Thoughtful editing
for the creative writer
DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING
Developmental editing is a close reading and comprehensive analysis of your book that includes a detailed report, extensive margin comments and suggestions, and an overview of your scene sequences. This is the step to take when you need more honest, actionable feedback than what family and friends at home can give. Wink.
We’ll address the strengths and weaknesses of your book, examine potential plot issues, and explore tweaks to characterization, pacing, point of view, dialogue, or setting (to name a few). Whether you’ve finished your first draft or fourth draft, the Developmental Edit is a must for the serious author intent on polishing their structure, characters, and plot.
For an editor’s report only, see Manuscript Evaluation.
YOU’LL RECEIVE:
- a comprehensive 15–20-page editorial letter explaining revision recommendations in depth
- a heavily annotated manuscript
- a “book map” spreadsheet, which summarizes the scene sequences
- a follow-up 30-min Zoom call to answer questions
TIME FRAME:
- 5 to 6 weeks from the scheduled start date
MANUSCRIPT EVALUATION
A Manuscript Evaluation is a close reading and general analysis of your book that is a quicker and more budget-friendly critique than a developmental edit (but not any less powerful!).
We’ll review your overall strengths and weaknesses, examine potential plot issues, and explore potential tweaks to characterization, pacing, point of view, dialogue, or setting. The Manuscript Evaluation is a helpful tool for authors looking to shift from first draft to polished draft.
YOU’LL RECEIVE:
- a detailed 10–15-page editorial letter explaining revision recommendations
- a follow-up 30-min Zoom call to answer questions
TIME FRAME:
- 3 to 4 weeks from the scheduled start date
COPY EDITING
Copyediting is line-by-line correction of spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and word usage. Using The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition and Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, I’ll flag inconsistencies, unusual phrasing or word choices, and perform fact-checking (as needed). This is the service every book needs before publication. I also recommend having your manuscript proofread after layout for typos and formatting errors.
YOU’LL RECEIVE:
- an edited manuscript (using “track changes”) with corrections to spelling, grammar, punctuation, tense, and word usage
- fact-checking (as needed)
- table of contents against chapters
- numbering of footnotes, endnotes, tables, and figures
TIME FRAME:
- 3 to 4 weeks from the scheduled start date
PROOFREADING
Proofreading is the final read-through of your book before publication. It’s the last chance to catch formatting issues after layout. I’ll have an eye out for typos in grammar and spelling, broken words, misplaced or missing hyphens, stacked words, orphans, and widows in the printed galley, formatting funk in the e-Book file and printed galley.
YOU’LL RECEIVE:
- an annotated Word or PDF document, flagging all issues that require attention
- one proofreading pass of your book jacket copy or blurb copy (250 words max)
TIME FRAME:
- 3 to 4 weeks from the scheduled start date
The Process
Fill out the form below to request a free sample edit. This will give you a look at my editing/coaching style and help me provide an accurate quote.
If we’re a good fit, then I’ll send you all the intake documents: estimated editorial timeline and process, booking contract, and payment details.
You’ll send me your full manuscript for editing and I’ll put all my love into every word.
