What I Edit
I edit novels, novellas, short stories, non-fiction book length works, articles, essays, and interviews. I do edit synopses, but I offer that as a service to those clients in which I've edited their manuscripts. I also edit queries, but this type of edit is a part of my [evaluation services]. I don't edit works over 200k.
What You Can Expect from an Edit
I do a few things when I edit. We could call these things developmental editing, substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreader, but I prefer to just tell you with my own words.
First, I look at the story. If there is no story, then it doesn't matter how well or horrible a story is. I edit looking to make sure structure is strong, that there are well-developed characters, good dialogue, building tension, and consistency throughout, among other things. If there is a story present, then all the other things can be worked on and finessed. Although this is something I examine in all works, when a writer tells me that a book has not been edited or that he or she worries about these storytelling components, then there is a major focus on this area.
Second, I look at other ways in which the manuscript can be improved. This includes locating places where the story lags and the need for rewriting or adding to the story exists, reorganizing material in the story, the occasional rewriting of a passage, and making suggestions on how to go about doing these things. It is important for clients to know that I know you are the author of the work. As such, I don't tell you what you HAVE to do unless there are glaring issues and omissions. My goal is to provide suggestions and advice (once I clean the story) that will enable you as author to revise/write the story you envision. So, in regards to this editing, a client can expect to see many comments in a document full of advice and suggestions.
Third, I look at "cleaning up" the manuscript--tackling those mechanical and grammatical issues that any manuscript will have.
Lastly, I tend to provide readerly comments throughout the manuscript. What are readerly comments? Well, I attempt to make myself the average reader for your type of work when I sit before a manuscript to edit. As I'm reading/editing, there will always be moments where I feel and think things about the characters, the situations that occur in the book, and when those feelings and thoughts are very strong, I am compelled to make comments about those spots. Why? Well, one reason is it's comedic relief for the client who has just had his or her literary baby edited. The more important reason is it's always great to have reader feedback in those pre-publication days. By seeing what I think/feel about a character or a plot point, you can gauge that against what your intentions were as the writer and decide if there are any changes you need to make to the manuscript.
How I Edit
I prefer to edit electronically and to receive manuscripts in Word. I used both Track Changes and Comments features within Word.
Need an Edit?
If you are looking for an editor for your work, consider [contacting] me. When you e-mail me, tell me about your work: title, genre, word count, brief description, and whether this is a first edit for you. I take my editing seriously, and I take my role as teacher of the writing craft seriously. I've edited many genres, from chick lit to street fiction, from vampiric to romance, from mystery to fantasy. Let me help you make your work stand out in a crowd.
Need a Reason to Hire Me?
Check out the [Clients Say... Page] to read what past/current clients think of my work.
Looking for Other Types of Edits?
I do edit query letters, first chapters of manuscripts and first pages of manuscripts through my [evaluation services].
\|/ Here are a few covers from books I've edited \|/
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