Bio
My approach to editing has been described as "thorough," "precise," and "kind." I have worked in the fiction-writing industry for over ten years and have been editing stories for longer. I have edited for both award-winning and best-selling authors and have worked on manuscripts written for middle grade, young adult, and adult readers, with most of my experience being in the genres of fantasy and science fiction. Previous to freelance editing, I was mentored by a creative writing professor, an award-winning international best-selling author, and a professional editor.
My Philosophy
As an editor, I aim to bring your manuscript to the next level, while keeping in mind that ultimately, the story should fit your vision, not mine. I believe in providing both positive and negative feedback because it is just as important to know what is working as it is to know what isn't. I help you fully harness your strengths and strengthen your weaknesses, providing not only advice on the manuscript itself, but ideas on how you, the writer, can take the quality of your stories to the next level.
Content Editing
In content editing (also called developmental editing), I analyze the larger parts of the story, identifying and providing suggestions for weaknesses and possible ideas to take strengths to the next level. This may include such aspects as plot, characters, setting & worldbuilding, theme, and structure. It also may contain more specific elements, like subtext, context, audience experience and appeal, relationships, and narrative pacing. This edit focuses on what the story is.
Line Editing
In line editing, I go through the manuscript line by line, evaluating the way the story is written and looking at such things as descriptions, dialogue, blocking, flow, line-by-line continuity, specificity, clarity in meaning, sentence structure, word choice, and how accurately the writer is communicating to the reader. I will consider how the writer can communicate more powerfully. I may also watch for grammatical issues and reoccurring punctuation problems. This edit focuses on how the story is told.