My Services

If your first draft is complete, I can assess its structure, checking for plot holes, appropriate pacing, convincing characterization, and engrossing world-building. Manuscripts submitted for developmental editing will be read twice before being returned with a letter of 1,250 to 2,500 words detailing strengths and weaknesses. The manuscript will also have tracked changes in the file showing exactly where material should be cut, lengthened, or moved.

If your manuscript is in good shape from a developmental standpoint, it is ready for copyediting. I will make sure your book is clear, concise, and consistent. In addition to correcting for errors in grammar and style, I can tighten paragraph and sentence structure.

There are different levels of copyediting. In a light copyedit, only mechanical errors are corrected. In a medium copyedit, mechanical errors are corrected, and awkward phrasing is pointed out but not revised. In a heavy copyedit, mechanical errors are corrected, and awkward phrasing is revised. Remember that you always have the power to reject revisions, and we would agree on what level of copyediting your manuscript needs before work starts. Copyediting does not include beta reading.

Beta reading is most appropriate for books that have already been polished through developmental editing and copyediting. The manuscript will be read once, and you will receive a letter of 250 to 1,250 words detailing reader response to the book’s strengths and weaknesses. Beta reading does not include copyediting. Manuscript files will not be returned with comments, unlike a manuscript evaluation.

Evaluations are appropriate during any stage of writing. Manuscripts submitted for evaluation will be read once, and authors will receive letters of 250 to 1,250 words with suggestions for revision. Manuscript files will be returned with comments in them so you can see specific examples of what is working or not in your book.