Content Editing
Content editing (also called substantive or full editing) sits between big‑picture editing and line editing. At this stage, I’m looking at both your structure and the words on the page. I work through your manuscript chapter by chapter and paragraph by paragraph to: • Check completeness, flow, and clarity of ideas and stories • Point out gaps, repetition, or confusing sections • Suggest moving, trimming, or expanding paragraphs and sections Tone and voice are also a major focus. I keep your target audience in mind to be sure the manuscript: • Sounds like you • Speaks clearly and appropriately to your readers Think of it this way: • Developmental / evaluation editing helps you build the house and decide which rooms (chapters) you need. • Content editing helps you arrange the furniture (sections and paragraphs) inside those rooms so the space feels inviting. Line editing comes later, when we zoom in to the level of individual sentences.
Copyediting
Copyediting is the detailed check that makes your finished manuscript look professional. Once your big picture edits are done, a copy editor goes through your book line by line to: •Catch spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors •Fix awkward wording and small usage issues •Apply the correct style guide for your genre (most books use The Chicago Manual of Style). Even careful authors miss a lot of this. We’re all too close to our own work, and most people only catch a portion of the errors on their own. That’s why copyediting and proofreading work best together. A friend or neighbor can give helpful feedback, but unless they’re a trained copy editor, they won’t know all the rules or how to style your book consistently. Copyediting doesn’t change your voice or your message. Instead, it removes distractions, so your book reads as polished and professional as it deserves to be.
Developmental Editing
Developmental editing (also called conceptual editing or manuscript appraisal) happens early in the process—when you have an idea, a rough outline, or an early draft and need help shaping it into a book. At this stage, the focus is on the big picture, not on punctuation or grammar. A developmental edit looks at: •Overall structure and organization •Clarity and flow of your ideas and arguments •Where stories and examples belong •Gaps, repetition, or material that may need to be cut A developmental editor helps you answer questions like: •Are any key details missing? •Is anything confusing or out of place? •Does the book build logically from start to finish? They don’t rewrite your book for you. Instead, they give clear feedback and suggestions so you can: •Organize your ideas more effectively •Strengthen your message •Create smoother transitions between sections and chapters If you’re confident in your manuscript’s structure, you may not need developmental editing. But if you’re still shaping your ideas into a book, this level of editing can be a major help.
Evaluation
Evaluation editing (also called manuscript critique, structural edit, or editorial assessment) is a high level review of a finished manuscript. An evaluation editor looks at: •Structure and organization •Flow and completeness •Overall quality and readiness for later stages of editing You’ll typically receive: •A short memo summarizing strengths, concerns, and suggestions •High level comments in the manuscript about structure and clarity Like developmental editing, the focus is on big picture issues rather than sentence level detail. An evaluation edit can help you decide what comes next: •If the feedback is strong overall, your book may be ready for copyediting and proofreading. •If the structure needs work, developmental editing may be the next step. •If the structure is solid but the writing needs refinement, content or line editing might be recommended. There is some overlap with developmental editing, but the key difference is timing: developmental editing can happen with an idea or early draft, while evaluation editing is done on a completed manuscript.
Line Editing
Line editing (also called stylistic or comprehensive editing) is the most detailed level of editing for your prose. At this stage, your book’s structure and content should already be in good shape. A line editor then goes through your manuscript line by line to focus on: •Word choice and sentence flow •Clarity and impact of each sentence •How sentences and paragraphs connect to each other Line editing is “down in the weeds.” Instead of looking at the big picture, a line editor: •Flags run on sentences, fragments, and clichés •Helps you clarify meaning and cut jargon •Tightens wordy passages so you say in five words what you first said in fifteen The goal is not just to fix errors, but to make your writing sound natural, engaging, and easy for readers to follow. Some line editors also handle copyediting at the same but that’s not always included. If you want an all in one edit, it’s important to confirm that up front.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final check before your book goes to print or is published. After your manuscript has been copyedited, designed, and formatted, a proofreader reviews the proof (the laid out pages) to look for: •Typos and lingering punctuation errors •Layout issues like page numbers, headings, and spacing •Bad line or page breaks, and problems with tables or figures A proofreader isn’t there to change your content. Their job is to catch anything that slipped through earlier so the final book looks clean and professional. A simple way to remember the difference: •Copy editors catch the mistakes the author missed. •Proofreaders catch the mistakes the copy editor missed.
Publishing Services
Cover Design
Your book’s cover is often the first—and only—chance you get to catch a reader’s eye. I work with you to create a cover that looks professional, fits your genre, and reflects the heart of your message.
Cover design includes:
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Concept development based on your book’s content and audience
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Professional layout of title, subtitle, author name, and back‑cover text
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Thoughtful use of typography, color, and imagery
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Print‑ready and/or ebook‑ready files, prepared to your printer’s specifications
Whether you already have a strong visual idea or don’t know where to start, I’ll help you shape a cover that feels like your book and stands out for the right reasons.
Ebook Formatting & Publication
Ebooks have their own rules for layout, navigation, and readability on different devices. I’ll format your manuscript so it looks clean and professional on major e‑readers and is ready for upload. I will provide:
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Proper ebook formatting based on your book’s structure and genre
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Clean chapter breaks, headings, and internal navigation (table of contents, links)
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Consistent styling for paragraphs, quotes, and special elements
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Files prepared to the specifications of major ebook platforms (such as Kindle and others)
You’ll receive polished ebook files that are ready to upload so you can focus on reaching readers, not wrestling with formatting.
Format/Layout/Upload
Formatting, layout, and upload are the behind‑the‑scenes steps that turn your edited manuscript into a professional book file ready for print or ebook publication. I handle the technical details so you don’t have to.
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Format: Set up your book to match the correct trim size and self‑publishing template
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Layout: Arrange text, headings, page breaks, and front/back matter so each page looks clean and
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front/back matter so each page looks clean and readable
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Upload: Prepare and upload your files to Kindle Direct Publishing (and similar platforms) for review and publication
This service is ideal if you want a professional result without spending hours wrestling with templates, settings, and upload requirements.
Ghostwriting & Publication
Ghostwriting a book for publication means hiring a professional writer to create the manuscript on your behalf, with full credit given to you as the author. We work from your ideas, notes, and/or interview recordings and turn them into polished prose. Together with the author we work on:
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Clarifying your book’s purpose, audience, and key message
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Developing a clear outline and structure for the manuscript
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Conducting interviews and working from your notes, drafts, or recordings
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Writing the manuscript in your voice and style
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Revising based on your feedback so the book feels authentically yours
Most ghostwriting projects are completed with self‑publishing in mind, so we can also discuss next steps for editing, formatting, and getting your finished book ready to share with readers.
Multiple Size Options
Different books call for different sizes and finishes. I’ll help you choose the right format for your manuscript and prepare files that match your printer’s specifications.
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Standard 6" x 9" paperback formatting (ideal for most nonfiction and trade books)
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8.5" x 11" formatting for hardcovers, workbooks, and academic or study‑guide style books
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Ebook formatting options for digital editions
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Choice of matte or glossy cover finish
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Choice of white or cream interior pages
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Option to include interior images (with pricing adjusted for image‑heavy books)
Together, we’ll choose the size and options that best fit your book’s purpose, audience, and budget.
Website Design
In addition to editing and publishing support, I also offer website design for authors. Together, we’ll create a site that clearly presents your book, your services, and your story in a way that feels like you and is easy for readers to navigate. I will design a site that has:
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Clear, reader‑friendly layout and structure
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Copy that highlights your books and services
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Simple paths for visitors