Editorial Services
Fiction & Nonfiction
So you’ve written a book—or you’re nearly finished.
Now you’re looking for an honest
assessment of your manuscript and
editorial advice that will help take
you from writer to author.
My extensive experience as an editor (twenty-two
years and counting) and an author (published
traditionally and independently) has given me a
broad understanding of what writers need on their publishing journey.
No matter your plans for your manuscript, I’d be
honored to come alongside you and help you reach
your goals.
THE big picture EDIT
Developmental Editing
A developmental edit (aka content edit or substantive edit) looks at the manuscript as a whole. For nonfiction, it includes review of goals, theme, format, structure, consistency, readability, and voice. For fiction, it includes review of plot and structure, pacing, voice, setting, dialogue, characterization, point of view, and show vs. tell.
Deliverables
* Edited manuscript with Track Changes
and margin comments
* (Fiction) Timeline & Continuity document
(scene-by-scene chapter summaries, with story structure
elements mapped out)
* In-depth editorial letter detailing strengths,
weaknesses, and suggestions for improvement
* Instructions for using Track Changes efficiently
The Paragraph- and Sentence-Level Edit
Line Editing & Copyediting
A line edit combines a copyedit (correction of punctuation, grammar, word usage, etc.) with the rewriting of sentences to improve flow, rhythm, and readability, and to eliminate wordiness and redundancies.
A copyedit corrects punctuation, grammar, spelling, and word usage, as well as points out and provides suggestions for correcting issues with sentence structure, clarity, and organization.
With both, care is taken to retain the author’s style and voice.
Deliverables
* Edited manuscript with Track Changes
and margin comments
* Instructions for using Track Changes efficiently
THE FINAL REVIEW
Proofreading
Proofreading fixes indisputable errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and word usage. Typically, it follows at least one editing stage and serves as a final review of a very clean manuscript.
Proofreading can be done in MS Word (galleys) or on PDF (page proofs).
Deliverables
* Galleys: Proofread manuscript with Track Changes
and (if necessary) margin comments
* Page proofs: Proofread manuscript with Adobe editorial
stamps and (if necessary) margin comments
* Page proofs: Formatting (page breaks, line breaks, running
heads, page numbers, etc.) checked
* Instructions for using Track Changes efficiently (galleys)
feedback & REcommendations
Manuscript Critique (Fiction)
Manuscript critique identifies a fiction manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses. Feedback is provided on the manuscript and in an editorial letter, covering the book’s plot, conflict, setting, dialogue, characterization, point of view, show vs. tell, etc. Strengths are pointed out, and recommendations are given for addressing weaknesses.
Deliverables
* Manuscript with margin comments and (if appropriate)
Track Changes
* Editorial letter detailing strengths, weaknesses, and
recommendations for manuscript improvement
Independent author Services
Book Interior Design &
Publishing Assistance
Professional interior design provides an aesthetically pleasing experience for the reader, whether the book is in print or ebook format. Both PDF (print) and EPUB (ebook) files are provided. Does not include editorial services or unique formatting elements.
Independent publishing doesn’t have to be daunting. We can assist with everything from writing your back cover copy, author bio, and retailer blurb . . . to obtaining your ISBNs, copyright, and CIP block . . . to finding a cover designer . . . to navigating Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Kindle Unlimited vs. “going wide.”
Deliverables
* Interior book design: PDF (print) and ebook (epub) files
* Publishing assistance: Verbal and written advice