Writing is hard.

And you don’t need me to tell you that. You’ve spent massive amounts of time researching your setting, staring in terror at a blank page, questioning character motives and plot points, pounding away at the keyboard, maybe even crying in frustration or (barely) resisting the temptation to throw your laptop at a wall. Now you’ve got a draft—it may be your first or your tenth—and you’re ready for the next step.

So what is the next step? That depends on you and your manuscript.

• Has your book been through several rounds of edits already?
• Have you incorporated feedback from an agent or editor, a critique group, or beta readers?
• Do your prefer hunting down plot holes to fixing punctuation?
• Do you love spelling about as much as you love stomach flu?
• Are you thinking of querying agents or self-publishing soon?
• Does your book include characters (even minor ones) who belong to a marginalized group, such as people of color, LGBT*QIAP+ people, people with disabilities, etc.?
• Are you ready to show your book to the world?

If any of the above sounds like you, copyediting or proofreading may be exactly what your manuscript needs! Click here to learn more about these options. If your book includes characters from a marginalized group (and it should!), click here to learn about sensitivity reading.

But maybe you’re not thinking about publication (much) just yet.

• Have you written a novel aimed at teens or young adults?
• Does the task of editing or rewriting your manuscript feel so overwhelming that you don’t know where to start?
• Are you banging your head against the wall over plot holes you’re not sure how to fix?
• Have you rewritten the rules of your story’s world so many times that you can’t remember what still applies and what doesn’t?
• Do parts of your story drag or feel too rushed?
• Do you struggle with dialogue, conveying emotion, or writing three-dimensional characters?

If any of these seem all too familiar, developmental editing or line editing may be right for you. (I currently only accept projects in the YA/teen fiction genre for developmental or line editing.) Click here to learn more about these options.

Copyediting and Proofreading

Copyediting is for manuscripts that have already been through several rounds of edits and critiques, where big picture things like plot and character development are already finalized. It’s one of the final stages of editing, when your book is almost ready to query or publish. When performing a copyedit, I correct grammar, punctuation, syntax, and style. I also make note of any inconsistencies in naming conventions, descriptions, spelling, movement, or the story’s timeline. I use the Chicago Manual of Style, as well as any style guidelines you wish to provide.

Proofreading is, as you might expect, for proofs. It is designed to catch any last typos or formatting issues that may have been overlooked in previous rounds of copyediting. Proofreading should always be done by someone other than the manuscript’s author or copyeditor to ensure that no errors are overlooked.

Ready to get started? Click here to learn more about packages, pricing, and payment.

Developmental and Line Editing

Developmental editing is for manuscripts in their early stages. If you’ve just completed a first draft, or are mired in rewrites for second or third drafts, this may be for you. If you’re having trouble with the structure of your plot, if one of your characters just isn’t doing what they’re supposed to do, or you need to expand your world-building, I can help you decide what exactly is wrong and give you suggestions for fixing it. Before I start editing, I’ll ask you for any specific issues you want help with so that I can pay them extra attention. Developmental editing is very much a collaboration between the author and editor. As I read, I will ask a lot of questions throughout the text and may make notes at the ends of chapters. When I have completed my read-through of your manuscript, I’ll write a detailed editorial letter that outlines any significant issues I found, addresses the things you asked me to look out for, and gives suggestions for how to proceed with revisions. After you’ve gone over my edits and editorial letter, we can talk via instant messenger or voice chat to go over any questions you have.

Line editing focuses on mid-level concerns like scene structure, dialogue, pacing, transitions, and voice. I’ll look for scenes that feel too long or too short, abrupt or confusing jumps in time or location, awkward or unrealistic dialogue, movement or action that is hard to follow, and more. Before I begin editing, I’ll ask you to explain anything specific that you’d like help with so that I can give those things additional focus. I’ll make detailed notes throughout your manuscript with questions and suggestions for improvement.

Ready to get started? Click here to learn more about packages, pricing, and payment.

Sensitivity Reading

A sensitivity read is a high-level form of editing devoted to helping you authentically and responsibly represent characters who belong to marginalized groups. Marginalized groups generally include, but are not limited to, people of color, LGBT*QUIAP+ people, disabled people and/or people with mental illness, and people of marginalized religions. I identify as lesbian/queer, feminist, asexual, and a person with major depression and generalized anxiety disorder, so I do sensitivity reads for these areas (and these areas only). Whether you choose to work with me on this or not, I strongly recommend having one or more sensitivity reads done if your manuscript includes representation of marginalized groups to which you do not belong.

A sensitivity read can be performed at many stages of drafting, but it’s typically most useful for a manuscript that is near the copyediting stage. You should have already done considerable research on the marginalized group(s) you’re representing, and you should be prepared to make significant changes if your sensitivity reader thinks they’re necessary. It’s also important to remember that your sensitivity reader is only one member of their marginalized group(s), and opinions on what quality representation is will differ among the group(s). Ideally, put your manuscript through sensitivity reads with as many people as you can.

Ready to get started? Click here to learn more about packages, pricing, and payment.

Please note that I do not read material containing extremely graphic violence.