for Writers

A Smörgåsbord of Editorial Services

You could waste epochs looking for a team professionals from the far corners of the internet to provide the assistance you need for each stage of your writing project–or you could find everything right here, in the Wyrdhoard, and spend those priceless eons actually crafting sentences. Here are some of the services I currently offer. Other options are possible, and if what you need is not on the list, I can connect you with another professional who can help. Let’s talk!

If I were to Ghostwrite for you, the author—you—would be responsible for the content, ideas, purpose, and goals of the book, while I would be responsible for the words that best communicate your ideas. You’d do the research, brainstorm the content, and draft the manuscript, then you’d come to me and ask me to shape it into a polished, professional product. You are the expert in the subject; I’d bring my expertise in well-crafted prose. At every step of the way, you would control what you say: I would suggest how to say it most effectively.

As your Writing Coach, I would serve as a combination of teacher, editor, and cheerleader. I would mark up your text thoroughly and hold regular tutorial sessions in which you and I would discuss the rationale behind each of my revision suggestions. We’d debate the principles of good writing and practice them until you became confident you could apply them throughout the text and in any future writing. This approach would enable you to develop as a writer in addition to vastly and dramatically improving one manuscript.

As your Developmental Editor, I would nurture your book or other project, working closely with you on large-scale revisions, including re-organization, adding or cutting content, changing the focus, crafting the tone, and more. We would discuss paragraph structuring, transitions, diction, originality, stylistics, and more. This approach would result in a more powerful, higher-quality book that can reach a larger audience over a longer time. Note that once a manuscript has gone through Developmental Editing, it will still require Beta Reading, Line Editing, Copy Editing, and Proofreading.

As a Beta Reader, I would offer a swift assessment of your book to identify mistakes, plot holes, inconsistencies, fallacies, weak parts, cliché, and unclear sections. I’d provide you with large-scale suggestions for revision relating to content, organization, clarity, focus, etc. I would not mark your text itself; instead, I’d write up a separate document with my recommendations, and then we could meet to discuss my suggestions. A list of your frequent stylistic errors could be included upon request for an additional fee. Note that Beta Reading does not replace other elements of the editing process and must be done in conjunction with Developmental Editing, Line Editing, and Copy Editing

If I were to do Line Editing on your manuscript, I would examine the writing style at the level of paragraphs and sentences. I would not comment on the organization, content, or other large-scale elements (that’s Developmental Editing). I would not go hunting for mistakes or typos (that’s Proofreading); rather, I would mark up your sentences and paragraphs extensively, paying close attention to diction and syntax. The point is to tidy up stylistics to make your ideas shine through.

After you’ve done Developmental Editing, Beta Reading, and Line Editing, if you were to hire me as your Copyeditor, I would correct your stylistics as needed (diction, syntax, spelling, grammar, and punctuation). I would ensure that the manuscript follows the conventions of whichever form of standard English you’re using and adheres to whatever style guide you’ve chosen. I would not comment on organization, content, or other large-scale elements.

If you need Publication Guidance, I can provide you with sessions to cover your options for getting your book out into the world. We can explore various avenues of publication to discover what is best for you, produce submission materials, walk through how to format books, procure ISBNs, order proofs, secure copywrite, and make sure your book is accessible to as large an audience as possible. Whether you desire traditional publication, self-publishing, starting your own small press, or simply printing copies to send to friends, I can simplify the process. Furthermore, once your book exists out in the world, I can provide advice about marketing, social media usage, events, and more.

Here is a document giving my rates and more details. Upon request, I’m happy to provide a 1,000-word or one-hour sample of my work at my usual rate so that you can see exactly what I do and decide which approach is best for you. Whatever you choose, we can work out a payment plan that’s comfortable for you. I’m flexible and aim to meet your needs; together, we can craft a plan that fits your budget, timeline, experience level, and priorities. CONTACT ME to get started.