Cap that red pen; this is collaboration.
When you’ve created something important, contacting an editor can feel like asking a stranger to do your dentistry. Everyone’s allergic to red ink on their work, so that’s not happening here. Right now, you know what you’re making better than anyone and certainly better than me.
But that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.
Whatever you have, from fiction to non-fiction to academic essays, picture books to dissertations, I’d be honoured to give it an honest read, provide practical and constructive feedback, and help you realise its full potential. And of course, if you need a full project managed for publication, I can take on the lot.
So whether you’re set on finding an editor, curious what it all involves, or honestly just a bit puzzled about the next steps for what you’ve made, have a read of this flexible, broad-strokes list of my services and pop me a message. We’ll figure out some options for a personalised treatment plan (a bit of this, a bit of that) and I’ll give you a quote tailored to your project’s needs and your budget.
Development edit
You’ve got the vision for your project, but the ingredients don’t seem to be quite clicking together. Maybe they need something fresh: a bit of chop and changing, reworking, spinning around. Let’s go through the concept together, show me what you’ve put down so far, and I’ll help you see where the gears are grinding and how to have it all running like clockwork.
Editorial review
More than likely, you’ve got a draft in hand. Congratulations! Unfortunately, after such an intensive creative process you’re likely feeling a little like you can’t see the forest for the trees anymore. With multiple reads of your manuscript, I will analyse the core frameworks holding up your creation, from plot to theme, character, pacing, and tone, and write it all up in a thorough report comprised of practical, specific, and unambiguous points of action, advice, and commentary that you can immediately put to use.
Structural edit
Are you on your fifth draft, unable to see a single word left to change, but it’s just not sweeping you away quite like you’d hoped? Is that second act plot shift still haunting you, that beat you instinctively speed over to get back to the really good stuff? Let me mark up and explain specific areas of structural strength or weakness throughout your manuscript, and compile an accompanying report full of practical advice to get that bird’s eye view.
Line edit
This is where we get into the real detail. Your idea is developed, your structure is solid, you know where it’s going and now you need someone to help shine an industrial-strength spotlight on your writing and floss between the lines. Every word of your opus will be scrutinised and interrogated to see if it’s doing everything it can to earn its place in your best work. We’re talking vocabulary, grammar, syntax, voice, sentence length, rhythm, register. Moreover, this is where I’ll be commenting directly on the minutiae of your story and how you execute every beat.
Polishing pitches
About to send off a pitch or submission to a prospective agent or publisher? Let’s work together to make sure the concept is robust, your research is solid, your synopsis is sizzling, your presentation is up to industry standards, and ultimately that the whole pitch strikes that engaging balance of entertainment, intrigue, and professionalism, and will directly appeal to the audience you have in mind. And of course if you’d like a chance to rehearse it aloud to someone who knows what to listen out for, let’s hop on a video call and get theatrical.
Whatever you might need, pop me a message and let’s figure out the next steps to bring out your best work!