is a TOTAL REWRITE or GHOSTWRITE what you want?

When you have a story to tell or insight to share, but don’t have the know-how or time to write a book, hire a ghostwriter. A ghostwriter writes your book for you from scratch. A total rewrite is a major overhaul of an existing manuscript, also done for you. Either way, you are the author-on-record. You pay a professional ghostwriter to write the book you want, and your name is on the cover and copyright. The finished manuscript is handed to you fully written and edited—yours to format and publish as you please. It’s that simple.

I am a professional ghostwriter, and below is my process.

you’ve written your manuscript but suspect it needs a MANUSCRIPT EVALUATION 

Your manuscript is mostly complete but you suspect there are big-picture errors or elements you’re missing. What you need is developmental help. Developmental edits are also known as structural edits, substantive edits, content editing, and manuscript evaluations or reviews.

A manuscript evaluation is a developmental edit in report form. It does not cover HOW the manuscript reads, HOW you’ve formed words into sentences, only WHAT the manuscript says, WHAT message you, the author, are trying to get across to the reader. Unlike a developmental edit where the editor provides detailed notes and comments within the manuscript using Word’s track changes and comment tools, a manuscript evaluation is a summarized report. It covers big-picture issues, allowing you, the author, to understand what needs work before investing in the next editorial stage, whatever that may be.

The process involves a thorough read-through of the entire manuscript while taking notes on big-picture elements such as genre, theme, title, premise, voice, point of view, organizational style, tense, writing habits, size, and overall strengths and weaknesses. For nonfiction, content, openings, endings, and research are covered as well. With fiction, setting, dialogue, character development, and plot are evaluated in addition to the above elements.

A manuscript evaluation results in a ten to fifteen-page written report, clearly noting suggestions for improvement and implementing change. The author considers the recommendations and works on the manuscript in his or her own time. This is a great option for catching holes and flaws in the entire manuscript before a developmental edit or copy edit. Mostly, it saves you time and money.

Manuscript evaluations are one of my superpowers.

maybe a DEVELOPMENTAL EDIT would be better?

A developmental edit (aka structural edit, substantive edit, content editing, etc.) covers the same big-picture elements a manuscript evaluation covers but is a lot more detailed and takes place within the manuscript.

It does not cover HOW the manuscript reads, HOW you’ve formed words into sentences, only WHAT the manuscript says, WHAT message you, the author, are trying to get across to the reader. A developmental edit is not a copy edit, which focuses on grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation (to name a few). The developmental process involves a thorough read of every word, paragraph, and page while noting big-picture elements such as genre, theme, title, premise, voice, point of view, organizational style, tense, writing habits, size, and overall strengths and weaknesses. For nonfiction, content, openings, endings, and research are covered as well. With fiction, setting, dialogue, character development, and plot are evaluated in addition to the above elements.

A developmental edit happens within the manuscript using Word’s track changes and comment tools, so you see exactly where the issues fall but have full control over changes. It provides suggestions, examples, and tips for implementing changes and strengthening the manuscript’s core elements.

If you’re looking for a developmental editor with a true understanding

of your reader, I’m your gal.

ready for a COPY EDIT, the shine cycle?

If your manuscript is developmentally sound, it’s ready for a copy edit. Unlike manuscript evaluations or developmental edits which focus on improvements to the manuscript as a whole, copy edits are precise, editing HOW words form sentences, not WHAT those words are trying to say. Think of a copy edit as the shine cycle. It’s where a solid, refined manuscript comes for a deep buff. This in-depth line-by-line edit will not only cover spelling, punctuation, and grammar, it will target clunky words, fix tense issues, correct sentence structure, fine-tune phrasing, flow, and tone, and ensure format consistency. A copy edit happens within the manuscript using Word’s track changes tools and comment boxes, so you see every editorial suggestion. While some suggestions might be optional, like word choices, most will be errors needing attention.

Copy edits are sometimes called line edits or substantive edits. Some editors even divide copy edits into soft/hard edits, light/heavy edits, or standard/difficult text. Why so many versions of one type of edit? Because every manuscript is different, and every writer has unique writing habits–both good and not-so-good. Throw in industry-specific words (think engineering or tech), an author whose first language is not English, or epic-fantasy world-building, and the edit gets complicated. The harder the edit, the more time the editor needs to pay close attention to details. And you want an editor who pays close attention to details. So, copy edit is the blanket term for an edit that isn’t one-size-fits-all. 

These days, almost every manuscript needs a copy edit. It doesn’t matter if you’re self-publishing or following a traditional publishing path. If you want to self-publish, a deep copy edit is a must. Subpar books get crappy reviews and struggle with sales. If you sign with a traditional publisher or small press, they will designate an in-house editor to copy edit your manuscript. The problem is, most manuscripts won’t get that far. Literary agents and publishers get their pick of the bunch, and unless your manuscript is top-notch, it might never leave the slush pile. Don’t ruin your chances by skipping this essential step. 

I will buff your manuscript until it shines.

time to publish, are you ready for a PROOFREAD?

A proofread is the final stage before publication. By this point, your manuscript or written project has been fleshed out developmentally, the structure is sound, and a professional editor has copy edited the final draft. The book has been formatted for publication and this is your last chance to catch errors.

If you’re following a traditional publishing path, you won’t need this step. A publisher will use an in-house or outsourced proofreader. If you’re self-publishing, this step is vital to zapping last-minute mistakes before your launch.

Celebrate, you’re at the finish line!

do you prefer a hybrid edit, the 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 ways 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.

I’ve got your back.

maybe AUTHOR COACHING will help you reach your goals

Writing is a craft, a journey versus a destination. The road to publication is not quick or easy. It takes years to hone your craft, and writing and editing a manuscript is not the end. But you don’t have to walk this road alone. I will take your hand no matter where you are on your journey, and guide you to meet your personal goals.

Maybe you’ve got a book idea but don’t know how to get it on paper. An author coach will help you organize your thoughts and plan your outline. This is not as simple as it sounds. It involves more than just brainstorming and taking notes. You’ll need to understand your message, your theme, your premise, and a whole lotta stuff between page one and three-hundred. An author coach is an experienced expert who will guide you through the writing and editorial process from start to finish.

After you’ve written the end, there’s more, lots more. There’s an endless array of options for authors these days. There’s traditional publishing, self-publishing, and a long list of publication choices in between. If you’ve set your sight on a traditional publishing deal, you’ll need a literary agent, and signing with an agent is a process unto itself. If you want to self-publish, you’ll need to learn about ISBNs, cover art, internal graphics, indexing, formatting, pricing, marketing, public relations, author platforms, and a myriad of launch decisions. Self-publishing has never been easier, but it’s a business. A coach will educate and provide direction.

Most of all, an author coach will encourage you to write when your muse is on sabbatical or you’ve hit a roadblock. I’ve got your back.

As a professional editor, I understand manuscripts and the written word. As an award-winning author, I’ve been in your shoes.

I’m an author coach and I sing your tune.

Take my hand.