Beyond the Page: A True Partnership
Developmental editing is a highly collaborative and transformative process. It's the stage where we move beyond the simple act of writing and begin to build a work of art with a solid, compelling foundation. This type of editing doesn't focus on typos or grammar; instead, we look at the big picture—the heart, soul, and structure of your non-fiction manuscript. This is where we take the rawness of your lived experience and elevate it into a masterful work of art that creates lasting impact in the world.
I'm here to be a compassionate and knowledgeable partner, offering a fresh perspective on the work you've poured so much into. My goal is to help you see the full potential of your vision, providing gentle, actionable guidance that empowers you to revise with a clear direction. This is about more than just offering suggestions, edits, and perspective - it's about celebrating what's working and building a clear path forward so your message can truly land with your readers.
The act of writing and sharing your work takes incredible courage.
My process is designed to honor that.
I’m committed to creating a space where you feel completely safe and respected, because building a partnership based on trust is my top priority. You are the expert on your own work, and I’m here to listen deeply and support your vision. Our collaboration will always uphold your voice and your choices, I will always provide my perspective and honesty. My goal is that throughout this process you gain the unshakeable confidence to not only complete your book, but bring your vision to life. I want you to feel so proud and in love with your genius work of art that you are jumping out of your seat with excitement to share it with the world.
I am passionate about working with you on your non-fiction book that is rooted in a personal journey or a deeply-held purpose.
My expertise lies in helping authors write on topics such as:
•Memoir & Personal Narrative - telling a true story from the author's life, using personal experience to explore a central theme or message.
•Spiritual & Self-Help - offering guidance and wisdom to help readers achieve personal transformation, inner growth, and a deeper understanding of themselves.
•Wellness & Mindfulness - providing practical and philosophical insight into physical, mental, and emotional health, with an emphasis on present-moment awareness.
•Narrative Non-Fiction - using storytelling techniques, such as plot and character development, to present factual events and information in an engaging and compelling way. This includes exploring unconventional theories and non-mainstream perspectives to question established beliefs and present a different worldview.
•Poetry - an artistic and creative form of writing to express feelings, ideas, and experiences through rhythm, meter, and vivid imagery.
Services I Offer:
Assessing Your Core Concept and Argument
This is the first step in ensuring your manuscript has a strong, clear heartbeat. We'll dive into your central concept to determine if it's clear, compelling, and ready to resonate with your intended audience. We will confirm that your book has a focused mission, a cohesive message, and a unique perspective that sets it apart.
Evaluating Structure and Flow
The structure of your book is like the scaffolding of a building. It's what holds everything together. We'll look at the organization of your manuscript, from the big-picture flow of ideas down to the chapter level. We will identify any areas where content might be misplaced, redundant, or in need of more depth to create a smooth, logical, and engaging experience for your reader. The goal is to make sure every piece of the puzzle is in its proper place and contributing to the whole.
Honing Tone and Style
Your tone and style are your unique fingerprint as an author. While this is not a line-by-line edit, we will assess if your voice is consistent and appropriate for your topic and intended audience. We'll look at the overall feel of the manuscript to ensure that your personality and intended message shine through, creating a cohesive and professional work that truly represents you. I will also provide in-line comments and suggestions to help you rephrase, condense, and refine your sentences for greater clarity and impact.
Pacing and Clarity
Pacing is the rhythm of your narrative. We will examine how the content is presented, helping you ensure that it maintains an engaging pace. We'll look at where to build a compelling case and where to provide moments of reflection that deepen the reader’s understanding. This is about finding the right cadence for your unique message so it feels natural and engaging.
Providing Comprehensive Editorial Reports
The cornerstone of my service is the detailed editorial report. This is not just a summary; it's a thoughtful and actionable letter that outlines your manuscript's strengths and weaknesses. It provides concrete suggestions for improvement, helping you understand why certain changes are being suggested and how they will elevate your work. This report serves as your personalized roadmap for revision.
Guidance for Outlining and Planning
For projects still in their infancy, I can provide a gentle hand in shaping your ideas. We can work together to conceive your topic, plan the overall structure, and develop a solid outline from the very beginning. This foundational work can help prevent creative blocks and provide a clear vision for the writing process ahead.
What I Do Not Offer:
My focus is on the foundational, "big-picture" elements of your non-fiction manuscript. Therefore, I do not provide the following services:
•Proofreading (Spelling & Grammar)
•Ghostwriting
•Re-writing significant portions of the manuscript
