Editing Services

Proofreading

Proofreading is basic, cosmetic editing: I catch errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Proofreading does not include re-writing or restructuring content. If I think your writing needs more substantive editing, however, I’ll be blunt. My professional reputation is crucial. If my name is on a project, the writing has to be up to my standards.

I can proofread about 15 pages an hour.

Copy editing

Copy editing goes one step beyond proofreading: I catch errors but also look for inconsistencies, word choice, clarity, and flow.

I can copy edit about 10 pages an hour.

Developmental editing

This level of editing is significantly more labor-intensive. In addition to basic proofreading, I polish writing to create tight, clear prose. I improve sentence structure and narrative flow, format the book to look professional, check accuracy of any factual claims, and research sources and accuracy of any quoted material. I offer concrete suggestions on how to make your writing better (add a chapter here, provide more personal examples, explain this concept in more detail, etc.). Sometimes I need to completely overhaul the book’s structure and rewrite or create content. Of course, if that’s the case, I consult with you first.

I can edit 2–4 pages an hour at this level.

How I Work

I work with you chapter by chapter; Track Changes in Word shows you the mechanics of what I’m doing. If an edit is merely my personal opinion, I’ll defer to your wishes if you want to reject it. Most of my edits, however, are not optional but based on incontrovertible rules of grammar, punctuation, and spelling. I also strictly adhere to The Chicago Manual of Style, the publishers' Bible. My personal writing lodestar is the incomparable little book that taught me the fundamentals of grammar and writing, Strunk & White’s The Elements of Style, the inspiration for my company’s name. I am always happy to explain my reasoning or define terms such as “dangling modifier” or “phrasal adjective.” As a former writing and English teacher—and mother of four exceptional writers—I welcome the opportunity to educate my clients on the rules of the English language.