Writings by
Avery C. Castillo
Poet. Writer. Editor.
Publishing and Editing Services
Great writing takes commitment, patience, and a willingness to step into the challenge of reworking and revising the page to its greatest potential. Oftentimes, this is the most uncomfortable yet freeing time for a writer. The gift and skill of writing is a solitary act, yet once we return to the surface and breathe, we need trusted reader(s) and an external partnership to maintain momentum to see our projects go where they are most needed.
As an editor, I will be right there with you. I am your trusty reader, keen yet critical eye. You are not alone. Should we find ourselves in partnership, I will take care of your creative ingenuity to maximize the work’s possibilities.
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My areas of expertise include working with diverse poets and writers across the nation at developmental and production stages of the publication process. I primarily work with poets and writers whose work centers a Latine/a/x, feminist, and disability experience(s). I also offer sensitivity/authenticity reads for experiences related to disability (physical and invisible) and chronic illness (juvenile rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue). Additionally, my editorial services include query letter critiques, manuscript assessments for children’s and young adult fiction, nonfiction, and poetry (i.e. feedback/critique, copyediting, and/or proofreading), as well as creating, drafting, or critiquing publicity/marketing copy for press releases, book launches, and social media campaigns.
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If you are interested in working with me, please fill out the contact form below so we can discuss the intricacies of our future collaboration. Thank you!
Manuscript Assessment/Evaluation
Full and partial manuscript assessment for poetry collections, creative nonfiction, children's and young adult books (especially novels-in-verse); first-round feedback provided through a written editorial letter
Developmental/Structural Editing
Thorough first read for overall first impressions providing actionable suggestions and feedback of the work; a written comprehensive editorial letter will be provided
Marketing and Promotion
Brainstorming, developing and drafting, and writing copy for promotional purposes such as book launch events, press releases, and social media post.
Query Letter Coaching and/or Critique
Query letter coaching and critique/feedback for children's books, nonfiction, and poetry
Copyediting and Proofreading
Copyediting, line edits, and proofreading checking tone, grammar, and overall clarity
Work-for-Hire
I am available for work-for-hire in writing book reviews, especially for children's picture books and poetry collections, book press releases, social media posts, and interviews/articles/essays/criticism specifically for medical/patient-centered narratives, poetics, and children's lit with a focus on Latinx and disability representation.
Sensitivity Reader/Reviewer
Sensitivity readers review content (written, audio, visual) through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Reviewers analysis the work holistically examining the content from idea (angle and frame) to execution (word/phrase/image choice, sources). For more information on authenticity/sensitivity reads, click here.
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My areas of expertise come from my Mexican American/borderland identity (3rd and 4th generation living along the U.S.-Mexico border in south Texas) and living with juvenile arthritis since early childhood. As a sensitivity reader, I read from my lived experiences, training and education, and any other relevant research necessary for the work.
I am available for sensitivity/authenticity reads in the following topics—
Chronic Illness and Disability: I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in early childhood and have lived most of my life with chronic illness and chronic pain being treated throughout the country by a variety of medical specialists. I have had three total joint replacement surgeries (and counting). My JRA has persisted into adulthood as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.
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Mexican American/Tejana identity: I was born, raised, and still live in the borderland region of the U.S.-Mexico border in south Texas (lands of the Carrizo/Comicrudo tribe). I come from a family of European Spanish and Indigenous American descendant.
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For sensitivity reads, please include content warnings for any mentions of self-harm. Please do not send any manuscripts that include suicide/suicide ideation, eating disorders, and sexual and/or domestic violence. As a chronically ill person, I have the right to refuse any manuscript due to my limited energy and Spoons. Thank you for your understanding.