Editing Services

Editing Packages

Content edit. A content edit would be defined as an evaluation of how the story is organized and presented, making sure that you're saying what you mean to say, in a clear and understandable way. I evaluate dialogue, look for cliches, continuity errors, repetition, sentence structure, voice, and word choice. For instance, in a content edit I might mention that your main character needs to have a stronger motivation for a certain action, or comment on a problem sentence or scene as it exists without suggesting alternative actions or scenes.

Developmental edit. A developmental edit looks at all the factors included in a content edit while also considering the story arc, subplots, characterization, pacing, and even plot problems. I offer specific recommendations to remedy the problems identified. Obviously, a developmental edit takes longer. When I do a developmental edit, I go through a story at least twice, often several times. That way I can evaluate the story on the first pass, and then the presentation and other details on subsequent passes. In a developmental edit, I would suggest specific changes you can make to communicate a character's motivation, or even suggest traits you might add to a character to make his or her actions more plausible. Also, in developmental editing, I would provide examples of how reorganizing a sentence or a scene might strengthen it. Any suggestions I make are, of course, yours to use, alter, or ignore, as you see fit. By the time I return your manuscript to you, you will know it has been read repeatedly with different critical aims in mind for each reading.

Copy edit. A copy edit focuses solely on grammar, punctuation, spelling, word choice and other mechanics, and would not provide any feedback on content, story, characterization, or fact checking. When I copy edit, I refer both to The Copyeditor's Handbook, and the AP Stylebook. If they disagree, I give preference to The Copyeditor's Handbook because the AP Stylebook is geared toward journalism.

Comprehensive Edit Package: Most authors need all three of the above edits. With the Comprehensive Edit Package, you get all three at a discounted rate. To find out more about the cost for your work, contact Emily using the form provided.

Each edit requires the writer to send an MS Word document (.doc or .docx). When the edit is complete, I will return it with MS Word track changes, comments, and questions. You will get specific ideas about how to improve your manuscript. My goal is not only to help you smooth out your narrative and improve a passage, scene, or entire work, but to help you see new ways to view your work to help you become a better writer. You are, of course, free to incorporate any of my suggestions as your own work without attribution or royalty.