The Elite Editor Professional Editing Services
It's always best to have a conversation so I can learn more about you and your project before we get started. But you may also want to converse before you need professional editing services.
- Got an idea for a book but don't know where to start, what to include, or how to organize the information?
- Have you started your book, but you are stuck and don't know how to proceed?
- Do you need to create a presentation or help with a written project?
I’m happy to speak with you. Schedule your free initial 1-hour consultation. Need additional help before any services begin? No problem. Schedule subsequent 1-hour conversations for a fee.
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A thorough review of the manuscript occurs with a manuscript evaluation. It is essentially the same as a developmental edit. However, you receive a letter that addresses the issues rather than suggestions inside the manuscript and a conversation. An evaluation may be the first step in your publishing journey.
- Have you completed your first draft and gotten feedback from others but want a professional, objective opinion?
- Are you an experienced writer who can incorporate written feedback to reshape your manuscript, making a developmental edit unnecessary?
- Are you unsure of the type of editing you need?
Most writers go through several drafts, which include significant revisions. A manuscript evaluation is a more economical option than a developmental edit if you are unsure what type of editing you need or are not ready to start the editing process but want professional feedback. The evaluation does not include information regarding salability and marketability.
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Developmental editing is generally the first step in the publishing journey. You may have even completed a few drafts before this point. However, not every author needs this type of editing. It is also known as "substantive," "structural," or "content" editing. A developmental edit focuses on the big picture and offers suggestions for improvement.
- What is the message for the intended audience?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the message?
- Is the text appropriately organized?
- Are the plot and characters feasible and is the chapter structure correct for fiction manuscripts?
During this phase, you will insert, delete, and rewrite text. We work together to craft the overall message. We do not address grammar issues during developmental editing.
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Line editing is the second step before publication. However, not every author needs this type of editing. It focuses on the use of language in the paragraphs and sentences.
- Are you using clichés?
- Do you have awkward or run-on sentences?
- Is there any repeated information?
- Do the sentences flow naturally?
- Are the word choices accurate?
- Are there unnecessary words?
- Are the tone and POV consistent, and is the dialogue believable for fiction manuscripts?
Line editing improves the flow, style, and readability and enhances text. Line editing does not address all grammatical errors.
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Are you concerned about grammatical errors but also want to know if there are areas of your message that require your attention?
Copyediting is the last or next-to-last step in the self-publishing journey. Its specific purpose is to fix grammatical errors. You should, at minimum, have your text copyedited. This service will ensure your text adheres to the industry-specific style guide for publication. I will also check the clarity of your text.
Copyediting will address and correct the following:
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Punctuation
- Capitalization
- Syntax (subject-verb agreement, complex sentences, etc.)
- Hyphenation
- Abbreviations
- Numbers
- Typos
- Tense
- Incorrect statements (aka fact-checking)
- Dialogue for fiction text
A copyedit will only flag the following for you to address:
- Inconsistencies
- Ambiguous statements (aka fact-checking)
- Plot holes for fiction text
- Incorrect cross-references for nonfiction text
- Repeated information
- Awkward sentences
- Potentially harmful language
*Although basic fact-checking is performed, accuracy is the writer's responsibility.
Copyediting is the next to last step because fixing grammatical errors comes after the story has been organized, checked for clarity, and enhanced. There should be no more revisions so that we can apply the standard rules of English before publication.
If you choose, the final editing step before publication may be proofreading. Proofreaders comb through the text to make sure there are no typos before publication. Some proofreaders offer additional services as well. A proofreader is not a requirement for self-publishing.
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Are grammatical errors your only concern?
Copyediting is the last or next-to-last step in the self-publishing journey. Its specific purpose is to fix grammatical errors. You should, at minimum, have your text copyedited. This service will ensure your text adheres to the industry-specific style guide for publication. Unlike the copyediting service above, grammatical errors are the only concern here.
Basic copyediting will address and correct the following:
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Punctuation
- Capitalization
- Syntax (subject-verb agreement, complex sentences, etc.)
- Hyphenation
- Abbreviations
- Numbers
- Typos
- Tense
- Incorrect statements (aka fact-checking)
- Dialogue for fiction text
Copyediting is the next to last step because fixing grammatical errors comes after the story has been organized, checked for clarity, and enhanced. There should be no more revisions so that we can apply the standard rules of English before publication.
If you choose, the final editing step before publication may be proofreading. Proofreaders comb through the text to make sure there are no typos before publication. Some proofreaders offer additional services as well. A proofreader is not a requirement for self-publishing.
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Want to test out the service first?
If you would like a sample edit of your manuscript to gauge my editing and feedback style, I encourage you to do that. For manuscripts and similar projects, you can send 1500 words, equal to 6 pages, for a small fee. Simply fill out the Sample Edit Request Form and attach your sample. I will contact you within 48 hours.
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Don't have a large project, but do you want to see my editing and feedback style?
No problem. Fill out the General Contact Form on the Contact page to request and receive a sample edited document within 48 hours at no cost.
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Want your book edited in one place?
As different editors offer different services and have various levels of discretion, that's an excellent idea. Explaining your vision once and working with the same person throughout the editing process benefits both parties.
A comprehensive edit will address the three levels of editing for your project. It begins with developmental editing, continues to line editing, and ends with copyediting.
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Are you writing about people or issues that are outside of your experience?
A sensitivity/authenticity reading can help. While it is always best to write what you know about, including diversity never hurts. However, you want to make sure that unconscious biases are not an issue. Writing about characters of a different race, with a disability, going through traumas, etc., can offend readers if not handled tactfully.
A sensitivity read is not about censorship or stifling your creativity; your writing can be raw, honest, and sensitive. It is important to know that one person cannot speak for an entire demographic, and you may still draw criticism because you cannot make everyone happy. But, you can honestly say you put forth an effort.
Also, keep in mind that it is an option, not a requirement. You can have a sensitivity read and decide whether to incorporate the changes.
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Need basic formatting for your print book?
The formatting service includes front and back matter (title page, copyright page, dedication, acknowledgments, about the author, etc.) and interior style. I also have recommendations for you if you'd rather complete this step on your own. Use the button below for a quote or the General Contact Form on the Contact page for recommendations.
