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

for books, articles, and online content

Why Do I Need an Editor?

Clear, effective writing begins with strong editing. Whether you're shaping a book manuscript, fine-tuning web content, or preparing materials for publication, I bring over 30 years of professional editing experience to help you produce polished, purposeful work. From developmental edits to copyediting and formatting, I support writers in creating content that is not only accurate and well-structured, but deeply aligned with their voice and goals.

Book Editing

I offer comprehensive editing for nonfiction, historical fiction, and personal memoir manuscripts at all stages of development:

Developmental Editing
Big-picture guidance on structure, pacing, tone, and narrative flow. Ideal if you're still shaping your manuscript and need support with organization, clarity, or storytelling. Typically completed adter the first draft of your manuscript is finished. Provides you with insights and guidance for manuscript revisions.

Copyediting
Line-by-line review for grammar, style, consistency, and readability. Completed after you’ve finished your final manuscript revision. The goal of a copy edit is to correct any technical and grammatical flaws in your writing—often referred to as “polishing” your manuscript.

Manuscript Formatting
Professional formatting for manuscript submissions to traditional and hybrid publishers, as well as for self-publishing. Ensures that your manuscript is print ready and follows the industry standards as part of the publication process for your book, including print-on-demand (POD) and ebooks.

Digital Content Editing

I provide editing for web and marketing content, ensuring your online presence is professional, consistent, and aligned with your brand voice. All digital content is SEO optimized.

  • Website copy

  • Blog posts and newsletters

  • Social media content

  • Lead magnets, PDFs, and client-facing materials

Whether you’re refreshing your digital presence or developing new content, I ensure it’s clear, compelling, and reader-friendly.

My Editorial Approach

  • 30+ years of experience as a writer, editor, and publishing consultant

  • Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Chicago

  • Formal training in CMOS, MLA, APA, and AP style guides

  • Skilled in editing for both native and non-native English speakers

  • US, UK, and Irish English editing available

I provide honest, supportive feedback with the goal of helping you produce your best work.

Ready to get started?

Every project is unique. Let’s talk about what you need.

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.

what’s the Difference Between a Developmental Edit and a Copy 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.

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.

why Do I need My Manuscript Formatted?

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.

what’s an Online Content 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.