An Extra Set of Eyes
From concept to publishing to book editing, authors need that extra set of eyes. Oh yes, they certainly do! Over the years, I’ve seen authors dedicate months—even years—to their manuscripts. But after all that effort, they self-edited and published a book sprinkled with errors. That’s where a good book editor comes in.
A few years back, I was recognized as #6 among the 15 Top Texas Editors, and today am a recommended editor with Gorham Printing. I will gladly collaborate with you to achieve a manuscript that is a delight to read.
After all, book editing is crucial. Readers spend their hard-earned dollars on a book and expect it to be well-written. Let’s make sure your book is the best it can be. I can help. Professional book editing makes a world of difference, and that’s the truth.
Types of Book Editing
I should mention that some authors need ghostwriting services. During ghostwriting collaborations, I write your book for you. This can include working on an incomplete manuscript as well.
Otherwise, I specialize as a book editor. Authors generally need specific types of book editing, including proofreading, copy editing (often spelled copyediting), line editing, developmental editing, substantive editing, and/or research-type editing. Each is explained below.
Proofreading
An author may request the most basic type of editing, which is proofreading. This is the least expensive in an editor’s suite of services. In this instance, the author is asking for special attention to:
- Misspellings
- Typos
- Grammatical errors
- Tense
- Subject-verb agreement
- Hyphenation
- Mislabeling
- Awkward transitions
Copy editing (or copyediting)
Copyediting includes a proofreading approach but goes beyond the basics. This level of editing can help determine word choice, paragraph structure, flow, pacing, and more. Often, copyeditors will request to see the full manuscript in order to ascertain the degree of difficulty and provide a fair quote for services.
Line Editing
Like a copyeditor, a line editor surveils your book line by line. However, the mission is to take an extremely deep dive into, for example, the author’s voice and syntax, and how various literary devices are woven into the manuscript. It may involve suggestions for the rearrangement of flow, the tightening up or expansion of themes, dialogue, and action, or other various forms of improvement. Line editing is one of the more expensive forms of editing due to the challenge of elevating the manuscript into its best form, whether fiction or nonfiction.
I provide suggestions for the author to implement and may rewrite or add new content, but only after an agreement with the author for partial ghostwriting services at a higher rate.
Developmental Editing
Another advanced form of editing, known as developmental editing, involves just that—the development of your storytelling, story arc, characterization, dialogue, plot and subplots, and settings in works of fiction. Some of these same elements appear in nonfiction works too, along with verified facts, compelling opinions, supporting evidence, quotes, and other informed narratives. From the front matter to the back matter, chapter titles, and overall organization, developmental editors focus on what an author wants to present to readers and how best to accomplish this monumental feat.
This, too, is one of the more expensive forms of editing. If a volume of rewrites is required, the project may segue into the ghostwriting realm.
Substantive Editing
This type of editing can include an overhaul of your manuscript — and that’s a good thing, not a bad thing! Some of the most wonderful stories get “lost in translation” as they travel from your brain to the keyboard. I rewrite, restructure and resurrect your work, usually ghostwriting the bulk of it so that it soars.
For more information on ghostwriting, click here.
Research Editing
I offer research services to gather background material (this often helps with the story arc), verify facts, and provide citations. This might include genealogical research or a search for publicly available records, both personal and corporate. It might include interviews with family, school makes, business colleagues, or subject matter experts.
“Special thanks to Melanie Saxton, who proved to be critical in this process. She provided creative ideas and editorial excellence to help make this book come to life. Thank you for your insight, kind words, and wisdom during the entire process. You are more than I could have wished for in an editor.” ~Velma Jackson-Wilkins, New York, NY, author of Too Many, Too Soon and A Look Back
Book Editing Process
I’m a hand holder and become completely immersed in each project. I don’t just edit—I collaborate as a book editor who cares deeply about my clients. My goal is to ensure you are happy with your manuscript and that it resonates with your audience.
- I’ll ask for your word count and a preliminary look at the first three chapters, as well as the final chapter.
- After this review, I’ll know if your book requires substantive editing, developmental editing, or proofreading.
- I can help you write your front matter, back cover, author’s bio and chapter titles.
- I may suggest that we tighten up your prose, rewrite your copy when needed, and edit for length and completeness.
- If you are not at 55,000 words (a minimum industry standard), I’ll help you write additional content.
- Your style and voice is respected. My editing simply elevates your writing by removing errors that distract readers.
- Once your book is edited, it’s ready for publication.
- Check out my Book Publishing page if you need help with self-publishing.
Contact Me For a Book Editing Quote
Send an email to melaniesaxton@icloud.com, and we’ll discuss the ins and outs of your project.