Editorial Services
Manuscript or Proposal Critique
If you’re new to publishing, or if you’ve completed a first draft of your manuscript or proposal but haven’t had the opportunity to work with a professional editor and/or are unsure of your next steps, I suggest starting here.
I will read and evaluate your manuscript or proposal and respond in the form of an editorial letter. The letter might include identification of the manuscript's strengths as well as generalized suggestions for improvement (character or plot development, ending, specific problematic chapter or section). We could stop here, or you might decide to continue working together in one of the following capacities.
Developmental Editing
If you’re stuck on a first draft, if you’re ready for editorial feedback to guide you in any further rewriting, you might want to start here. I will read your manuscript or proposal and respond in the form of editorial letter and/or marginal, in-manuscript notes on structure, plot and pacing, characters, tone, format, diction and basic grammatical problems; I will point out any specific areas I feel need focus and will ask any questions I have. This level of service includes comprehensive suggestions for tightening or otherwise improving your book or sharpening your thesis. It does not include more than one pass, or any copy or line editing.
Line Editing
If you’re beyond the first draft stage, perhaps even beyond the second or third or fourth draft stage, and you’re ready for specific editorial attention on language at the sentence level, I will read your manuscript or proposal and provide in-manuscript corrections, comments, and questions. This level of service includes two editorial passes; the first might focus more on macro issues, and the second on the mechanics of your writing, or both passes might focus on line-by-line details.
Non-Book Editing
Query letters
Short stories
Theses
Essays
Articles
Creative projects
If you’re unsure where the services you’re seeking may fall in terms of the above categories, please feel free to contact me. My services always include a complimentary consultation (typically a partial read of your work and a subsequent phone call) so that we both feel comfortable with your needs and expectations. Fees vary on the scope of the editorial work, but I am always happy to discuss how I might meet your budget.
Please note:
I cannot guarantee that using my editorial services will result in an offer of representation from an agent or a contract with a publisher. Even if I am able to refer a writer to an agent, an offer of representation will be made only at the agent’s discretion.