Editorial Services
Congratulations on drafting your project! As you approach publication, let's refine your work together and polish
it to perfection.
I’m your partner in this process, offering suggestions while preserving your unique voice. As a US-based editor, I
specialize in American English and adhere to US grammar and spelling conventions. To determine the appropriate
level of editing, I will review a sample of your work. We will decide on the best sample size based on your project's
total word count.
Editorial Services: Copyediting, line editing, beta reading, fact-checking, proofreading, and manuscript evaluation. I excel in editing copy newly translated into English.
Areas of Knowledge or Experience:
FICTION: Fantasy, historical, sci-fi, time travel, romance, paranormal, suspense, cozy mystery, thriller, mythological, utopian and dystopian, parody, comedy, family dynamics.
NONFICTION: Investigative reporting, news articles, blogs, user manuals, TV, film/movies, celebrity culture, cats and feline care, art, music, historical content and analysis (including fact-checking and period accuracy), author interviews, esoterica and metaphysics, spirituality (non-religious) and new age philosophy, lifestyle, pop culture, travel, expat experiences, Italian language and culture.
My editing process involves at least two passes, allowing you to review and respond to my edits. Additional passes
may be necessary if you have made extensive revisions. Once we agree on the scope, I will provide a contract that
protects both parties. My services may include some or all of the following, depending on your needs and
preferences. Ultimately, you decide the level and extent of editing. I’m here to provide expert guidance while
honoring your authorial vision.
THE FOREST
Substantive or Developmental Editing
Evaluate and analyze the big picture for works that may not be fully fleshed out, and assist with structure. Are there
gaps in logic or areas where bridging with dialogue or descriptive prose will not only keep the reader engaged, but
also provide crucial information to prevent confusion where details may be missing? Once these mutually agreed upon areas have been addressed, the newly revised work is ready for a line or copy edit.
THE TREES
Copyediting
Check spelling, capitalization, punctuation, hyphenation, and abbreviation. Correct indisputable errors in grammar,
syntax, and usage. Query any awkward, lengthy or repetitive passages, suspected
factual inconsistencies or errors, and suggest possible revisions, if warranted.
THE WEEDS
Proofreading
This is the final review of the manuscript or project and occurs after layout, typically during the last few stages of
the publishing process. It involves looking for layout and formatting issues as well as any problems within the text
not detected during the copyediting stage. I can complete this process using either printed hard-copy pages or
online using Adobe Acrobat. Samples of both methods can be seen in my portfolio.
THE GROUNDWORK
My Editing Process
An author or organization that hires me will most often request some level of copyediting. Depending on the type
of writing—whether it's a book manuscript, news or magazine article, blog post, or other content—I follow the
appropriate style guide and dictionary (unless instructed otherwise). For example:
I edit in Microsoft Word using Track Changes, adhering to the chosen style guide and any additional house style
sheet provided. My editing arsenal contains checklists and various tools to turbocharge the process and ensure an
optimal end result.
Using Word for writing and editing offers a key advantage: it streamlines the transition to design software such as
InDesign. The clearly defined styles in Word allow designers to quickly identify and apply formatting, which
ultimately saves time and minimizes errors during the layout process. And even though I prefer to edit in Word, I
have also worked in Google Docs and PDFs for news and nonfiction articles.
With independent authors, I establish a project style sheet and confirm all style preferences.
Ready to elevate your writing project? Contact me today to discuss how we can collaborate and refine your work to
perfection. ☺
