editorial services for authors
I am an editor by trade, but my greatest passion is the craft of writing. I am the award-winning author of three novels, A Keeper’s Truth, GOT (Gift of Travel), and No Apology For Being, and the ghostwriter of several nonfiction books. I am traditionally published worldwide in print and e format, and I’m represented by Westwood Creative Artists literary agency. I write for publishers, magazines, newspapers, online forums, and head Beop Inc. editorial services because I am an insane editorial perfectionist.
I know what it feels like to be an author, what it means. You eat, breathe, sleep your work, your manuscript. It is your baby, your nemesis, your future aspirations. It is also a work-in-progress that drives you nuts.
We writers need all the help we can get.
i’ve got you covered
I specialize in the developmental and copy editing of manuscripts, short stories, query letters, synopses, feature articles, and blogs.
Today, there are many roads to publication: traditional ‘big 5’ contracts, traditional small presses, vanity (paid) publishing, indie publishing, self-publishing, magazines, newspapers, online publications . . . the list goes on. All have unique advantages and disadvantages.
No matter which road you take, your work will need to be unique, well-written, and edited. You only get one shot to impress.
Make it shine.
what kind of editing
do you need?
Manuscripts require specific editorial assistance at various stages. There is also an order to the editorial process. If having a published book is important to you, but you don’t have the know-how or time to write one, a ghostwrite will get you that book. If you’ve written a rough draft and realize you have no desire to fix it with or without an editor’s help, consider a professional rewrite. If you’ve written and self-edited a first draft but sense big-picture issues, a manuscript evaluation and/or traditional developmental edit will do wonders. When your work is developmentally sound, with or without the help of an editor, it’s ready for a copy edit to get it squeaky clean. The last stage is a proofread, which is done when the manuscript has been fully edited, formatted, and is ready for publication.
Not all manuscripts require every editorial stage. Some skip stages based on the condition of the manuscript, the author’s understanding of the craft, and the author’s publication goals. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what your manuscript needs; it’s almost impossible to see your work with fresh eyes.
I will guide you.
And for those who want something that falls between editorial options, there is always the gooey stuff between the sofa cushions. Hybrid edits are carefully selected to meet the needs of the manuscript and your publication goals.
No matter where you are on the literary path, there is always a helping hand. If you need advice beyond the pages, author coaching can guide you from initial brainstorming to final publication. There are so many options available to authors today. I’ll make sure you’re armed with the knowledge and confidence to make amazing choices.
These are my superpowers . . .
ghostwrite or total rewrite
Sometimes the message is there, but the words are getting in the way. A total rewrite is a major overhaul of existing work. It’s useful when you’ve worked hard on a project but can’t get it right.
Maybe you’ve come to the conclusion that writing isn’t your thing, and ghostwriting is the answer. Ghostwriting creates an entire book from scratch.
Let’s make it happen.
manuscript evaluations
Manuscript evaluations are developmental edits done in report form. They cover big-picture issues like theme, premise, structure, size, and a myriad of components that make the whole strong. Unlike developmental edits which take place within the manuscript using track changes tools, a manuscript evaluation results in a lengthy report used to self-edit, saving you time and money.
This is the place to start if you have big-picture concerns.
developmental editing
You are a creator. But even genius struggles keeping 80,000 words in check. A developmental edit provides big-picture perspective (within the manuscript) in great detail, addressing issues such as theme, size, premise, structure, and voice, just to name a few. Track changes and comment tools allow you, the author, to ponder suggestions at your personal pace. It’s your story. Make it a great one.
A developmental edit is the key to unlocking your work.
copy editing
This in-depth, line-by-line edit will not only cover spelling, punctuation, and grammar, it will zap clunky words, fix tense issues, correct sentence structure, fine-tune phrasing, flow, tone, and ensure format consistency. A copy edit happens after you’ve revised your novel based on professional feedback and are happy with pacing, plot, structure, and characters.
You only get one shot to make an impression. Don’t mess it up.
proofreading
Your last set of eyes when you’ve gone fifty rounds with your manuscript and need to catch prior-to-publication spelling errors, format mishaps, and grammar faux pas. If you are a seasoned author and your previously copy edited manuscript shines like a pretty penny, a good proofread is all you need.
I’ll find the mistakes you missed when your eyes glazed over.
gooey stuff between the sofa cushions
Sometimes what you need doesn’t sit well on the couch. It falls between the cushions. Need a developmental edit and copy edit combo? I’ve got you covered. Prefer a partial edit or partial manuscript evaluation to catch habits early? Great way to cut problems at the knees. Worried about your budget? Don’t worry, there are always options.
We’ll chat, look at your work, and decide how to tackle the issues together.
author coaching
Writing is a craft, a journey versus a destination. But you don’t have to walk this road alone. I will take your hand no matter where you are on this path, and guide you to meet your personal goals.
As a professional editor, I understand manuscripts. As an award-winning author, I’ve been in your shoes.
I sing your tune.
