Services

Sylvia Taylor is an award-winning writer, editor, educator, and communications specialist in Metro Vancouver. A director of the Federation of BC Writers for 13 years, she consults with authors and entrepreneurs, teaches writing-related skills, and is a popular conference presenter and adjudicator. With over 400 articles in print, her works have appeared in anthologies and genre magazines in Canada and the US, was shortlisted for the CBC National Literary Awards, and hosts a monthly author-readings series in partnership with city libraries. Heritage House Publishing released her historical literary memoir, The Fisher Queen: A Deckhand’s Tales of the BC Coast, September, 2012.
The Art & Engineering of Written Communications
From book and script editing to business websites, conference keynotes to tutoring and ghostwriting, Sylvia offers writing-related services ‘Taylored’ to every communication need and purpose.
CONSULTING
Skills, products, services ~ With entrepreneurial spirit and approaches we can create a solid platform of credibility and expertise that supports you and your work as you build for success. Administrator/Program Developer
  • 13 years as Executive Director and board head of the Federation of British Columbia Writers – largest provincial writers’ organization in Canada
  • Consultant and trainer with Surrey literacy and heritage LifeStory programs
  • Consultant and trainer with the Quebec Writers Federation and English Language
  • Arts Network in Montreal
Business/Technical Communications
  • Consulted, edited, created content (websites, bios, profiles, operating manuals, press releases, promo materials, newsletters, etc) for a broad spectrum of over 50 international businesses, organizations, and entrepreneurs.
  • Over 200 articles in print on a diverse range of businesses & entrepreneurs
COACHING
From cave walls to computers, people have been telling their ‘stories’. Let’s work together to bring your story to the page, creatively and easily. Editor/Literary Coach-Consultant
  • Over 100 book manuscripts edited
  • 70% of book manuscripts now in print
  • 3 books edited were #1 Amazon best sellers in past year Literary Judge
  • Judged over 60 writing competitions (essays, short stories, books) in Canada/USA
  • One of 5 national judges for a Canadian book contract competition
  • One of 3 national judges for a Canadian book award
Literary Judge
  • Judged over 60 writing competitions (essays, short stories, books) in Canada/USA
  • One of 5 national judges for a Canadian book contract competition
  • One of 3 national judges for a Canadian book award
WRITING
Website? Speech? Bio? Book? Advertorial? Report? Article? Newsletter? Portfolio? Let a Hired Pen write it for you, in your best words, your way. Journalist
  • Over 400 newspaper and magazine articles in print
  • Co-founder and principle writer for a community and business-based monthly publication since 2006
Author
  • Literary memoir and expose of the BC commercial salmon industry, The Fisher Queen: A Deckhand’s Tales of the BC Coast, published by Heritage House Publishing, 2012
  • Excerpt from The Fisher Queen in final shortlist for 2010 national CBC Literary awards – Non-fiction category
  • Creative writing pieces in genre magazines and periodicals throughout North America
EDITING
Whether a few jotted notes, a brainstormed outline, a shaggy first draft, a wobbly mid- process, or a well-developed final-phase manuscript, we can make your words work. Editor
  • Chief Managing editor for Federation of BC Writers quarterly WordWorks literary magazine
  • Editor at Gardens West magazine, The New View newspaper, Cloverdale Reporter newspaper etc
  • Edited over 100 book manuscripts in many genres for worldwide clients
TEACHING
Choose from a wide variety of dynamic, interactive, and practical learning experiences on topics and skills from every facet of the writing world at any level. Individualized for one-on-one and groups, an hour to a semester. Educator
  • Writing and communications-related courses and workshops in writing programs and conferences throughout Canada and USA
  • Keynote addresses in writing conferences
  • Presented and consulted in over 40 writing conferences in Canada & USA
  • Created 8 workshops with support materials for writing-related pro development
SPEAKING
Conference keynotes to literary readings, media appearances to casual groups, enrich your next event with public speaking that Informs, Inspires, & Engages. Need a little coaching for your own presentations? We can help with that too. Speaker
  • Over 120 readings of published works, in person and on radio
  • Keynote speaker at Kamloops Writers Conference, Shuswap Writers conference, Women of Excellence conference, Women Writers of the Desert event etc.
Speech Writing
  • For Dr. Laura Louie at the World Health Organization assembly
  • Numerous business clients and professionals