stars.
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The Missing Professor – Andrea Instone
Copy Editor
Andrea Instone has written a series of mysteries in the German language starring the character of Emma Schumacher, and this very first in the series has been translated into English by Rachel Reynolds for an imprint by Nightshade and Moonlight publishers.
The Missing Professor is part coming of age story, part love triangle, part traditional mystery, with some cosy elements. The characters are finely drawn, the 1920s setting immersive and deeply enjoyable. I hope there will be many more translations of these beautiful manuscripts. Order it here on Amazon.
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Eridani’s Crown – Alex Shvartsman
Proofreader and Beta Reader
Alex Shvartsman has been running UFO Publishing for some years, and has released several anthologies. His short stories have also been published in magazines like Nature, Analog, Strange Horizons, InterGalactic Medicine Show, Galaxy’s Edge, and many others.
Eridani’s Crown is at heart a grimdark exploration and deconstruction of fantasy tropes. It comprises a fascinating hero’s journey and comes to one of the best concluding scenes I’ve ever read. Buy it on Amazon.
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Future Science Fiction Digest
Copy Editor
Future SF is a magazine that is now on hiatus, specialising in translated stories by authors from non-Western and non-English first language markets, making foreign talent accessible to new audiences. It was released quarterly.
I had the absolute privilege of copy editing this magazine from its inception. It was a steep learning curve, but it was also enormous fun and very enlightening. Buy it here.
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Murder on the Occident Express – Alex Wagner
Copy Editor
Do you love the Golden Age of mystery? The carefully curated narrative, with its cast of finely etched characters, fiendishly complex plot and stunning denouement? Say no more. This series by Alexandra Wagner introduces a new female sleuth in the tradition of Miss Marple (but much, much younger), Penny Küfer. Penny has been disowned by her mother and dumped by her fiancé. She has embarked on the career of private detective in spite of their disapproval and is taking the last holiday she booked before this marked change in her fortunes as a way to get over her troubles and prepare for her new life. Little does she know that she is about to encounter her first case, the Case of the Occident Express…
“I started out with different editors for my murder mysteries, but I’m sending all my books to Tarryn now, because she’s just doing an amazing job. She catches all my errors, polishes up my prose, all the while entertaining me with her great sense of humor. She has never missed a single deadline, and is super fast and affordable, too. I recommend her 100%.”
Buy it here.
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Deep Dive into Death – Alex Wagner
Copy Editor
Penny Küfer Investigates Book 3 is set on an ocean-going submarine yacht. The owner is a famed collector of mystery genre literature, and he has invited Penny to be a guest on one of his cruises. She accepts, of course, but things aren’t as peaceful as they seem. Once underway a series of attempted poisonings occur, and Penny finds herself in the thick of a new case. Is the would-be murderer aiming to steal one of the priceless manuscripts or bound editions in the collecttion? Or are there darker motives at play?
Buy it here.
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The Curse of the Fire Pearl – Alex Wagner
Copy Editor
This is book 5 in the Penny series. As a by-now established investigator, Penny is hired on as bodyguard to a cruise line CEO’s fiancée and a fabulously valuable family treasure: a rare fire pearl. The terms of employment are to travel on the maiden voyage of the company’s newest luxury liner, while ensuring nothing goes awry during the festivities. How hard can it be? Penny soon finds out that she’s up against a very determined foe indeed.
Buy it here.
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The Maus Trap – Alex Wagner
Copy Editor
In this 6th outing of the series, Penny books a vacation in the Alps in a very cosy hotel. Nine guests and the couple who own it, and Penny is determined to sit as close to the fire as possible and catch up on her reading. She looks forward to the perfect stay in a pristine environment. But all is not as it appears. The other guests seem strange, and after an awkward series of events Penny finds herself with more murders on her hands. But the details of the plot and the twist ending will definitely keep you guessing to the last. I really recommend this one.
Buy it here.
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Penny Küfer’s Christmas – Alex Wagner
Copy Editor
Penny finds herself shocked to receive an invitation from her estranged mother, Friederike. Styling herself as Countess Waldenstein (even though titles haven’t been valid for a hundred years), Friederike wants to arrange a big Christmas extravaganza where Penny will meet her latest stepfather and the rest of her new family. Penny decides that perhaps it might be time for a rapprochement with her mother and a peaceful interlude at the mansion sounds like an excellent way to spend the holidays. She arrives to find that her mother is trapped in quarantine on some tropical island and there is definitely something nefarious happening at the estate. But solving crime close to home is nothing new for Penny. This is book 7 in the series.
Buy it here.
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Cats and Other Calamities – Alex Wagner
Copy Editor
Victoria Adler is having a midlife crisis. She’s just left her cheating husband, and her beloved father has died, bequeathing her a lake house (with his library) and his Malamute, Athos. With Athos in tow, she takes a trip to a forest resort retreat to try to find herself again. There she meets all sorts of odd people, which is par for the course at New Age retreats, until one participant shows up murdered, leaving a very traumatised kitten behind.
I like that this book is recounted by the Malamute, Athos, who does his best to solve the case by himself (with a little help from his new human). I really enjoyed editing this series.
Buy it here.
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Never Blame the Gardener – Alex Wagner
Copy Editor
After the events of the first book, Athos finds himself settling down well with his new mistress and his kitten companion, Pearl. But there are strange doings in the neighbourhood. For one thing, one of Victoria’s father’s late “colleagues” is showing too much interest in his library, and when he turns up dead, it’s up to the Master Sleuths to discover just who is to blame. Is it the gardener at the mansion next door? Or is the friendly two-legged innocent? Athos and Pearl are determined to find the killer.
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The Wednesday Evening Club – Alex Wagner
Copy Editor
Athos, Pearl (and Victoria) have been invited to spend some time at a spooky castle. For Victoria it’s a kind of working holiday, but her beloved pets are anticipating a lot of enjoyable walks and feasts in the castle kitchen. But all is not as it seems. Apart from a fairly benign castle ghost, a malevolent presence is making itself felt at the mansion, and affecting the mistress of the castle and her daughter, who is gravely ill.
Can Athos, Pearl and Victoria solve the mystery before the worst happens?
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Death of a Preacher Man – Alex Wagner
Copy Editor
This is book 2 in the Murder in Antiquity mystery series by Alex Wagner. The main character is Thanar, a Germanic merchant living in the Roman military town of Vindobona (modern Vienna). His erstwhile slave, now freedwoman, Layla, has left him for the local handsome military commander, Titus Marcellus, who is also his friend. Miserable and alone, Thanar is faced with a harsh winter in his out-of-the-way villa.
During a vicious snowstorm, Thanar is forced to play host to members of two competing but equally forbidden sects, Druids and Christians. A series of terrifying events proves that once again Thanar is beset by a fiendish murderer who is toying with his trapped victims. Will Layla and Thanar find the perpetrator in time to save all their lives?
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Grand Tour into Death – Alex Wagner
Copy Editor
Thanar greatly desires to win back the heart of his freedwoman, Layla. To that end, he has decided to take her along on a tour of the Seven Wonders of the World. On the way he hopes to rekindle her feelings for him. They meet all kinds of strange fellow travellers on their journey, but soon events begin to take a dark turn. It would seem a murderer has joined their company, and try as they might they cannot discover just who is terrorising their camp. It’s up to Layla and Thanar to capture the mastermind and free themselves from the terrible danger waiting in the desert at every turn.
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The Deadly Gladiatrix – Alex Wagner
Copy Editor
There is no pastime among the ancient Romans more adored and enjoyed than gladiatorial games. So it should come as no surprise that Vindobona now boasts its own ludus (gladiator school) or that three of her richest citizens should be putting on an extravaganza of gladiatorial combat, executions and animal fights. Thanar, as a close friend of Marcellus the legate of Vindobona and the games’ pricipal sponsor, is obligated to attend, even though he finds the spectacle somewhat distasteful.
It doesn’t take long for a series of bizarre events to mar the games. Gladiators and condemned alike are found murdered, and it all seems connected to a female fighter who is famed for her victories. Thanar and Layla must solve the mystery of the Deadly Gladiatrix and see justice done.
Buy it here.
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A Cat’s Guide to Travelling Through Portals – Chris Behrsin
Copy Editor
Number 5 in a YA fantasy series, this book follows Ben aka Dragoncat, rider of dragons and vanquisher of Warlocks (it’s a full-time job). Ben has a singular task: protect Max the Sussex spaniel and the artifact he carries in his belly: Capitut’s Key. The evil Warlocks seek to get hold of it, and only Ben and his friends stand in their way.
There are three new dragon riders, all introduced at the opening ceremony. Max the dog, Ta’ra the Cat Sidhe, and a new Mage named Esme, a fine white Abyssinian cat with a pink nose and piercing blue eyes. New dragon riders and old must band together with unicorns and Mages and fairies and a few others to stop the Warlocks in their tracks. But there is another force in play that is only beginning to show its hand…
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Break-In and Eggs – CG Foutz
Copy Editor
The more I edit, the more I enjoy mysteries. Cosies particularly. And this cosy checks every box. It has the cute dog, the cute female sleuth, a recipe for the baking-inclined, and of course a corpse in the kitchen.
In a small town, hidden rivalries and dark secrets can lead to murder. Even in a town as beautiful and outwardly calm as Blue Haven. Veronica Walker has only recently arrived, having inherited her grandmother’s house. She’s left her job in New York behind her, and now she and her dog, Scout, are living the small town life. But all is not as it seems inside the cheerful storefronts on the Atlantic coast boardwalk. Veronica makes a living walking dogs and food blogging, but is drawn into the excitement of the Quiche on the Beach Bake-Off. And it seems the stakes are higher than just a small prize and bragging rights. Veronica finds the previous year’s winner lying dead in her own kitchen. Now she’s determined to find the culprit, before something worse happens.
Buy it here.
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Blueburied Waffles – CG Foutz
Copy Editor
Veronica Walker and Scout are back, and this time it’s not murder. Nevertheless something nefarious is happening in Blue Haven.
Someone seems intent on pulling a series of pranks, but they quickly spiral out of control. Everyone is baffled. Veronica has been very busy in her role of food blogger, scoping out various food carts, market stalls and little breakfast bistros along the boardwalk in her incognito disguise of Von Reklaw. But now she’s up to her ears in the mystery of why someone is determined to sow discord and chaos on the beachfront in Blue Haven. And it doesn’t hurt that there’s a handsome detective also on the case…
Buy it here.
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The Satyr of Fulton Manor – Brad Mathews
Copy Editor
I particularly enjoyed preparing this novel for publication. It’s a fast moving and rather interesting action adventure that’s thrilling and sometimes introspective. Buy it on Amazon.
“Tarryn provided me some much-needed insight on my project. Her passion for editing, eye for style, and utmost professionalism are traits all authors look for in an editor. She understands tone and pace without compromising the integrity of the prose. I will be returning to her for future projects. Thanks for the fabulous work!” ~ Brad Mathews
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Blood and Water – Alexes Razevich
Copy Editor
Blood and Water was the first Oona Goodlight book I ever edited, and I found its alternate San Francisco worldbuilding to be fantastic and very well done. At heart it’s a murder mystery, with strong magical fantasy elements. The sort of project I blaze through and thoroughly enjoy. Buy it on Amazon.
“I’ve worked with Tarryn for copy editing on two books now. She is quick, professional, and has an eagle eye for typos, homophones, misused words, and all the other little gremlins that seem to slip by in a manuscript no matter how many times we self-edit. I’m finishing up a new book and will definitely be hiring Tarryn again.” ~ Alexes Razevich
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The Bichir Handbook – Joshua Pickett
Copy Editor
The bichir is an interesting fish with a prehistoric lineage and an ability to breathe air. It is raised by a niche sector of aquarists and has several subspecies, some of which are startlingly beautiful. This book has been written as a detailed and useful reference for anyone eager to learn more about these fascinating fish. Buy it here.
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Space for Evolution – Zurab Andguladze
Copy Editor
Space for Evolution is a massive space opera set across many planets, and is focused on humanity’s desire to expand across space. Many colony ships are sent out, but only one system is viable. And on that one, the communication system breaks down, so that no one on Earth knows about it. Can the colonists repair their transceiver in time to contact Earth and tell of their existence? Buy it here.
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The Bone Card – Alexes Razevich
Copy Editor
In this final Oona Goodlight book, the protagonists have to deal with outbreaks of strange and sometimes violent emotions in the people of the Bay Area. They also meet a tarot card reader whose gift of prescience helps them uncover the solution to the dangerous mystery they have encountered. I’m very sad that this series has ended. Buy The Bone Card here.
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Unidentified Funny Objects 8
Associate Editor, Proofreader
This humorous Science Fiction and Fantasy anthology is usually released once a year. Some luminaries that have graced its pages include Mike Resnick, Esther Friesner and Jody Lynn Nye.
I got my start at UFO Publishing as an associate editor, reading slush for this anthology. I have many fond memories of devouring mounds of stories and voting on whether they were a good fit. Again, a steep learning curve, but very satisfying. Buy it here.
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The Fairy Queen – Alexes Razevich
Copy Editor
Third in the Shay Green series, I found this book extremely enjoyable to edit. It had a good flow and clarity of style, and the story carried me along and kept my attention. Buy it here.
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Tomb of the Phoenix – Brad Mathews
Copy Editor
A tour de force of tight plotting, rounded characters and a fascinating storyline, this follow-up to The Satyr of Fulton Manor is well worth a read. Get it here.
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Voice of Shadows – AG Houser
Proofreader
I enjoyed this project. The magic system was well crafted, the characters finely drawn, and the plot was original. But don’t just take my word for it, buy it and see for yourself!
Get it here.
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Moonlight Cherries – Alexa Piper
Proofreader
A pretty outstanding M/M fantasy romance, Moonlight Cherries opens with a scene of blood and carnage in a subway. But the victim doesn’t stay dead. And the witness finds himself falling hard for the reanimated Soyer, leading him headlong into a world he could never have dreamed of. This was pretty good, even if the genre isn’t one I normally read in my downtime. If M/M fantasy is your metier, I would recommend this one.
Get it here.
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Unidentified Funny Objects 7
Associate Editor, Proofreader
The first anthology I helped to edit. I also did quality control on the audiobook for this one, so I know all the stories backwards. Buy it on Amazon.
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Fighting Broken – KM Lewis
Copy Editor
This is not an easy read. There is murder, suicide, kidnapping, torture…. It runs the whole gamut. Nevertheless it’s about empowering yourself against the odds. It’s sensitively handled and I think succeeds in its treatment of the topic. I do recommend it.
Buy it on Amazon.
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Red Dress ~ A Blue Caveat – Amena Khan
Copy Editor
A new genre for me, this is an Islamic clean romance. It is a well-structured examination of romantic tropes and a subversion of reader expectations. I just know romance aficionados will find it an enjoyable read. Buy it on Amazon.
“Tarryn Thomas is open-minded and a great editor to work with. Her main editing genre is sci-fi, whereas mine was women’s fiction and romance. She took up the challenge and had no negativity towards doing my editing, and instead inspired me a lot, which I needed as a newbie. I have learned a lot from her, including managing my critical thinking, and many other gray areas of the writing process. I should say she held my hand and walked me through this imaginative world of writing. I sometimes felt like giving up on my work but she has lifted my soul and shown me the light. I feel free to contact her any time regarding my writing skills up till now. Because of her selfless help, I became more confident and contented. I look forward to working with her on my next writing project and getting her valuable inputs.” ~ Amena Khan
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A Magical Camping Trip – Maryam Kydd
Copy Editor
Just one of many adorable children’s books by this author that I have edited. She has a real connection to kids and their ability to imagine and play. I really enjoyed editing her books, and look forward to seeing more of them. Buy this one here.
“It has been a pleasure working with Tarryn. Tarryn understands my style of writing and does a great job with maintaining the integrity of my work, while bringing it to life. She has been quick to respond to all of my questions, and is very thorough and yet returns all projects in a very timely manner. She is personable and gives me positive feedback about my writing. I look forward to working with her again on future projects.” ~ Maryam Kydd
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The Self-Growth Journey Handbook – Iulian Ionescu
Copy Editor
This workbook forms the basis for the author’s self-help plan and is available for free on his website, here.
I found it an interesting piece, and I enjoyed editing and polishing it for him.
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Tarryn Thomas Editing 