Editorial services

Editing at the story level is about the big-picture elements: things like story structure/shape, character development, point of view, narrative arc(s), worldbuilding, and emotional beats. This includes:

This service is for very early or partial drafts that need some clarity—I can help you to clear away the brambles and identify the path forward. Discovery draft review isn’t prescriptive; I won’t dictate what story you tell. Instead, I’ll guide you toward possibilities, helping you identify what elements are working well and how to develop them. This service may include writing prompts and explorations. 

This service is for completed first drafts. It includes multiple read-throughs of your manuscript, a detailed written report, and comprehensive in-manuscript comments designed to demonstrate concrete examples and offer specific suggestions. A developmental edit also includes 90 minutes of follow-up support (your choice of email or video call).

Another option for completed first drafts, this service is a good choice for those working on a budget. It comprises one read-through of your manuscript and provides a high-level overview of what is working and what is not via a short written report and light manuscript markup. A manuscript assessment also includes one hour of follow-up support (your choice of email or video call).

What happens after you receive your editorial report? I recommend a period of staring out the window, and then—revision. You can choose your own adventure here: We will customize something that meets your needs, ranging from regular check-ins to one-off support sessions as challenges crop up. Revision support and feedback is story-based, with just a soupçon of author coaching. 

These edits focus on the detail of the writing craft at the sentence level. 

Line editing

A close read of your manuscript’s sentences, a line edit considers flow, clarity, narrative voice, tone, and mood. A single sentence can pack a significant punch, and line editing knows this. 

Copy editing is more technical, focusing on spelling, grammar, usage, consistency, and continuity. 

Line and copy editing are very closely linked, so they often (but not always) go hand-in-hand as a service. 

This service offers guidance and feedback in terms of structure, content, flow, and clarity of your manuscript, helping to organize your non-fiction manuscript into a clear and engaging narrative. Substantive editing may include reorganizing content, resolving inconsistencies, and adding transitions to enhance the narrative flow. 

Line editing considers word choice, punctuation and flow, authorial voice, and clarity of meaning, ensuring that your words are effectively communicating what they intend to.

Copy editing is more technical, focusing on the nitty-gritty of spelling, grammar, usage, and consistency. 

Line and copy edits are often combined, depending on the project. 

Reading for conscious language is included in every edit, whether fiction or non-fiction. However, if you feel that your manuscript is already in good shape in terms of developmental/substantive, line, and copy editing but would like it reviewed with an eye for conscious language, this service is available. You can read more about conscious language here. Please note that this is not the same as authenticity reading, which assesses representation of experiences not your own.

I am part of an incredible community of book professionals. If you are looking for a specific service that I don’t offer (e.g., indexing, publishing consulting, author coaching), feel free to reach out. There is a good chance that I can connect you with someone fantastic.