EDITING

I specialize in editing memoir and fiction. I accept projects big and small, from novice writers and seasoned scribes. 

Take a look at the services described below and contact me to discuss your project. 

You've written a draft and you'd like a pair of objective eyes on it before revision, but you don't want to commit to a full edit. A manuscript evaluation is a great choice.

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I read your entire manuscript and provide a detailed editorial report (20-page average for a book-length project). A typical evaluation assesses the whole of your project with an eye toward publication. I examine structure, plot, narrative arcs, character development, dialogue, point of view, setting, language, voice, genre, description, exposition, and more. 

I provide feedback on the big picture and dig down into specific chapters or sections to discuss how they affect the whole. My evaluations identify issues and inconsistencies, point out what works well, and make suggestions for revision.

You've finished a draft, but you're so close to the trees, you can't see the forest. Maybe your manuscript needs a structural overhaul. Maybe it would benefit from refining characters and strengthening plot — but how?  Dev edit to the rescue.

A developmental edit aims to bolster the architecture of your project and sharpen your execution of it. In a dev edit, I provide you thorough editorial feedback along with manuscript edits filled with actionable suggestions to take your draft to the next level. 

A developmental edit begins with a discussion between client and editor and a look at your synopsis. Once I understand your vision for the project, I first assess the manuscript like I would in an evaluation — I examine story, voice, structure, consistency, and more. A dev edit then entails a full mark-up of your manuscript with queries pointing out issues, gems, and opportunities for improvements, along with text edits suggesting important corrections. 

I return the edited manuscript to you with an editorial letter explaining my feedback and recommendations. A dev edit done right is an explicit road map for your path toward revision. 

Your manuscript is finished and structurally sound, but you'd like to refine its language: dialogue, descriptions, clarity. Line editing is what you need. 

A line edit clears cobwebs, clutter, and confusion with one purpose in mind: that your story shine with voice and vision intact. 

In line editing, I go through your manuscript not just line by line but also at the sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter level to suggest trims, additions, and replacements. I shuffle things around so they flow better, trim excess in descriptions and dialogue, tweak language so it's just right. I focus on clarity but also on theme and pattern. I ask you questions that the reader will too and highlight any inconsistencies and imbalances. 

After a line edit, you'll probably receive a thoroughly red-lined manuscript from me. Don't worry, all that red means I've done my job and you now have a clear trail of breadcrumbs to finalize your project.

Note: A line edit is not a copy edit, which focuses on spelling, grammar, punctuation, usage, and consistency with a preferred style guide. A copy edit is usually done to polish a final manuscript prior to publication.

I am a professionally trained and experienced editor. I am available to coach you through a challenging project, copyedit your manuscript with a style guide, or proofread your content. I am also fluent in French and can assist you with translations. Contact me to discuss your project needs.

Getting Started 

Let's chat! Send me an email at jennybartoy AT gmail DOT com, and we can schedule a conversation. Most projects begin with a discussion of your project needs. For book-length edits, I ask for a project synopsis to understand your vision for the project. Then I craft a letter of agreement detailing the project scope, we commit to a timeline, and the work begins. 

Estimate and Rate

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On most projects, I can provide an estimate only after I see your manuscript or a representative sample. I require half of payment up front and the second half (adjusted if needed) upon delivery of my work. I follow the editorial rates listed on the EFA website. I bill hourly in quarter-hour increments, unless we've agreed on a fixed price.

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Format and Style​

I provide edits in Microsoft Word with Track Changes or in Google Docs with the Suggesting function, depending on your preference. I am trained in using the Chicago Manual of Style favored in literary publishing. 

Referrals

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Most editors recommend that you get a different set of eyes on your manuscript for each stage of editing (dev/line edit, copy edit, proofread). Editors are human and fallible, and this helps to catch errors that a professional too familiar with your project might miss. I'm happy to recommend editors for your project's next phase.