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Word cloud of the most common words from the revies that Amanda receives from her clients. The predominant words are professional, encouraging, thorough, helpful, and wonderful.

Manuscript Evaluation

  • This service rarely involves editing, though I may make some margin comments on your manuscript.
  • I’ll read through your manuscript multiple times and focus on various elements.
  • I’ll write up a detailed letter describing what I feel is working and what needs work, as well as my suggestions for further editing and a list of references I feel may be helpful for you as you proceed.
  • My manuscript evaluations are NOT meant as a replacement for a thorough developmental edit.

Line Editing

  • This is the most intensive level of editing that I provide. Its’s also my favourite.
  • I’ll read through your manuscript, looking at everything from paragraph and sentence structure to punctuation use.
  • I’ll make suggestions to improve the flow of the story and point out areas that could be condensed or expanded.
  • I may suggest alternative word choices, point out problematic language, note any inconsistencies within the plot, and offer solutions for recurring issues.
  • This level of editing generally takes several weeks, especially if we are passing the manuscript back and forth for multiple revisions.

Copy Editing

  • Depending on your concerns and what issues I see, this can be almost as intensive as a line edit or as light handed as a proofread.
  • For example: If you know that you overuse a specific word, you can give me permission to replace or delete it as I see fit. Or you could just ask me to flag the instances that I feel are unnecessary and offer alternatives.
  • I’ll focus on consistency and clarity, making sure that the voice and style you’ve established as a writer is carrying through the entire manuscript.
  • I’ll create a style sheet (often also a separate character sheet) to guide me as I go, and for you to use for yourself or hand over to a proofreader.

Proofreading

  • This is generally the last step before publication, ideally on a manuscript that has been formatted into book form (or even a physical copy if you have a way to get it to me).
  • At this point, I’m looking for any spelling, punctuation, or formatting errors that have been missed in previous editing stages. I book proofreads for turnaround times of at least a week, but have a tendency to complete them in a matter of days.
My goal as an editor is to amplify your voice and help you tell your story as clearly as possible.
You will always have the option to disregard any of my suggestions and changes.
In the end, the manuscript is yours, not mine.
I'm another set of eyes, a brain to pick, and a cheerleader for you and your story.
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