Syntax Editorial
Writing, Editorial and Coaching Services
Editorial Service with an Attitude
If you’ve stumbled across this writing and editorial service website by some algorithmic fate, perhaps a typographic error, or maybe you even read my name somewhere,
that’s great.
I’m not going to promise that I’ll help you write your book, or your memoir, or get you published, or make you a literary rock and roll star.
The commercial Internet is filled with promises.
I'm not selling promises.
It’s true. I've helped many people write books, even publish quite a few. I've helped clients build effective websites and create successful marketing plans. I even “ghostwrote” a book a few years back and secured an excellent publishing deal.
I've worked on social media campaigns, such as creating scripts for a Youtube channel to turn an obscure “thought” leader into a not so obscure thought leader. For quite a few years I served as editorial director of a well-regarded literary agency, where I mentored countless individuals and their book ideas into salable products for major publishing houses. Of course, as an English professor, I've taught thousands of students to love the writing craft again. Now I’m working as the writer for a documentary film project, which is moving towards completion this summer.
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In short, I'm the consummate writing professional.
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What I’ve done (and written here), however, does nothing to assure you that I am a good fit for your project.
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Yes. I agree this isn’t the greatest sale’s pitch.
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But that’s the heart of marketing, where you want to ask two critical questions:
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What problem can I help my audience solve, and... why does it matter?
That’s jumping ahead though.
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The problem you currently face is knowing – specifically – how a writer/editor extraordinaire (like me) can help you move your project forward.
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Even more critical: What kind of help do you actually need?
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If you think I have the answer to that question, well, you'd be wrong -- at least until I know what obstacles you're facing.
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So, that's the "problem", seeing into and through the narrative design (and ultimate outcome) of your project.
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I once worked with a client, a psychiatrist of some renown, who stated that when you're struggling with a lack of manifest, you must be willing to "look upon the ordinary with a new set of eyes."
​He would ask:
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What are your dreams?
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Where do you want to go (what do you imagine)?
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What’s keeping you from getting there?
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Can you take one step?
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What step would that be?
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I love the simplicity of those considerations.
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But it does allow me to give you at least ONE assurance -- I can help you look upon your work with a fresh set of eyes.
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So, here's a step: Send me an email. Give me a call. We can set up a time to chat about your project, writing needs, and determine how to accelerate your dreams.
Services
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The Book You've Always Wanted to Write
Writing a book is one of the most exciting personal journeys you can take - especially when you get to leverage your hard-earned expertise into a product that attracts millions... well, at least your mother. Unfortunately, having a great idea is not the same as building an elegant structure for readers to step into. I can offer dependable strategies to make that happen. I can also teach you how to write a book proposal that prepares your ideas for agents and publishing houses.
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The Book You've
Already Written
If you've already written a book, or half a book, or are the proud owner of ideas scribbled on napkins.... great! Now, prepare to throw everything out, look again, and look yet again. "Manuscript evaluation" is an excellent first step to putting a second set of eyes on your beautiful creation. Books have many moving parts, both metaphorical and real. It's almost impossible to take an objective look at your own work. This is the step, where you take your efforts out of the shadows and move forward.
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Just About any Other Kind of Content that involves Words
The world is full of words. Just about every professional industry needs them. While AI is poised to insert itself into every aspect of our lives, don't be fooled. Humans still need to be in the driver's seat. Readers, audiences, potential clients or employers can feel when a human sits on the other side of that chasm. Just about anything you need to write, pitch, sell, market, explain, describe, promote or build, syntax editorial can give you the edge to bring out the humanity in your content development.
HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE SAY:
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ESTIMONIALS
"When I started working with Syntax Editorial, I had wanted to write a book for eight years, so I hired Alex as a ghostwriter to write my book. After many phone calls, interviews, and intense editorial sessions, Alex wrote and crafted the chapters of my book. As the months rolled past, Alex took on the purpose of the project as his own and became deeply invested in the message. He then created a book proposal, and we found a literary agent. Within weeks, we signed my manuscript to a major publishing house, which resulted in the publication of my book Shifting into High Gear . I am grateful for the time he spent to write my story and get it right."
Kyle Bryant: rideATAXIA Program Director,
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"Alex worked with Keller Media as editorial director for well over a decade, helping our authors craft the best proposals and books possible. He has an exceptional ability - truly exceptional - to get the writer to think about the message they most want to convey. He is calm, patient and has an uncanny ability to tease out a writer's authentic "voice". Many of the most successful proposals this agency represents have been improved by the work of this Master Craftsman."
Wendy Keller: CEO Keller Media
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I've written several books and had the privilege of working with remarkable editors from distinguished publishing houses, but I have never worked with anyone more skilled at getting me to tell the truth of my story that I would otherwise have hidden. Alex Schnitzler is a remarkable editor and colleague who not only helped me write and expand the narrative in my new book, but also captured my spirit in between the lines. He is articulate, passionate, kind and I loved working with him.
Carl Hammerschlag MD, psychiatrist, humanitarian clown, author
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"I have nothing but the highest regard for Alex's literary skills. His help was invaluable in crafting the proposal and sample chapters that led to finding a publisher for my book. Since publication, Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks: One CEOs Quest for Meaning and Authenticity has been very well reviewed and I credit Alex for teaching me how to turn good ideas into great content. Now, thanks to Alex, I have a readable, engaging and published book. Alex is much more than a typical editor: He is a writer who knows how to help others write. I recommend him without reservation."
August Turak: Corporate Executive and Award Winning Author
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"I recently worked with Alex Schnitzler on an Ebook project I developed for a promo campaign. I am an alternative medicine MD with no professional writing experience. My first draft was packed with information, but it was cumbersome to the reader. Alex dissected the content and then rewrote the text into a catchy and informative booklet. He helped me surpass my expectations and accomplish a much better product than I had ever imagined. I would work with him again and recommend him to any writer whether struggling to get started or a seasoned pro."
Howard Liebowitz, M.D.- Director, Liebowitz Longevity Medicine
5
"As a management consultant in the technology industry, clients and colleagues always complemented me on how well I write. That was before I met Alex Schnitzler. Alex has taught me to focus and simplify my arguments. He insists that I defend every assertion. Most important, Alex challenges me to trust myself and my instincts. He has been an invaluable guide, helping me redesign the content focus for my website Reimagine America. Nothing gets posted at Reimagineamerica.org until Alex approves it!"
Joyce Cordi—Founder Cordi & Associates
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