About
Who is the editor behind Editor Unleashed? That’s me, Maria Schneider, a freelance writer and editor with a unique take on writing and the publishing industry.
As the former Editor-in-Chief of Writer’s Digest magazine, I’ve interviewed countless authors, agents and editors and edited the work of prominent authors including Alice Hoffman, Jodi Picoult and Ridley Pearson. And I’ve spoken at numerous writing conferences including the Writer’s Digest Books/BEA Writers Conference, the Santa Barbara Writers Conference and the Pacific Northwest Writers Conference.
With this site, I’m dedicating myself to being an independent voice and helping other writers through what I’ve learned—and continue to learn—about the craft of writing and the business of publishing. You’ll find creativity starters, publishing news, social media tips and frequent visits with agents and authors. You’ll also discover a welcoming community of writers commenting on the blog and on our vibrant writers’ forum. So look around and come back often.
If you’d like to contact me with a story idea or for other inquiries please email me. You can also catch me most days on the forum and Twitter.
About Editor Unleashed:
• Launched in October 2008
• One of the 2009 Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers
• An Alltop writing blog
• A statistically-ranked top writing blog
• A peer-ranked top 10 Blog for Writers 2009/2010
• Hosted the Editor Unleashed/Smashwords Flash Fiction 40 Contest in June 2009
• Published the Flash Fiction 40 Anthology in July 2009
“When Maria Schneider launched Editor Unleashed, the former Editor-in-Chief of Writer’s Digest magazine created a nurturing, friendly environment for writers of every genre and skill level. With an innovative approach utilizing her own experience in the writing industry, Schneider has launched as series of popular online challenges, interactive discussions with celebrity guests including authors, agents, and editors, and has provided a series of professional guest blogs in tandem with her own contributions. Within a very short time, Editor Unleashed has become a valued resource for information, discussion and camaraderie within the online writing community.”
Lisa Abeyta
“Whether you’re brand new to the writing biz or a published author, Editor Unleashed is a place you should bookmark in your favorites. There’s something here for everyone: writer resources, craft tips, regular publisher/editor/agent Q&As, and a place to get feedback on your story from fresh eyes. The E.U. community balances affability and professionalism to create a rare environment where writers learn, flourish and succeed.”
John Towler
“Built upon Maria Schneider’s outstanding reputation and experience, Editor Unleashed provides a one-stop shop for writers seeking to grow in their craft, develop business savvy and connect with others in the industry. The first advice I give to new writers is to become acquainted with this site. And for those already advanced in their craft, I feel a certain pride when I am able to turn them onto this resource.”
Eros-Alegra Clarke
You can also find my resume and recommendations on LinkedIn.
Here are more nice things people have said about my work:
“Extremely savvy about the publishing business and refreshingly direct in her judgments, Maria Schneider is an engaging writer, a wily editor, a fabulous public speaker, and an impassioned advocate for writers.”
Maureen Bloomfield, Editor, The Artist’s Magazine
“Maria is a smart, savvy writer AND editor, who understands the difference between the two, and who fully grasps the integrated world publishing has become.”
Guy Gonzalez, Publisher, Horticulture
“Maria is very driven, smart and loaded with excellent ideas for expanding and improving the publication. Excellent editor, writer, reporter and manager.”
Kristin D. Godsey, former Editor, Writer’s Digest
And here are links to some things I’ve written:
Mashable How to Launch Your Own Indie Journalism Site
Copyblogger How to Be a Good Host: A Quick Guide to Web Forums that Work
Write to Done The 10 Free Resources Every Writer Needs
Publishers Weekly Fiction reviews
Hospitality Style: Geek Chic (feature on modern hotel design)
Writer’s Digest: WD Interview with Anna Quindlen
Writer’s Digest: WD Interview with Augusten Burroughs
Writer’s Digest: The Writer’s Perspective This is the archive of my Writer’s Digest blog.
Cincinnati Magazine Intersection column
