“Critical steps in my writing process are to consult with key industry
professionals who can communicate their ideas effectively, give me
honest and nurturing feedback, and are thorough in their understanding
of creativity and theatricality. Lila possesses all of these qualities and
makes the process fun!”
– Jim Henry, Playwright and Screenwriter 

“Lila Stromer was the first dramaturg I ever worked with and it was an absolute
joy. She was conscientious, erudite, and had a great eye for detail…she was
wonderful in her editorial role. She was always respectful of my voice as a writer
and worked carefully to be sure the message of the play was clear and lucid.
I highly recommend her for any editorial or dramaturgical position.”
– Dave Hudson, Lyricist/Librettist

Editing for creative authors

Are you a creative writer (short stories, plays, films)

  • Looking to make sure your writing is approachable?
  • Needing a partner to make sure your ideas are clear?
  • Looking to make sure your structure makes sense (even if it goes back and forth in time)?
  • Concerned there might be unintended holes or leaps?
  • Wondering if your characters, either real or imagined, are fully developed?
  • Planning to self-publish but the service does not offer any (or good) editing?
  • Needing a collaborator who is professional, thorough, and offers a high level of attention?

If you answered yes to even one question, then you need an editor!

I started my career in theater, working first as an actor before moving into dramaturgy and literary management. These experiences taught me how to tell stories that inspire, inform, and engage audiences. I also learned the important art of collaboration, which I have carried into my editing work. My background also includes completing a certification program in photography, which taught me how to tell stories without words. Unexpectedly, learning how to compose unspoken stories in photography sharpened my skills for editing imagery through words.  

I can help authors tame a large or small project into a cohesive structure. My “traditional” editing experience, plus my work as a former theater literary manager and script reader for Tony Award-winning theaters, means I can guide authors to make sure their words (and intended imagery) are descriptive and clear, and their story reaches its full impact.

My goal will always be to polish your writing, to make it precise, to help you meet your goal, and to make you feel that you and your words are treated with care.

What do you write that could use a keen eye to make sure that your ideas are fresh, polished, and insightful? The list could include:

  • Short stories
  • Plays and films
  • Film treatments
  • And much more

She has a keen and insightful eye for the strengths and weaknesses in a script, and is able to convey those insights tactfully and productively. Moreover, Lila helped me with some rather difficult research on obscure subjects. She is an outstanding researcher. And on a personal note, working with Lila is always a pleasure. She is generous and kind, and a person of great personal and artistic integrity.”
 – M.E.H. Lewis, Playwright

The following is a list of editing I have performed for creative clients. Obviously, not everything is needed for all projects, but this list offers ideas on what I can do to help your words shine. After all, my own branding is “working with your bright ideas”!

For CREATIVE writers, I offer:

  • Feedback on strength of throughline
  • Suggestions on continuity of action
  • Notes on character development
  • Notes on consistency in character voice and behavior
  • Advice on cutting/combining characters, if appropriate
  • Suggestions for future drafts
  • Suggestions if order of events is not clear
  • Queries on dialogue, if tone changes (unintended)

Current and former creative clients (select list)

Thesis

More Myself
Karin McKie (see Testimonials)
Department of English, San José State University

  • Developmental edit of 13 short stories.

Theater

Native Voices at the Autry

  • Reader for script competition.
  • Provide detailed script and character analysis for theater and playwrights.

Next Theatre Co.

  • Former literary manager.
  • Write script evaluations.

Dramaturgical

  • Work with playwrights: analyze scripts; discuss structure, character, and plot development.

Playwrights include (sample list):

  • Jim Henry: Angels of Lemnos, winner of a Jeff Award for Best New Work (see Testimonials)
  • Dave Hudson: Main Traveled Roads, Madison Repertory (see Testimonials)
  • M.E.H Lewis: Perfect World, Infamous Commonwealth (see Testimonials)
  • Heather McDonald: Fireweed, Madison Repertory
  • Allison Moore: 18, Madison Repertory
  • Jamie Pachino: Bear Story, American Blues Theatre

Former Script Reader

  • Victory Gardens Theatre, winner of the 2001 Regional Theatre Tony Award.
  • Steppenwolf Theatre, winner of the 1985 Regional Theatre Tony Award.

Film

Always at the Beginning

Barbara Dolinksy

  • Autobiographical film treatment.
  • Rewrite letter to be sent to independent filmmakers.
  • Format treatment to meet industry standard.
  • Offer website ideas for examples of treatments.

800

Björn Björnsson

  • Historical drama screenplay.
  • Add missing continuity.
  • Offer suggestions in scenes for more coherent timeline.
  • Propose alternative action in scenes to add heightened drama.

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