Editing Services

How Can I Help?

My job is to improve clarity, consistency, correctness, and conciseness while respecting the author’s voice and expertise.
What kind of editing does your work need? 

Do you need feedback on big-picture strengths and issues, such as those related to scope, theme, audience, structure, narrative arc, line of argument, voice, perspective, point of view, chronology, pacing, and characters? What this might include:

  • An editorial letter summarizing strengths and issues in a detail, with examples and suggested next steps
  • Comments in the margin with queries and suggestions related to big-picture strengths and issues
  • Suggestions about moving or removing chapters, sections, or paragraphs
  • A reverse outline of the unedited manuscript summarizing its content and structure
  • A proposed new outline for the manuscript with amended content and structure

Do you want to fix errors and inconsistencies in grammar, spelling, punctuation, usage, and style? What this might include:

  • Ensuring correct and consistent spelling, word usage, verb tense, abbreviations, numbers, punctuation, etc.
  • Ensuring adherence to the project’s style manual (Chicago, APA, AP, etc.), dictionary, and other authorities
  • Checking that in-text citations correspond cleanly with the reference list or bibliography
  • Creating or updating a style sheet with detailed notes on word use and spelling, formatting, punctuation preferences, use of numbers, etc.
  • Checking that text boxes and tables are clear and coherent and that captions describe them well
  • Making sure that headings, tables, and footnotes are clearly and sequentially numbered

Do you want to improve the clarity and flow of language at the paragraph and sentence level? What this might include:

  • Flagging passages that require further development for effective narrative quality or logical flow
  • Reordering sentences within paragraphs
  • Deleting material that is redundant or detracts from the narrative or line of argument
  • Maintaining a consistent tone, style, voice, and level of formality
  • Improving transitions  
  • Eliminating wordiness
  • Rewriting passages to resolve ambiguities, ensure logical connections, and clarify meaning 
  • Rendering jargon into plain language, leaving terms of art intact
  • Identifying inconsistencies or other problems with character development and suggesting remedies
  • Making sure that text boxes and tables add to the clarity and coherence of the manuscript

Do you need help with research, writing, project management, or something else? I may be able to help with tasks that go beyond editing. Let’s talk! 

I work with clients on  a wide range of nonfiction writing. I generally follow the rates posted by the Editorial Freelancer’s Association. However, I reserve some of my time to work with first-time authors and nonprofit organizations at a discounted rate. Let me know if the cost of editing is a barrier keeping you from fulfilling your mission or speaking your truth.

Credit and gratitude to Karin Cather and the Editorial Freelancers Association for the resources that informed this list of services. 

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