writing + ghostwriting
Looking for fresh ideas with a unique perspective? Congratulations! You’ve reached the right place.
I am a multigenre storyteller who writes for digital and print media, book publishing, and select organizations. My areas of expertise include: light reportage, features, blogs, interviews, essays, reviews, roundups, listicles, and branded content.
Verticals and topics of interest (in no particular order): Black maternal health/motherhood; parenting; writing while parenting; family travel; self-care; holidays and traditions (Juneteenth, Kwanzaa, etc.); 35+ lifestyle; personal wellness; community-focused features; Black culture and undertold histories; niche discoveries; women-owned businesses and entrepreneur profiles; Black foodways, food as tradition, home cooking, or food-related discoveries; music (golden era of hip hop, R&B, go-go); humor; biographies; lives of authors/writers/creatives; celebrities and influencers; prescriptive, memoir, essays, biography, voice-driven, narrative nonfiction, reported; intersectional.
Ghostwriting, author collaboration, IP, and work-for-fire offerings include:
prescriptive nonfiction + memoir
book adaptations (adult to young readers editions)
branded content writing
narrative profiles and features
books for young readers (BB, PB, YA)
nonfiction book proposals (YA/Adult)
resume packages, profiles, and bios for creatives
I selectively write G3-G8 passages (fiction and nonfiction), assessment items, and curricular materials for the children's and education market.
*For a more detailed list of interests and rates, please email inquiries to info@tonyaabari.com.
editing
At this time, I am only taking on select or existing editorial clients. Editorial magic includes: developmental and substantive editing; copyediting; proofreading; fact-checking; and research. For additional information on availability and rates, please complete this interest form.
consulting
With expert writing and editorial knowledge across several industries, consulting services include, but are not limited to:
Writing and editorial : Available to develop writing or editorial plans; query letters; developmental and substantive editing assessment; writing and editing outlines; fact-checking and research; and manuscript critiques. Hourly rates apply.
Speaking and workshops: Available for speaking and workshop facilitation on a wide range of topics for panels, digital chats, festivals, workshops, school visits, and event hosting. Rates vary.
Fairness consulting: Bias, sensitivity, and cultural awareness reviews for manuscripts, curriculum, and assessments. Flat rates apply for fairness consulting.
1:1 and group coaching: Freelancing 101, pitching, paths to publication, querying, craft study, getting started, book development (PBs and YA/Adult NF only), book proposal guidance, career strategy, productivity, and accountability. I provide sliding scale rates starting at $100/hour in addition to various opportunities throughout the year for tip jar group coaching sessions.
testimonials
Here's What Collaborators Are Saying:
As Storyteller: Writer, Journalist, Author, and Ghostwriter
“Tonya Abari has been a joy of a writer to work with. I’ve collaborated with her on manuscript work and she’s prompt, communicative, and enthusiastic. In terms of skill, she is a strong reviser who uses feedback as an opportunity to springboard into stronger iterations of a project. Furthermore, she takes direction with ease, while bringing her own creative flourishes to the work.”
“Tonya is a thoughtful writer and reporter—you can tell she cares deeply about her subject matter, and I really value her voice in the food space. The stories she’s worked on with me feel fresh and important. She’s also receptive to feedback, and as a result, the editing process feels more collaborative. Lastly, Tonya is a very communicative freelancer, and I never have to worry about her missing a deadline or not responding to emails.”
“Tonya is a delight to work with! We’ve collaborated on a creative nonfiction picture book for children ages 4—8, and she has the uncanny skill of capturing both tone and voice appropriate for the audience, while keeping the research at the heart of the narrative. She’s impeccable with taking direction, blending vision with mission, to produce high-quality prose. Tonya is quick, communicative, and has been the utmost professional during the book-making process. My hope is that we work together for a long time!”
“Tonya is knowledgeable, professional, and an exceptional team-player. I brought Tonya onboard our team, and we quickly saw her become an integral collaborator and driver of results. I highly recommend Tonya for any publishing project.”
As freelance Editor, Fairness Reviewer, and Sensitivity Reader
“I have had the pleasure of working with Tonya on several projects over the years. Tonya is a strong publishing professional who has great working knowledge of diverse content, with a focus on development and editing. She is energetic, efficient, a natural problem-solver, and very pleasant to work with. I recommend using Tonya’s services wholeheartedly; she is a very valuable asset to any editorial team that she becomes a part of.”
“It was a pleasure to work with Tonya on the UAE project. She joined the team at a critical point in the project, and really helped us to meet our delivery dates. As an editor, Tonya was very thorough, meeting the quality standards and timeframe as outlined in her brief. Her feedback also highlighted a number of points that I was able to discuss further in order to deliver a better overall result.”
“Tonya is detail oriented with strong writing and editing skills. I worked with her on desk research regarding child labor, human trafficking, and forced labor for the U.S. Department of Labor-funded contract. Tonya was our top writer and editor that produced exceptional work. I highly recommend her for any writing or editing work. It was a pleasure to work with Tonya and I hope to continue work with her in the future.”