Poet & Book Editor 

Helping authors bring their visions to Life!

Hi, I’m Dana Alsamsam

a published, award-winning poet and trusted book editor

My purpose in life is two-fold: to create my own art and to help authors create to their fullest potential. I have almost a decade of experience editing across industries, with a specialty in the literary world where I’ve held professional editor and editorial assistant roles.

Authors—whether you’re penning your first book or are a seasoned pro, whether you’re self-publishing or readying your manuscript for agents, I can help you bring your visions for your book to life through a range of editing services. The information and tools of the literary world should be available to all authors, and I can share them with you, and make sure your manuscript is polished and ready to send!

Dana Alsamsam & Book Editor in New York

About DANA

Dana Alsamsam is a multi-passionate creative based in Boston where she writes poetry, edits books and works in arts development. Her creative writing has been supported by fellowships from Emerson College and Lambda Literary. Her poems are published or forthcoming in The Georgia Review, The Massachusetts Review, Poetry Daily, North American Review, The Common and others. When she’s not writing or editing books, she also loves contemporary dance, creating content, cooking and traveling!

dANA’S Publications

“Birth Ritual” — Southern Indiana Review

“Independence Day” — The Journal

“Love Poem with Parenthetical” — The Georgia Review

“Mosque Sheikh Zayed, Abu Dhabi, UAE” — Poetry Daily

 Editing Services

Professional Book Editing and Creative Writing in Los Angeles

Book Editing

I will edit your book manuscript in any genre. With service packages ranging from deep developmental edits to final polishing proofreads, I can help bring your visions for your book to life before you send it out into the world!

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Creative Editing

Don’t have a full manuscript yet? Just need a second set of eyes on a few pieces of writing? I’ve got you. I will edit and provide workshop-style feedback on your shorter pieces. I am open to any genre, but specialize in poetry, and can also help with recommendations for submitting!

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Beta Reading

I will provide an expert beta read of your book manuscript in any genre. At any phase of your writing process, a beta read will provide feedback on your work and uncover any outlying issues through commentary and a reader’s report. 

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What Clients Are Saying

  • “Dana is AMAZING! She caught errors in my manuscript that no other proofreaders caught, and helped format the book for publication. HIGHLY recommend Dana to anyone looking for a talented freelancer to help them whip their book into shape!”

    – Amy Suto, worked with Dana on Six-Figure Freelance Writer

  • “I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Dana really has a way of keeping the author’s voice heard while elevating it to a more polished level. She gives an honest blend of feedback, telling you what needs to be worked on and what she thinks works as well. 10 out of 10!”

    – Leah Netty, worked with Dana on Equinox (forthcoming)

  • “Dana is by far one of the best, if not the best, editor I’ve worked with. I had samples done with other editors prior to working with Dana but she was the only one that seemed to care about, or connect to, the messages being conveyed in my work. I think an editor that wants to understand her collaborator is a rare gift and I am glad I had the opportunity to work with Dana Alsamsam.”

    – Ajaipaul Grewal, worked with Dana on Fear & Love

  • “Dana provided edits, asked clarifying questions, pushed me to enhance my writing, and edited my manuscript. This is my second time working with her because of the value she places on her work, and the value she places on serving and fulfilling each order. She did a great job on cleaning up my writing and communicating ways I can improve my manuscript. Great work quality.”

    – Jimmy Hart, worked with Dana on Equipped to Serve

  • “The entire process, starting from initially reaching out for more information on the services to submitting my project for editing and communicating with Dana was very smooth and efficient. Dana is very professional and quite aptly offered all the support and the services that they mentioned in their services description, providing in-depth feedback and critique to the project in order to make sure the final result is exactly what I want. I strongly recommend expertise and their services and would definitely consider working with them again!”

    – Jean Samuel Druin, worked with Dana on A Volume of Pandemia Stories

  • “Working with Dana was an absolute pleasure – like working with a friend. She edited my manuscript masterfully and provided wonderful, honest, and helpful feedback and suggestions. Communication was always fast, friendly, and made sure we were on the same page. I felt she was invested in my project and provided me with recommendations I need to make my story shine. I would love to work with her again on the next one – the whole experience exceeded my expectations!”

    – Mark Becker, worked with Dana on The Darkest Skies

Poetry in Boston & London

poets’ Guide

How to Submit (and get published!) For Poets

How to Submit (and get published!) For Poets is a comprehensive guide on the start to finish process of submitting to literary journals/magazines and getting your work published as a poet. Gain access to all of the often gate-kept literary world knowledge through my years of submitting, publishing, and holding positions as Editor-in-Chief of a literary magazine and Senior Editorial Assistant for one of the most renowned journals in the country. 

Get in touch

Whether about my editing services or my poetry or something else, I’d love to hear from you.