Book publishing, like most media, is a strange amalgam of business and art. Publishers connect authors (the artists) to readers (the customers), or, at least, that is the goal. While there are many functions involved in this (marketing, publicity, sales, distribution, etc.) editing is the part of the process that does the most to help the author’s vision reach the broadest audience possible.

My goal as an editor is to work with authors to help craft their best writing, by shaping and polishing their words at whatever level each author feels is appropriate. Together, we make sure readers are seeing each project at its best. I provide a range of editing, from a quick read of a project that notes any general changes that the author can make to strengthen the book’s argument, narrative flow, or overall grammar, to a detailed line edit that offers suggestions on word choice, phrasing, additional examples, or fact checking, along with corrections for any grammar, spelling, or typographical errors. I am happy to tailor my editing to whatever level the author believes works best with his or her approach to writing.

My goal as a publication consultant is to work with authors to help determine the best path for securing the largest audience for their writing. Is this something that can be taken directly to publishers? Does it need an agent? What is the best way to pitch this to either group? Is self-publishing a better avenue? If it is, what can we do to help find the best outlet for this piece of writing? Do we need to line up a designer, a marketing rep, or a publicist? I am ready to work with authors to help them approach agents, from finding the best way to word the hook for a project to guiding the writing of pitch letters. If the traditional agent-publisher model is not the direction an author wants to take, I am ready to help ease the journey from manuscript to honed and professional-looking self-published book.

My rates are based on several variables: length of material, level of editing, type of service desired, target deadlines, and others. As a result, please contact me with the details of your project and I will provide an estimate of the cost.