Visual of Word Sleuth crime editing.

“I can’t recommend Matt at Word Sleuth highly enough.” — Paul Olchvary, writer and publisher of New Europe Books

Discretely supporting writers of crime fiction and true crime

DoubleDay logo featuring a dolphin jumping over an anchor with the brand name below
Logo of New Europe Books featuring a stylized, golden outline of a leaping fox with a star on its tail.
A black silhouette of a dragon with bat-like wings, tail, and claws inside an oval shape, with the text 'AGNI' below.
Logo of Anchor Books, featuring an anchor symbol above the text 'Anchor Books'.
Logo with a line drawing of a modern building and the text 'SCRIBE Melbourne · London' in large red and black font.
A woman standing next to a woman holding a dog in a park.

Specializing in Crime Fiction, True Crime Non-Fiction, and Dark Memoir.

  • Close-up of a fountain pen writing on lined paper with visible handwriting and shadow.

    FICTION/NON-FICTION EDITING

    Developmental editing from a seasoned professional.

  • A stack of four vintage books placed on a leather briefcase, with a bookshelf filled with books in the background.

    MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES

    An in-depth diagnostic letter about your book’s strengths and weaknesses.

  • Vintage black typewriter with a sheet of paper in the roller, placed on a light-colored surface.

    BOOK COACHING

    Let’s work together to get your story written. Mostly painless!

MY SKILL SET

  • Close-up of a magnifying glass with a black handle and silver rim, positioned over a dark background.

    RAP SHEET

    I’ve worked at major publishing outfits in New York, from Doubleday to prestige literary agencies. I’ve seen the bodies, and know where they are buried.

  • An abstract, jagged-edged black hole or vortex with a smoky gray border.

    BOOK 'EM

    I am also a published writer whose books and translations have been praised by Booklist and The Guardian, and whose journalism has been featured in VICE, among other venues.

  • A black and white fingerprint with detailed ridges.

    PRINT 'EM

    Authors I have worked with have gone on to sign international book deals and publish best-selling indie hits. I am always available to supply advice moving forward with your completed manuscript.

As an editor and book coach for crime fiction, true crime non-fiction, dark memoir, and other imaginative genre fiction, I strive to keep my rates affordable for indie authors. For more info, knock on my door.