Editing Services.
I'm a word nerd who works both sides of the desk--as a writer and as an editor.
I've been a professional editor for 30 years, and I've worked on everything from news and feature articles to book-length fiction to short fiction to book-length nonfiction. I've worked as a freelancer for publishing houses and I've worked directly with published, unpublished, and contracted-to-be-published authors.
I have a philosophy as an editor: It's my job to help you express your unique voice in the cleanest, most effective way possible. It's not my job to suggest you write your book the way I'd write it. I want your voice to shine through, because the world needs your voice and your stories. So when I work with you, your voice and your vision are my priorities.
If you're working on a project and have editing needs, I may be able to help!
My Services Include:
Copy editing
Copy editing is done in a close-to-complete final draft phase. When I copy edit I’m looking for things like consistency of past/present tense, consistency of point of view, scene inconsistencies (like if the hero took his shirt off two pages ago, he can’t be rolling up his sleeves now), and any really big story holes or loose ends I notice as I go along. I may rearrange sentences to clarify meaning. It’s more big-picture work than developmental editing, because you’ve reworked your draft quite a bit by the time I get to it. Every edit is done in Track Changes in a Word file so you can make the final decision on everything I do—after all, you’re the author! I charge a flat fee per project.
Developmental editing
(book-length fiction)
Developmental editing is generally done when your first draft is complete. I’d give constructive feedback on the actual content of the story—how the plot and characters are developing, how the pacing feels from beginning to end, how each scene contributes to the overall flow of the story, how effective the dialogue is and if each character has a distinct voice, how cohesive the theme of the story is. I examine every brick of your story edifice and see if the structure holds up—and if it doesn’t, I suggest where and how you can strengthen it. Developmental editing is a large undertaking and very time consuming, but if you have a finished draft and you have no idea where to start the editing process, this is where I would come in. I will mark up the manuscript in Track Changes in a Word file and also provide you with a detailed letter explaining what I found and what I suggest. (Developmental editing can also be done on an unfinished manuscript but I only take on projects that have made it to the end of a first draft.) I charge a flat fee per project.
Proofreading
Proofreading is done when you have finished your final draft and have nothing left to add to the story itself. Proofreading is making sure names are spelled correctly, punctuation is used correctly and efficiently, typos are eliminated. A proofreader is essential, particularly if you’re self publishing, because reviewers will always call a book out that has errors of this sort—even if it’s a great story. Every edit is done in Track Changes in a Word file so you can make the final decision on everything I do—you’re the author! I charge a flat fee per project.
Writing coach services
When you hire a writing coach, you create a long-term relationship with someone who knows and understands your vision for your project. You may just be starting the project or are mid-project, but I am there to help get you to the words THE END. I will help you with goal-setting, outlining, planning, and executing. I’ll be there on the days nothing is coming, and I’ll help jumpstart you. I’ll point you to resources for research. I’ll be your helper, your cheerleader, and your mentor the best I can. I only take on clients very selectively for this process, and I only take on two writers at a time. If I’m available, I’ll want to talk to you via phone or Zoom so we can discuss your project and see if I’m the best fit for you. I only work with writers who write commercial fiction, especially in the romance genre—so if you write literary fiction, nonfiction, or short stories, I’m not the right person. Payments are monthly for duration of our work together.