Professional editing. Affordable rates. 

I would love to help you edit and polish your book for maximum readability. I offer a number of editorial services, listed below; while you may be interested in the whole suite of editing services, typically, I recommend doing them one at a time, usually beginning with a developmental edit or editorial assessment. However, if you’re unsure where to start, simply send me an email describing your project, and together we'll develop an editorial strategy that meets your needs. All edits will be made using the Microsoft Word Track Changes and Comments features, though upon request, I can provide pen and paper edits or PDFs. Rates and time frames are based on word count, and I am happy to negotiate to best fit your budget.  

Developmental Editing

This is the first step of honing a manuscript for publication. Not every book needs a developmental edit, but if you’ve been struggling with your ideas or feel your story has gotten away from you, this is a great way to discover your project through new eyes. I will read through your book with an eye to plot, character, structure, and other pieces of the “big picture” (for instance, is the book told in third person when it really belongs in the first person?), and I will provide thoughts on how to turn what you have into what it wants to be. I will identify what’s working and what still needs to be pushed and will suggest strategies for accomplishing this. This edit engages with both the book as a whole and at the scene level, and includes targeted comments in the manuscript itself, as well as a lengthy and detailed editorial letter. Rewriting will be required after a developmental edit, and I would caution you that this edit can be overwhelming.  

Content Editing

Once the plot and structure are set in place, I will read over your manuscript for issues with content: inconsistencies between chapters, mistaken “facts,” misplaced sentences, repetition, errors, etc. I will also look at the connections between chapters and will engage with the ideas presented. Some rewriting will be required. *I only offer this edit to repeat clients who have already revised after a developmental edit.

Copy Editing+Proofreading Combo

When the storyline and content of your manuscript are finalized, I will correct improper grammar, inelegant syntax, and excessive language, and I will point out places where you break with your established voice. My goal will be to help you hone what you have, rather than to help you build or alter your voice (unless requested). For the proofread, I will review your book for typos, misspellings, consistency, and adherence to the Chicago Manual of Style (preferred in the book publishing industry) and Merriam-Webster. After the copy editing/proofreading combo, you will have a clean manuscript with which to query and to begin the self-publishing process. If you’re self-publishing, I would recommend completing a second, final-pass proofread of the PDF files, in order to catch any remaining errors, specifically formatting and layout issues.

I also offer both copy editing and proofreading separately.

Editorial Assessment

Akin to beta reading, I will look over your novel as a whole, reading it as a reader would, and will provide feedback on strengths and weaknesses, what I took away from the story (so you can see how that might deviate from your own intention), things I wanted to know more about, etc. I can also answer targeted questions or look for specific issues as requested. This edit focuses solely on the big picture and does not engage with the scene level. The main focus of an editorial assessment is the editorial letter, and does not include in-line comments. The editorial assessment can be done either at the very beginning of the editorial process, if you’re not certain you’re ready for a developmental edit, or it can be done as a final content read-through, to make sure your story is coming across as intended.

Query Letter Review Package

I will review your query letter, 1–2 page synopsis, and the first 10 pages of your manuscript for clarity, engagement, and common querying pitfalls.

 If you’d like to book an edit or receive more information, please send me an email describing your project. Please include your word count, genre, and the type of editing you’re considering, and I will reply promptly!