Testimonials
“Working with Rayhané is a hands-on literary experience; she is willing to swim around inside your work with you and pull out what’s best. She sees how stories are meant to move in the world. She is the most brilliant editor I have ever worked with, and I love entering the creative process with her — I trust her instincts with my whole body. There is no one I'd rather work with. On the planet.”
Lidia Yuknavitch, bestselling author of The Book of Joan, The Small Backs of Children, The Misfit’s Manifesto, and The Chronology of Water
"With a keen eye for the superfluous, an attuned ear for rhythm, and an uncanny feel for flow and plot, Rayhané was able to turn my first novel into a work I am proud to call my own, and my non-fiction into concise, readable bullets. She is the complete package as an editor and a delight to work with."
Jonathan Weisman, Deputy Washington Editor of The New York Times and author of (((Semitism))): Being Jewish in America in the Age of Trump and No. 4 Imperial Lane
"Rayhané has become my most trusted reader. She is brilliantly intuitive when it comes to boring into the heart of the story to find out what is most important; where the nuances lie; and how to craft the language so the narrative voice is unique, sharp, and pulsing with energy. She has an uncanny eye for structure and a pitch-perfect ear for tone. Rayhané has a fierce work ethic, no-BS style, and a huge heart that has made me a better writer. Her passion for helping writers shows in her diverse stable of authors’ stunning books. She will not only make your work better, she will make you a better writer. It has been a gift to work with her."
Devin Murphy, bestselling author of The Boat Runner, a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers pick, and Tiny Americans
"One of the most difficult aspects of being a writer, no matter where you are in your career, is finding the right people to share your work with for feedback and critique. I feel extremely lucky that I have had the good fortune to have found Rayhané. She is insightful and astute, able to see both the big picture and the small ones. She knows strong, compelling writing, and she also knows better than most what sells in today’s market."
Kerry Cohen, bestselling author of Loose Girl and Lush
"I feel fortunate and lucky to have Rayhané help me make my books editor-ready. She is detailed and considerate; and edits without interfering (I don't know how she does that, but she does). She pushes hard to make the book better and invests her time, energy, and soul into every book she edits. Her passion for stories is evident in how she works with writers."
Amulya Malladi, bestselling author of The Mango Season, A House for Happy Mothers, and The Copenhagen Affair
"Rayhané’s editorial skills help make my writing the best it can be. She respects my vision and helps me find the best way to express it, with both her excellent ear for language, and her deep understanding of narrative structure. Her criticisms and suggestions are sensible, wise, often inspired, and almost always right. Last but not least, she is a wonderful guide to the uncertain waters of the literary marketplace."
Janet Beard, bestselling author of The Atomic City Girls
"What writers need most in an editor is someone who will tell them the truth about the state of their manuscripts, but in a manner that both inspires them to reach higher and gives them the thoughtful, insightful feedback that is a blueprint to do so. Excellent readers, editors, critics are few and far between, but Rayhané has the gift. She’s an astute editor who sees exactly what a manuscript needs, where it’s weak and where it’s shining. I had the privilege of working with Rayhané on two lengthy nonfiction book proposals and an essay collection. The care and thought she invested in each project were obvious, and each project was vastly improved for her honest, sharp observations. Aside from her extraordinary skill with manuscripts, she loves literature and believes in writers. She shows this love, this faith, and her brilliance on the pages of each manuscript."
Maureen Stanton, author of Killer Stuff and Tons of Money: An Insider’s Look at the World of Flea Markets, Antiques, and
Collecting and Body Leaping Backward: Memoir of a Delinquent Girlhood
"Rayhané was able to help me shape a raw idea into a winning proposal and a successful book project. She never gave up on me, even when I was ready to throw in the towel. She inspired and pushed me to dig deeper and write better. Her astute editing skills are matched only by her keen understanding of the publishing world and how to craft the right pitch to the right publishers. She is a detailed editor whose instincts are spot on."
Barbie Latza Nadeau, Rome Bureau Chief of The Daily Beast and author of Angel Face: Sex, Murder and the Inside Story of
Amanda Knox and Roadmap to Hell: Sex, Drugs and Guns on the Mafia Coast
"Rayhané recognized the worth of our project immediately and worked tirelessly with my co-writer and me to put forward our best book. Editing for one passionate author can be a delicate dance, but corralling and inspiring two can be more like the work of a whirling dervish. Her patience, knowledge, and experience proved invaluable. She knows what works and brings out the best in you with ease. She has been with us every step of the way and continues to inspire and guide us throughout the publication process. She is absolutely priceless!"
Margaret Witt, retired U.S. Air Force Major and author of Tell: Love, Defiance, and the Military Trial at the Tipping Point for Gay Rights
"I've worked with Rayhané on several books and through all phases of development, from the messy first draft all the way to the final proofs while collaborating with a publisher. Rayhané has an eye for taking a story to the next level no matter where it's at. She can work at the level of the sentence, and also understands how to improve a story arc that span hundreds of pages. She thinks about theme and character. She appreciates humor and gravitas. What I love about working with Rayhané is how she doesn't forget what is working when helping you lift up what isn't—she's able to hold the whole story in her mind at once. Any writer is lucky to work with her."
Yuvi Zalkow, author of A Brilliant Novel in the Works
"You know how when you’re deep at work on your own book you ‘can’t see the forest through the trees’? Well, Rayhané can see your trees, trust me—each one of them—and she’s got every bit of your forest under watch, from the canopy down to the dirt. Her eagle eyes illuminate your words in a hot spot, and she holds your book in her hands like it’s a treasure meant for careful deconstruction and splendid refurbishment. Working with Rayhané has been both the dreamy collaboration and sharp kick in the pants I’ve always wanted. She is detailed, instructive, attentive, generous, considerate, blunt, decisive, and above all an enthusiast. Her edits on my book have helped it grow and transform in ways I’d never imagined. I’m so grateful for her instruction and give her my highest recommendation."
Liz Asch, writer and artist
"I am extremely fortunate to be working with Rayhané. She brings together all the best traits one could seek, combining a truly encouraging and inspiring voice for emerging authors with a critical eye for detail and a capacity for frank and honest feedback. I owe tremendous thanks to her as a coach, collaborator and friend."
An Xiao Mina, author of Memes to Movements: How the World’s Most Viral Media Is Changing Social Protest and Power
"Rayhané's guidance throughout the process of crafting my book was indispensable. She has this profound ability to usher you through breaking down your most complex ideas into accessible writing without losing substance or edge. Though she is firm in her suggestions, her care with words almost always leaves you walking away from her edits and criticism feeling even more confident in your story. To top it all off, she's an incredibly warm and inviting person to talk to, and she has a wealth of knowledge to share about how this industry works. My book is so much better because of her."
Hari Ziyad, author of Black Boy Out of Time: A Never-Coming-of-Age Story
"Rayhané is the best: dedicated, insightful, and unafraid of tough love. She spent a great deal of time on my work, going over it with a keen eye and editorial savvy. Especially helpful were her structural suggestions, something that truly needed help. But most important of all, she is easy to talk to, our discussions assisting me to clarify my own vision of my work."
Mary Wysong-Haeri, award-winning writer and essayist