lit match collective

Working with Steve Chang was a deeply affirming experience. His thoughtful reading of my work...helped me see new dimensions in the narrative I hadn’t fully articulated to myself. I felt seen as a writer — like Steve was truly inside the emotional architecture of the piece.  An editor like this — curious, intuitive, and emotionally attuned — is rare. His feedback didn’t just improve the work; it inspired me to keep going.

Autumn Watts is the tops! She's the best reader and editor, and has helped me with everything, from short stories to novels to essays  . . .  She has an uncanny ability to get to the heart of a thing, and real versatility when it comes to style and form — she's always going to find a way to help you achieve your vision, not her own or anyone else's, which is truly a rare gift. She's also wise, funny, and kind, and an absolute genius at what she does.

I’ve been lucky to have Steve as both a developmental reader and editor over the past several years. He's both enthusiastic and challenging — deeply and specifically insightful about what is on the page and what isn't yet on the page. Every story he's worked with me on has become the best possible version of itself. 

I've worked with editors before and Autumn is excellent, if not the best: perceptive, clear, honest and intelligent. She's completely committed to helping to clarify my vision and strengthen my book, not prescribe some anodyne or standardized version  of "good writing" that may or may not fit. I genuinely enjoy working with Autumn and hope to continue our sessions and editing. 

I recently began trying to write, and am so far out of my comfort zone that I can't even see it in the rearview mirror . . . your encouraging remarks just launched me into Turbo Writing Effort and Submission mode.​

Working with Steve was the best editorial experience I have had as a writer. Not only did he understand the heart of my work, but he could see directions and alternate possibilities that carried more weight and more joy and better brought out that emotional core. Plus, our conversations were fun, and even though I loved the final product (which would have never been possible without Steve), the process of creating it was worthwhile in and of itself. The more writers that get the opportunity to work with Steve and Lit Match Collective, the better!

I just want to say a big THANK YOU to this team who I’ve gotten to know over these past couple of months. They’ve lovingly held my poems and stories and introduced me to literary magazines I’ve never heard of before. It puts joy in my heart knowing work of mine is out there and “in progress” on my Submittable account. Thanks for making this process a little more fun and a lot less lonely! 

Fucking good. Like really good.