Editing help for nonfiction books
I copy edit book manuscripts to make them clear, consistent, coherent, correct, and ready for the next step in the publication process.
Editing Services
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For a copy edit I will read and comb through your book, aligning it to the Chicago Manual of Style, 18th ed. guidelines (this includes formatting, mechanical issues, grammatical preferences, citation checks, etc.). I will make comments in the margin and use Track Changes to show you my work. You may accept or reject any edit, and of course, you can ask me questions or talk through concerns once you have received your edit. An Editorial Letter is included with all edits.
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A Line Edit is similar to a Copy Edit, but more in-depth; continuity issues, developmental issues, and specific questions about the manuscript are addressed and worked through between editor and author. This may include more time spent on helping with word choice suggestions or developmental edits, such as organizing chapters or adding more chapters if needed. Line edits help squeeze all of the big picture problems from a manuscript while a Copy Edit lines everything up in its place for readability.
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Editorial feedback in the form of an official Editorial Letter is included with every edit, either a Line or Copy edit, explaining my editorial choices, how I recommend adjusting your manuscript, and why.
I also offer an Editorial Feedback Service for a fee on its own, which means I am happy to look at your manuscript and offer a few high-level suggestions. I do not touch your document for this; NO EDITS are made at this stage, but I may recommend line or copy edits with high-level revision suggestions that we can work on together.
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Nonfiction books, with a preference for narrative nonfiction (true stories that read like fiction), expository nonfiction (instructional books or factual books), or descriptive nonfiction (using the five-senses to describe an event or a place, like travel guides or nature stories). I love stories about faith, family, or adventure.
A Chicago-style Editor
A certified freelance copy editor, I use the Chicago Manual of Style in my editing (the industry-standard style guide for book publications). I have worked with many writers over the last five years through an editing agency and know how to prepare your manuscript. These authors have gone on to publish their works on Amazon and other platforms. We may be a great fit if:
you are looking for editorial help for a self-published book;
you are seeking editorial advice prior to submitting to a publishing house; or
you need assistance reformatting, reorganizing, or restructuring the outline or flow of your book.
I believe in writers and their creativity, original ideas, and unique style.
My mission: To take humanly crafted and cared-for manuscripts to the next level. We can make your manuscript professional, polished, and complete. No AI-generated text accepted; let’s keep books real.
Tell me about your book!
Please fill in the form below. My editing calendar is a few weeks out, so please plan accordingly! Turnaround for edits is generally about two weeks, but it of course depends on the scope and size of the project. Cost estimates given with word count, genre, and copy or line edit requests. Thank you!
