JUDITHE REGISTRE

LIZAY

Living Within and Beyond the World We Inherit

Working with Maria has taught me that the right editor does more than improve a manuscript. She creates the conditions in which both the book and the writer can become.
Throughout the making of Lizay, she has been an editor, a thinking partner, a coach, a mentor, a guide, and a reflection pool. Her questions are thoughtful, her judgment exacting, and her presence deeply attentive. She knows when to wait, when to ask more of the work, and when to say, with care and conviction, that we have reached the point where something essential must be reconsidered.

Every difficult editorial conversation we have had has ultimately returned me to the book with greater clarity. Some of those conversations were painful. I have always come back grateful, because her interventions never ask me to surrender my voice. They ask me to inhabit it more fully.

To work well with her, a writer must be willing to show up honestly. You must be prepared to improve not only your writing but also your understanding of what you are trying to bring into the world. Writing a book is a tremendous lift, and the book is also writing you. If you are committed to that process, she is the rare person who can help you carry it through with rigor, discernment, poise, and extraordinary care.

Her editorial guidance never asks me to surrender my voice. It asks me to inhabit it more fully. If you are willing to show up honestly and do the work a book requires, she is the rare person who can help you carry it into the world with rigor, discernment, and extraordinary care.

If you are looking only for someone to polish your sentences, you may miss the deepest value of working with her. She is for the writer who is willing to examine the work, improve their understanding, and be changed by the process of bringing a book into the world. She will meet you with care, and she will also ask you to meet the work honestly.

JENNIFER ERIE

The World in My Bones

The Diplomat Queens Made

There are people who come into your life at just the right time and help you bring something buried deep inside of you into the world. For me, that person is Maria MacAndrew.

Maria, thank you for being so patient, understanding, and incredibly thoughtful throughout my entire book-writing journey.

Writing a memoir is vulnerable work. It requires trust. It requires someone who can hold your stories with care while also challenging you to dig deeper and sharpen your voice. You did exactly that.

I truly could not have created such a beautiful book from the narrative arc to the cover design without your expertise and kindness.

You helped my vision land on the page in a way that feels honest, powerful, and whole. You helped shape stories that lived in my bones into something tangible that I can now share with the world.

If you are struggling through a manuscript, sitting on an idea, or even just thinking about writing a book…look her up. I highly recommend working with Maria. Having the right writing coach and editor makes all the difference.

Grateful beyond words. Thank you!

Jennifer Erie – Author, The World in My Bones

E Andre Gilbert

HE LIVES

20 years ago, I suffered a catastrophic injury with circumstances, that I felt warranted a book. Well, as a chronic procrastinator, days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months and sadly to say, months turned into years.

Then by chance, one day, while dining with my family and friends at a local restaurant. I mentioned that I had a desire to write a book about my near-death experience. That is when my friend Maria, informed me that she was a writer with extensive writing and publishing experience.

Needless to say, I was elated and hired her on the spot. It was one of the best decisions, I made in years.

True to her word, she was very knowledgeable in authoring and publishing. Everything from concept to cover, beginning to end. However, what impressed me the most, was her uncanny ability to comprehend the thoughts, that I found most difficult, to articulate. That is more than a learned and practiced skillset, it is a gift.

She is very focused, patient and asked just the right questions, to maintain the projects, momentum.

I have already started formulating ideas for my next book and definitely will consult with Maria on this next project, as well.

DOMINO

I MARRIED A FOOL

Working with Maria was truly a blessing. As a first-time author writing about a very sensitive topic, I needed someone who was not only skilled but also understanding. Maria was the perfect fit. She’s easy to communicate with and created a judgment-free yet highly professional experience, making the editing process smooth and empowering.
She doesn’t just focus on grammar and punctuation. She takes the time to understand your journey. She interviews you, learns about your experiences, and transforms your work into a polished, professional product while preserving its authenticity.

What stood out most was that she never changed my voice. She refined my book without altering its tone, energy, or essence. After editing, it still sounded like me. The story remained intact. Nothing was removed or changed in a way that made it feel unfamiliar. That level of dedication sets her apart.

Beyond editing, Maria is a powerhouse of skills. She offers book cover design, marketing material creation, and book structuring, making her an invaluable asset throughout the publishing journey. Whether you need editing alone or full-scale publishing support, she’s a true expert. She even assists with uploading your book to Amazon and has trusted printing resources if you want physical copies.

Finishing a book is an incredible achievement for any author, but for the first-time author; figuring out the next steps can be overwhelming. Maria provides a clear, step-by-step plan to guide you through the entire process. Even if you’re not quite ready to publish, she offers programs to help refine your work and connect with your audience. I personally participated in her Final Draft Program before hiring her for editing services, and it gave me a fresh perspective, helping me go back, and tailor my book to a specific readership.
If you’re looking to elevate your writing and publish with confidence, Maria is the way to go. She is a true Woman of Words.

Thank you, Maria, for using your God-given gifts to help authors bring their books to life!