Editing & Proofreading
When editing and proofreading, I read your writing as if I were your intended audience. I make corrections or note those things which your reader might find confusing, distracting, or could otherwise take them out of the experience of reading.
Preferred genres:
Fiction, particularly historical fiction, romance, erotica, literary fiction, and (cozy) mystery.
Non-fiction, including academic writing, history, food and cooking, travel, popular science, websites, blogs, and newsletters.
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Developmental Editing
Do you have the spark of an idea, but you aren’t sure how best to express it? Are you struggling with the big picture or overall theme of your work?
This level of editing includes:
2 read-throughs of your partial or completed work, with on-page comments;
An in-depth written evaluation, in which I will summarize my recommendations for your work, including suggestions related to voice, style, flow, organization, pacing, consistency, and readability;
If desired, the written evaluation can be discussed in a 45-minute phone or video call.
If your work is still in its beginning stages, I can help identify its trajectory and highlight specific points on which to focus as you move forward with your writing.
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Line Editing
Is the clarity of your message what’s most important to you? Are you struggling to translate your thoughts to paper? Do your ideas feel tangled and confused?
Line editing includes:
2 rounds of thorough review;
a line-by-line assessment of your writing for elements like word choice, sentence structure, vague or unclear text, and minor issues of organization;
a summary of comments;
a style sheet.
The result will be a document that conveys a fully-formed concept with clarity and concision.
This level of editing is recommended for academic writing, complex fiction, or any document that could benefit from clear, precise language.
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Copy Editing
A copy edit starts with corrections that will ensure your document adheres to the 3 Cs of editing: clarity, concision, and correctness. In addition to corrections related to spelling, grammar, and punctuation, I will correct your document for jargon, repetition, and clear language.
Beyond this, the depth of copy edit varies from client to client, and may include corrections for adherence to a style guide; suggestions related to word choice, continuity, and inconsistency; the review of headings, graphs, tables, citations, and/or captions; light fact checking; and the flagging of potential legal liability.
Copy editing includes:
2 rounds of review;
a summary of comments;
a style sheet.
For fiction, style sheets include character names and descriptions, place names and descriptions, key plot points, and any words or terms that are unique to your story.
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Proofreading
Proofreading provides a quick tidy to your writing, and can be useful when you’re ready to solicit agents or beta readers, but not yet ready for any substantive editing.
Proofreading is also important at the very end of the editing process, to ensure nothing was missed before your book is sent to print.
Proofreading includes:
2 rounds of review;
corrections to any errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.