An Editing Case Study: Some years ago I coached a young writer who'd gotten a contract from a well-known specialty publisher to write a self-help book about food addiction. The would-be author was determined to tell her story, but confused and overwhelmed about how to start to write, what to include, and how to find an appropriate tone to tell her story the right way.

I guided her first by helping her decide the main themes of the book. Once this was established, it became easier to break down what she wanted to say into specific chapters. Deciding what to include and what to leave out was much easier then. Soon, she didn't seem so overwhelmed anymore and she was able to start writing. Knowing what would be in each chapter, and breaking the work down into do-able sections, gave this novice writer the confidence to tell her story honestly and in a way that would most help the readers of her book.

As the manuscript came together, I edited each chapter for clarity, brevity, and consistency, making sure the story held together, and finally copy-edited the whole book before it went off to the publisher.

Services
I provide comprehensive editing services based on the needs of the project and its writer. Because publishers want finished, polished manuscripts with strong central ideas, today's writers need to deliver fully realized, carefully written, clean and well-edited manuscripts if they want to get published.

I can help you with your project at any stage of its development. Some writers know they have a story in them but they don't know how to get it out. Others have pages and pages of manuscript that desperately need cutting, shaping and organizing if they're ever going to see the light of day in a book or magazine. Some writers simply run out of gas and need direction and inspiration to continue. Others know something is wrong with their manuscript, but their lack of experience prohibits them from fixing it.

Whatever problems you face as a writer, I can help you solve them. After I read your manuscript or hear your concept, we'll make a plan. We can work together on your project, or you can hire me to do some, most, or all of the work. I can be your guide as you make the changes necessary, or take over the heavy lifting - whatever works best for the project and for you, the author.

From concept to final copy edit, I can shape and strengthen your manuscript - or help you shape it, and get it ready for publication.

There's no one right way to edit, or to write. Each project is unique, and that's how I approach the work. I have edited dozens of manuscripts - magazine articles, popular books of all kinds, professional papers, essays and more -- in every stage of disarray. I have helped many budding writers turn their ideas into tangible articles and books by helping them refine their story or concept, create an outline to follow, break down the work into manageable sections, and provide a clear plan for completion.