Welcome to MadLit - Madame Literary

We’re a firm founded by women for women+ offering editorial services to those seeking to self-publish and create professional-quality books on their own terms.

With over 50 years combined experience as professional editors and working writers, we’ve sat on both sides of the table. We know what it is to edit and be edited. We understand the emotional complexities of putting one’s heart and soul on paper and then handing it over to a stranger to be analyzed and critiqued. It can be a deeply personal and vulnerable experience. Our goal is simple: constructive thoughts and professional insight that elevate your work and make you shine.

From proposal to polishing to publishing, let’s tell your story.

The Madame Literary Mission

Modern history has defined traditional publishing as the status quo, and who wrote that history? (Not women.)

Our mission is to empower women+ to self-publish professional-quality books on their own terms.

Self-publishing is legitimate publishing.

SELF-PUBLISHING IS LEGITIMATE PUBLISHING

Traditional publishing says certain voices aren’t valuable, aren’t marketable, aren’t profitable. We beg to disagree. When you self-publish, you tell the world your voice matters. You tell readers that their experiences matter, too.

Over 65% of best-selling self-published titles are by women, compared with over 60% by men in traditional publishing. Women are disrupting the status quo.

eBOOKS ARE REAL BOOKS

A digitally published book is a published book.

In 2016, self-published books accounted for 40% of Amazon’s ebook top sellers. As reported in the LA Times, the successes of ebook and digital audio book sales have climbed over the past two years. These numbers continue to grow as digital readers and platforms become more affordable and accessible.

YOU ARE AN AUTHOR

A book written by you makes you an author regardless of the method of publication.

Self-published books are sold in brick-and-mortar stores and online. Self-publishing authors do book tours. They win literary prizes. They can—and do—earn a living. Self-published authors are legitimate authors.

What differentiates them from traditionally published authors is how their material moves from concept to publication. We’re here to help you bridge that gap and produce a manuscript that is polished and prepared to compete with the market.

SELF-PUBLISHING IS AN ACT OF DEFIANCE

Considering traditionally published books superior to self-published ones is both antiquated and elitist.

Self-publishing is the vehicle through which women are gaining power, voice, and economic advantage in this industry.

MadLit Mentions

The world runs on references. We understand.

Check out what our past clients have to say about working with the MadLit team.

I absolutely loved working with Alex and Morgan on my book, Strong Women. As a first-time author nervous about handing off my draft after being alone with it for so long — would anyone else get it? — I was so reassured by, and pleased with, the edits. They got it, they get it, and I'd recommend their services to anyone.

Kari KoeppelAuthor, Strong Women

I worked with Alex while publishing my first book and was so encouraged by the attention and passion that she brought to my project. It is evident that she cares greatly about her work, and I felt super supported throughout the editing process. She is a joy to collaborate with, and I highly recommend her.

Chloe TaylorAuthor, The Big Book of Invisible Technology

I’ve worked with Morgan, Miranda, and Alex — each on different publishing projects — and, wow! This is a DREAM TEAM of incredible women who are going to make a real change in the publishing landscape. All three are not only top of their game for editing but also have an eye for trending topics and nuanced approaches that will give their authors an edge.

Jill KrauseAuthor of the books Picture Play, 50 Things To Do Before You Deliver, and Lactivate! A User's Guide to Breastfeeding

I have been lucky to work with Alex on several exciting projects. Her ability to see the big picture combined with her laser focus for structure and details makes working with her a dream.

Kal BarteskiArtist, Activist, and TEDx Speaker

I absolutely loved writing a book with Morgan so much, I did it twice! She made the entire process so effortless by truly understanding my vision, voice, and tone. Not to mention she’s one of the funniest and kindest people I know.

Tiffany ReeseAward-winning Podcaster and Author, Strong Women Rising and Everything Sucks: A Gratitude Journal For People Who Have Been Through Some Sh*t

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