JWelsh Editorial and Writing Coaching
YOUR WORDS
Even Better.
“Editing is like pruning the rose bush you thought was so perfect and beautiful until it overgrew the garden.”
― Larry Enright
Using a Professional Editor
Manuscript Evaluations and More
Writing Coaching
Publishing Has Changed. Anyone Can Self-Publish, but Should They?
Good editing can make the difference between an amateurish self-published book and a professional self-published book, one that looks like it came from a top-five publishing house. A good editor is invisible in the end product; the main goal is to help an author create a compelling, top-notch book that appeals to the target audience. Editing often means more than catching spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, and it requires experience, empathy, and (I think) a good deal of humor. After all, we should enjoy the process.
Different Types of Editing for Different Needs and Manuscripts
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Clean manuscripts only need what is called a light copy edit, which is the least time consuming (primarily fixing spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors).
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The next level of editing is a heavy copy edit or line edit, which tackles everything in a light edit plus sentence structure, tone, and consistency. Line editing helps readability tremendously.
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Developmental editing (sometimes called substantive or content editing) takes a big-picture look at a manuscript and its elements, including the very important aspects of readability and marketability. The developmental editor helps the author identify and resolve issues, such as fixing plot holes, improving dialogue, maintaining continuity, and strengthening character development in fiction. It involves assessing and strengthening the thesis, content, structure, and exposition in nonfiction. I also include line editing--specifically for increased readability--in this service because it's crucial for marketability!
Tip: Proofreading is always necessary and is done on a "printer's proof" pdf after the layout/typesetting is completed, but before the actual printing of the book. It is always more expensive to fix errors during the proofreading process than in copy editing.
Jill Welsh, Editor
I offer reasonably priced evaluations of any manuscript (actual pricing is based on the length because I read every word). My manuscript evaluations not only identify any potential problem areas, but will also offer some solid advice for addressing them. I can also provide a publishing assessment, which helps authors determine the best avenue for publishing their books.
Nonfiction and fiction manuscript evaluations, as well as developmental editing, focus on those elements unique to each form. Note that creative nonfiction, such as memoirs, should be structured more like fiction.
Fiction evaluations delve into:
> plot and story line;
> structure and theme;
> conflict and tension;
> character development;
> continuity;
> point of view/voice;
> dialogue and pacing.
Nonfiction evaluations concentrate on:
> relevant thesis;
> exposition;
> content;
> organization; and
> tone and pace.
All Authors Need a Cheerleader . . .
or maybe just a leader to help them reach their destination: a great published book. Writing coaching is unique to (and personal for) every author. Some authors need help with creating a detailed outline and a reasonable writing schedule; others want help with content or story-line development; still others just need help staying on track or a shoulder to lean on.
Writing is hard work, and, contrary to popular belief, it doesn't always have to be solitary - or lonely.
Editing Instruction
As an adjunct professor for the University of Chicago Graham School's Editing Certificate program, I taught Developmental Editing for Fiction classes and various editing seminars for five years. I also conduct private webinars and workshops on developmental editing for fiction and nonfiction upon request. I enjoy teaching writers and new editors about the process.
Tip: Both copy editing and proofreading are critical, but it is the developmental editing process with an author that can help turn a good manuscript into a great book, which is why I enjoy it so much.
―Jill Welsh
Editing fees are based on the complexity of the project and the amount of time involved. I would need to see at least an initial portion of a manuscript and have an idea of the projected word count to give an accurate estimate for editorial services. Like most professional editors, I charge on a per-word basis, depending on the level of editing required.
Writing coaching services can be purchased on an hourly basis, usually monthly.
JWelsh Editorial and Writing Coaching / ©2024 Jill Welsh