Webster's

Main Entry: ¹ed·it
1 a : to prepare (as literary material) for publication or public presentation ... c : to alter, adapt, or refine especially to bring about conformity to a standard or to suit a particular purpose <carefully edited the speech>

The Eyes Ayes Have It

As we all know, in English, some words sound identical but have various spellings and meanings. If you accept all the “suggestions” provided by your spellchecker, ice will remain even though you meant nice, there might become their, its might become it’s, where might become were … you get the point. Technology has not usurped brainpower.

But Not All Brains
Are Alike

Are you considered a talented creative writer, but you’re not a meticulous editor? Can you understand complex technologies yet not write a summary of your knowledge without numerous wrong word choices and misspellings? Or, are you like me--so talented in one area (English) that you’re nearly dysfunctional in others (e.g., Math)? 

Born to Edit -- The Elusive Editing Gene

A talent for writing does not necessarily equal a talent for editing (and vice versa). Few people have the persistence and drive for perfection that leads to the ability to scrutinize every word on a page and enjoy (nearly) every moment. Since editing is so vital to the writing process, this is the brain you want to contract (no extra charge for the rest of the editor).

It Takes Two (or more)

Two Sets of Eyes -- When proofreading your own work, you tend to overlook your own mistakes. Your mind automatically fills in what it thinks should be there. The writer is too close to the material to be objective. A professional book editor can recognize the repetitions, inconsistencies, faulty logic, and other problems that are often overlooked by the writer.

Editing is actually part of the writing process. Don’t let your manuscript leave your possession without this important step.

Two (or more) readings. All manuscripts are checked for:

--punctuation

--spelling

--sentence structure

--subject and verb agreement

--proper word use

--clarity

--point of view

--redundancies

--inconsistencies

--dialogue

--flow

--format  

Color-coded Corrections
You will receive three files: two color-coded using Word's tracking feature (from first and second sets of edits), and the other "clean," with all changes incorporated. This allows you to view all editorial changes/suggestions.

Nothing But The Truth

I will realistically assess your writing skills, and I’ll tell you honestly if I feel that you need a light copy edit, a heavier developmental edit, or could benefit from more formalized writing instruction (or multiple options in between). It’s also possible that I’m not the best editor for your particular project. Which leads us to …

Matchmaker ... Make
Me A Match

There are times when our schedules don’t coincide. And there are times when I feel the subject matter might best be handled by an editor with expertise or interest in a particular genre or subject area.

I coordinate a national network of professional writers and book editors. I will provide you with direct referrals if I feel another editor has the specific expertise you need or if another editor is available within your specified timeframe. Though I do an ongoing critique, point out problems, and provide instruction in embedded comments as I edit, if I feel you’d get more “bang for the buck” with an editor who’s also a writing instructor I’ll ask you for permission to introduce you via e-mail. I will always try to give you several leads so you can make your own choice. My goal is the same as yours: the best writer/editor combination.

Note: This site represents my credentials. If I accept your manuscript I am your only editor. I do not use contractors or distribute your work to others.

Additional services include: ghostwriting, query letters, synopses, content development, critique/analysis, fact-checking and research, technical writing, indexing, tape transcription, graphic design, self-publishing assistance, book marketing.

Book Editing

Levels

In general, PROOFREADING involves the identification and correction of typographical errors, punctuation errors, misspellings, and formatting inconsistencies. It may also mean comparing two documents for uniformity.

COPYEDITING covers the same areas, but may include grammar, word usage, capitalization, word breaks, tone, and format. A copy editor may develop a style sheet to assure that certain words and styles are used consistently throughout a document (e.g., capitalizations, use of italics vs. underlining). The copy editor may also apply a publisher's house style to a manuscript.

SUBSTANTIVE EDITING (moderate to heavy) seeks to achieve clarity of subject, logic, and consistency. Confusing and awkward writing may be reworked. Sentences are analyzed for structure/syntax. Long sentences may be enumerated or separated. Repetitions (wording or writing patterns) are removed or highlighted for review. Proofreading, copyediting and substantive editing often occur simultaneously. 

FORMATTING -- When required, style revisions will be suggested or implemented (e.g., page numbers, margins, headings, spacing, indentations/paragraphs, quotes, references, citations, footnotes/endnotes).

For further descriptions regarding various levels of editing and range of rates among professional book editors, please see:
Editorial Freelancers Association

Featured Books

Fiction and Nonfiction

The Reunion

"Your expertise in putting the finishing touches on the manuscript was key to getting it sold - thank you."

VERY IMPRESSED

"Once you pick up THE REUNION, be prepared to read well into the night. Curt Autry's rich and atmospheric debut is a not-to-be-put-down book."

* * * * *

Highly recommended vampire fiction. A page-turner ! -- Lynda 

** Suzon's book was a finalist at the 2002 Independent Publisher Book Awards **

"Wonderfully personalized service. I compliment you on your friendly and prompt correspondence. With so many scam artists in the writing world, your e-mails and sample edit reassured me that I was dealing with the real thing."-- Suzon Murray.  

"Lynda has been the greatest asset to my consulting service since the debit card. She has a terrific attitude and has always been reliable and professional in spite of my ever-changing schedule. Thank you, Lynda, for living the description of excellence in customer service." (Ms. Lynn Wilford Scarborough, President -- Effective Television Communications)

"...a professional attitude and approach to editing as well as good quality of work." G. Luke, President, Blessing Our World Publishers  (fiction children's book)

"You did a great job!"

Jacqueline Stanley

Published by Houghton Mifflin. 

 ISBN 1862043906

Order from Amazon

"Lynda is one of the best editors I have ever worked with!"

Vicki Hubbard; ISBN: 0966540026 (mainstream fiction)
Order from Amazon
 

"Lynda, you are the consummate

professional—your editing work is excellent and your understanding of the minute details that brings out the beauty of a literary work (the big picture) was educational, awe-inspiring, and contagious. Thank you for your great editing work. I look forward to working with you again and again" Matthew Omaye Ajiake (Order from Amazon)

"I know that my book would never be as sharp as it is without the care you put into editing the manuscript."- Mark Spess. (Clay Animation)

Excerpt from Front Matter: "... in an organized and timely manner. Deborah Brown, GinaMaria Jerome, Lynda Lotman, Bridget McCrea, and Gael O'Keefe provided invaluable editorial assistance." Oracle Certified Professional Financial Applications Consultant Exam Guide. Order from Amazon

"I would not want to have to use someone else for editing. Lynda does such a wonderful job on our scientific publication. I depend on her editing skills to make our publication look truly professional." Kathy Lyon, Association of Avian Veterinarians, Publication Office. 

Excellent work. I thought I could slip a few poorly constructed ideas past Lynda (and myself), but she caught them and politely suggested their removal -- exactly what writers expect in a good editor -- M. Burton, Professor of Political Science, Ohio University

"Lynda went beyond the scope of our agreement. Her work was excellent! Consequently, my document was of a higher quality after her assistance, and I felt I had a partnership with her in the final document. She provided service beyond any of my expectations. I am grateful for the work she invested to make my document significantly better." Scott Thompson, Principal, Twin Groves Middle School, doctoral candidate, Roosevelt University

ADDITIONAL FEEDBACK

Mainstream and Genre Fiction

Science Fiction / Fantasy

Psychic / Supernatural

Speculative Fiction

Historical Fiction

Detective / Mystery / Crime

Inspirational 

Thriller / Espionage

Horror

Romance

Westerns

Action / Adventure

Young Adult / Juvenile

Children's

Womens / Mens Stories

Non fiction

Theses / Dissertations

Personal Essays

Biographies / Genealogies

Self-Help / How-to

Parenting

Current Affairs

Diet and Nutrition

Ethnic

Religion

Money / Finance

History / Politics

Humor / Satire

Lifestyle / Cooking / Travel

Music / Art

Creative non fiction

Before You Let Your Creation
Out of Your Hands

Publishing houses receive hundreds of submissions each day. The eyes of an in-house editor are trained to crush the weak and champion the strong. The acquisitions editor *might* give you a two-page reading before tossing your work into the slush pile. Many are tossed after one paragraph.
 

See Dale Keiger's article
  What Editors Want 

You want the agent or acquisitions editor to be captivated by your writing, not assaulted by the usual litany of mistakes commonly perpetrated by new writers. You may have a terrific story, and even have the talent to tell it, but it's your errors that will stand out to the publishing professional. 

Do you want to know what in-house editors do (and don't do)? See Michael Seidman's article:
Ask the Editor: What Editors Do

"No passion in the world is equal to the passion to alter someone else's draft" -- H. G. Wells

A manuscript should be noticed for its content and quality. Being noticed for typos, wrong word choices, fuzzy thinking, convoluted sentence structure, stiff and unrealistic dialogue, and point of view flip-flops is not the way to win friends and influence people. 

"The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat"-- Robert Heinlein

Your manuscript is the result of many months or years of hard work. Before you let your creation out into the cruel world, make sure you give it the best chance for success.
 

If you love dogs and love to write, this is your chance to tell us your best dog story. The winning essays will be published in a book and get a license for Logical Expressions' IdeaWeaver writing and creativity software ($50 value). The Grand Prize winner also receives $50 and the opportunity to be featured in a case study (great PR for freelance writers!).