writing is like riding a bike. Once you gain momentum, the hills are easier.
Editing, however, requires a motor and some horsepower.
~ Gina McKnight
editing & publishing Services
for books, articles, and online content
developmental edit
Strengthen Your Manuscript with a Developmental Edit
A developmental edit is an evaluation of your book manuscript, with margin notes, for overall structure, organization, plot, characterization, and pacing. Typically completed after the first draft of your book manuscript, a developmental edit provides you with insights and guidance for manuscript revisions.
This type of edit . . .
identifies potential issues that may affect the work, such as continuity, pacing, and characterization
makes suggestions regarding the reordering of paragraphs within the manuscript
flags material that is redundant or detracts from the narrative
determines if the language and reading level are appropriate for the intended audience
identifies sentences or paragraphs that require further development by the author for the quality and flow of the book
recommends adjustments to the length and structure of paragraphs to ensure variety or consistency
offers suggestions to eliminate wordiness
A developmental edit includes a 5–10 page editorial report upon completion of the edit.
Fees are paid in three installments during the course of an edit: commencement, midpoint, and completion. The overall price for your project will be determined with you and is based on several factors, including manuscript length. Fees are calculated per word and are in keeping with the rate guidelines of the Editorial Freelancers Society.
copy edit
Ready to Publish? Polish Your Book with a Copy Edit
A copy edit is the edit after you’ve completed your final manuscript revision and when you’re preparing your book or article for publication. The goal of a copy edit is to correct any technical and grammatical flaws in your writing—often referred to as “polishing” your manuscript.
This type of edit . . .
ensures correctness and consistency of spelling, syntax, language usage, capitalization, and punctuation
ensures that your manuscript conforms to the correct style guide, for example, The Chicago Manual of Style 17th edition and dictionary, for example, Merriam-Webster Unabridged
reorders sentences or paragraphs when necessary for clarity
adjusts the length and structure of paragraphs for variety or consistency, as appropriate
ensures that transitions between sentences and between paragraphs are smooth and coherent
establishes or maintains a consistent tone, style, and authorial voice appropriate for the intended audience
eliminates wordiness
A copy edit includes an author style guide upon completion of the edit.
Fees are paid in three installments during the course of an edit: commencement, midpoint, and completion. The overall price for your project will be determined with you and is based on several factors, including manuscript length. Fees are calculated per word and are in keeping with the rate guidelines of the Editorial Freelancers Society.
Manuscript formatting
Self-Publishing or Working with a Traditional Publisher? Prepare Your Manuscript for Success!
Whether you’re self-publishing or wish to work with a traditional publisher, the correct formatting of your book manuscript is essential. You’ll need to make sure that your manuscript follows the industry standards as part of the publication process for your book.
Without proper formatting, traditional publishers won’t bother to read your manuscript submission. And even if you’ve decided to independently publish your book, you’ll need to have your book print ready for publication, including print-on-demand and ebooks.
Manuscript formatting includes . . .
title pages
headers
margins
correct font and font size
paragraph indentation
line spacing
chapter structure
scene break indications
Fees are paid in two installments: upon commencement and after completion of the project. Manuscript formatting fees are $65/hour.
“A polished manuscript is a promise fulfilled: the promise you made to yourself to tell this story.”
online content edit
Elevate Your Online Content with a Professional Edit
An online content edit goes beyond basic grammar and spelling checks. It tailors your content to specific goals, whether it's improving clarity and flow for new content or ensuring brand consistency and SEO optimization for existing content. The goal of an online content edit is to ensure your online content communicates effectively, engages your readers, and achieves your content marketing goals.
This type of edit . . .
ensures correctness and consistency of spelling, syntax, language usage, capitalization, and punctuation
ensures that your content conforms to the correct content style guide, for example, AP or APA style
reorders sentences or paragraphs when necessary for clarity
adjusts the length and structure of paragraphs for variety or consistency, as appropriate
ensures that transitions between sentences and between paragraphs are smooth and coherent
establishes or maintains a consistent tone, style, and voice appropriate for the intended audience
ensures content is SEO friendly and adheres to SEO best practices
eliminates wordiness
Fees are are typically calculated per word and are in keeping with the rate guidelines of the Editorial Freelancers Society. The overall price and payment schedule for your project will be determined with you prior to beginning our work together.
FAQ about editing
what is an editor?
Editors are professionals who ensure the quality of print and online publications or content. They typically have degrees in English, journalism, or a related field. Depending on the type of editing, their role can range from manuscript evaluation and author feedback to correcting grammar, spelling, and syntax errors.
Editors have a thorough knowledge of . . .
story, article, and syntax structure
story and plot structure and development
style and reference guides, such as The Chicago Manual of Style, AP style, and APA style
correct grammar, punctuation, and other language rules
current publishing and industry trends
fact-checking processes
why work with an editor?
Quite simply, editors work with their clients to help them refine their work so it’s print ready for publication. Editors can review, revise, correct, and format print and online content. They can also assist their clients with planning the publication process for their manuscripts or other written content.
Working with an editor can ensure that your content—whether a blog or a book—is clear, coherent, correct, consistent, and appropriate for your audience.
Let me help you love what you write!