Writer  +  Poet  +  Dreamer

Professional Developmental Editor

Editing services and coaching for fiction novels, novellas, and book series.

“Moving your manuscript closer to publication.”

As a writer, crafting your fiction novel is a significant investment of time and effort. While your manuscript represents your unique voice and style, it can also benefit from a professional editor's keen eye and experience. Working with an editor is an essential part of the publishing process. Not only can they help refine your manuscript, but they can also help you identify and fix any errors or inconsistencies that may impact your readers' enjoyment.

The benefits of editing your manuscript are numerous. It increases the chance your manuscript will be accepted by agents and publishers and enhances the reader's experience. A well-edited manuscript has a better chance of receiving positive reviews, leading to increased sales and exposure.

Overall, investing in developmental and copy editing services is an investment in the success of your fiction novel. It demonstrates your commitment to delivering the best reading experience while preserving your voice and style. Whether you're a first-time author or an established writer, working with an editor is an opportunity to grow and improve your craft.

Available Editing Services


Developmental editing focuses on your novel's overall structure, plot, and character development. This type of editing provides guidance on pacing, plot twists, and character arcs. I provide feedback on the story’s strengths and weaknesses, plot holes, and continuity issues. This helps ensure your narrative is cohesive and engaging and delivers on the reader's expectations.

Copy editing, on the other hand, is a detailed review of the manuscript for grammar, punctuation, and syntax. I check for consistency in spelling, capitalization, and word usage. I verify that your manuscript adheres to a particular style guide (I use the Chicago Manual of Style), ensuring that your writing is clear, concise, and error-free.

Line editing is like copy editing but focuses more on sentence structure, word choice, and flow. I will help polish your prose, ensuring each sentence is clear, concise, and resonates with the reader.


Writing Coach. Are you struggling to bring your ideas to life on the page? Looking for guidance and support to help you take your writing to the next level? Perhaps you need a writing coach. We've designed our coaching service for fiction and non-fiction authors seeking personalized guidance and support to help them achieve their writing goals. You'll receive one-on-one guidance from an experienced writing coach, all from the comfort of your own home. Our one-hour coaching sessions are conducted online via video conference. During your sessions, you'll work with your coach to develop a customized plan to help you work through any writing issues. You'll also receive personalized feedback on your writing, including guidance on everything from character development and plot structure to grammar and syntax. And the first session is always free. 


Contact me to talk about your project and how I can help.

About Me
I’ve been writing fiction for most of my adult life. I’m crazy about science fiction and fantasy adventures and always find a way to inject humor into my stories. I’ve also written romance, horror, and humorous short stories. I love mentoring writers, and I’ve spent the last twenty years as a technical writer and trainer, helping writers and non-writers improve their work. My mission in editing your manuscript is not to rewrite your story but to help you tell your story in the best way possible. I’m pretty laid back, so any comments are meant to provide constructive criticism. I never rant about what I think is a better plot point or description. My motto is “Suggest, not Tell.” 

Fiction Editing Services
If you’re new to novel writing or suspect you’re continuing to make the same editing mistakes in your writing, it’s time for you and me to talk about your story. Still not sure what help you need? No problem. Send me a sample of your work to read, and we can discuss where the manuscript needs the most attention.

Below are the services I offer to get you on track and keep you there.

Developmental Editing
Sometimes, writers are too close to the story to see what’s wrong with the overall flow, pacing, plotting, and character development. We write, we read it over, and it seems like we’ve covered all the bases in our storytelling. As an editor, I see the story with fresh eyes and can identify where plots go off track, scenes don’t add dramatic value, or plot points don’t support the story theme. This is a more comprehensive process that can help you develop a solid outline or correct the direction of your story before major rewrites are needed.


Copy Editing
Once you’re done with the storytelling, your next step is to work on the basic mechanics of your writing. Copy editing focuses on grammar and style, not content or creativity. I do a technical edit on the manuscript, polish the grammar, correct spelling, punctuation, and syntax, and review the style consistency on your final draft. Common errors include:

·        repeated words (such as “the the”)
·        homophone errors (such as “peak,” “peek,” and “pique”)
·        missing or unnecessary commas
·        extra spaces
·        incorrect word usage (such as “that” versus “which”)
·        inconsistent spelling of words or names (such as “okay,” “ok,” and “OK”)
·        inconsistent style (especially numbers and the serial comma)
·        run-on sentences and fragments
·        overcapitalization
·        hyphenation errors

Line Editing
Line editing focuses on creativity and readability at the sentence, paragraph, and scene levels to elevate your prose and find plot and story inconsistencies. This doesn’t mean I’m going to change your story. I can identify and help fix issues such as overused words and phrases, clunky sentence structure, weak scene transitions, shifts in tense, and character points of view. Note: Line Editing includes Copy Editing.


Contact me to discuss the right services for your book.
 
My Process
I copy edit fiction manuscripts using Track Changes in Microsoft Word and following The Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster’s dictionary. I will also create a chapter outline to show where dramatic scenes occur so you can see the flow of rising action and pacing in your story. The chapter outline will come in handy when literary agents ask for a chapter breakdown in addition to your full manuscript.
 
I usually go through the manuscript twice, first to copy edit and then to review any changes/suggestions. Then, I’ll send you the edited file with Track Changes. You can accept or reject my adjustments from there—you’re the boss.
 
Rates
I provide quality editing at reasonable rates because each project is unique. Due to the additional time required, rates are higher for developmental editing, line editing, heavier copy editing, or additional rounds beyond my two-pass process. Let’s first discuss your manuscript and where you’re at, and then I will provide an exact quote once I understand the full scope of your editing needs.
 
Communication
If we decide to work together, I will create an electronic contract outlining our agreed-upon terms. This includes a confidentiality clause—I consider all materials confidential and will never share them.

Billing
I invoice through PayPal. Once you pay in full, all edits belong to you. I do not collect any part of the book’s earnings.

Go Green
All communication between us is online – no paper or mailing costs are needed.

Samples
For copy editing, I can complete a small sample to demonstrate how I edit. You can send me a few chapters in Microsoft Word; I’ll choose a section that needs work, edit, provide feedback, and send you a cost estimate for copy editing the full manuscript.
 
Line editing requires more knowledge of your story, characters, and style. Send the first chapter or two and a middle chapter in Microsoft Word. I will give examples of items I would like to address if we move forward.

Deliverables
Upon completing any editing project, I will electronically send two Word files: the edited manuscript and the chapter outline. I will then delete all copies of the original and revised manuscripts from my network.
 
Click here for a free consultation on your manuscript and editing needs.