I occasionally work as a freelance editor. I’m looking to take on a project for the month. Do you have a book that you would like me to edit? If so, email me (bradleysands@gmail.com) and we can discuss my rates.

Regarding my qualifications: I have an MFA in Creative Writing from Naropa University. While at school, I worked as an associate editor for Bombay Gin, the university’s literary journal. I also worked as an editor for their summer writing program’s magazine. In addition, I was formerly the Editor-in-Chief of Bust Down the Door and Eat All the Chickens (currently, I am a contributing editor). I also used to work as an assistant editor for Weird Tales.

Last year, I edited the story collection, Hooray for Death! It was written by Mykle Hansen, who is also the author of HELP! A Bear is Eating Me! Mykle was kind enough to write about his appreciation of my work. I have included what he wrote below:

BRADLEY SANDS: AN APPRECIATION

I met Bradley Sands through the literary circles in which we both move. While he was editor of the small press journal BUST DOWN THE DOOR AND EAT ALL THE CHICKENS, he earned a reputation for thoughtfulness, frankness and uncompromising standards. My first piece accepted by that journal was much improved by Bradley’s feedback. When Eraserhead Press agreed to publish my fifth book, HOORAY FOR DEATH!, I asked Bradley to take on the editorial role for the entire collection, helping me to select the final list of stories and their order as well as to analyze and improve the individual works.

Bradley brought crucial conceptual clarity to the entire project. The book is far better for his involvement. In each story he was able to grasp what I was trying to accomplish, even when I wasn’t sure myself. With his sharp ear for voice and language he found many places where I had been sloppy, or had simply neglected to notice an opportunity to do better. His critiques of my story logic were occasionally painful but always thoughtful and intelligent, never capricious or random. Through patience, respect and eloquence, Bradley helped me overcome my typical writer’s ego, convincing me to adopt changes that I now know to be major improvements.

In short, I feel lucky that my book passed through Bradley’s hands, and I look forward to working with him on my next book. Every writer needs a good editor, and Bradley is the best I’ve found.

-Mykle Hansen-
August 3, 2012