There are a number of stages that go into making a book. Depending on the nature of the project, the stage at which we connect will vary. Some clients will come to me with an exact idea of what they want done, while others are looking for more guidance.
Services:
Substantive or structural editing: Shaping a piece on a larger scale. In fiction this includes plotting, pacing and use of characters. This is a broad process in which the editor brings his skills and experience to bear on sculpting their work. In non-fiction, of course, there are also issues in structure and pacing that may need to be worked out. Here we help the author unearth and deploy a “voice” that reflects who they are and what they want to say. I can offer:
Copy editing: Ensuring the basics of good writing: grammar, style, punctuation, spelling, formatting. And may sometimes include fact-checking. This step is essential in producing an irreproachably professional piece of work. If you are self-publishing, you want your work to be as polished as anything put out by a major publishing house. If you’re submitting to publishers and agents, getting accepted is like winning the lottery, and you can’t afford not to put your best foot forward.
Design, layout, book production: How the page reads, what the cover says about the story inside, how photos are displayed. I have extensive experience in interior layout and a network of extremely talented designers for cover or interior design, well versed in current trends and latest technologies. I have dealt with printers and their requirements during my entire career and can help you with the technical requirements of bringing your book to print or the web.
Submission package: Getting the attention of a publisher or agent is a difficult task, but a solid query package can go a long way in moving your submission up the pile. It is essential that these be of the highest quality, or you won’t get a foot in the door. I have seen literally thousands of these letters, synopses and summaries and can guide you in the best way to present your work.
Proofreading: An oft-overlooked but crucial step for finding errors and inconsistencies. Even after an intensive copy edit, there is always the chance that a few errors linger or have been introduced at the design stage. Proofreading is the last line of defense between a perfect book and an embarrassing one.
Services:
Substantive or structural editing: Shaping a piece on a larger scale. In fiction this includes plotting, pacing and use of characters. This is a broad process in which the editor brings his skills and experience to bear on sculpting their work. In non-fiction, of course, there are also issues in structure and pacing that may need to be worked out. Here we help the author unearth and deploy a “voice” that reflects who they are and what they want to say. I can offer:
- Full substantive editing services.
- Substantive evaluations, meaning reading a piece and making recommendations for changes. (A less invasive procedure)
- Evaluating manuscripts for publishers and agents.
Copy editing: Ensuring the basics of good writing: grammar, style, punctuation, spelling, formatting. And may sometimes include fact-checking. This step is essential in producing an irreproachably professional piece of work. If you are self-publishing, you want your work to be as polished as anything put out by a major publishing house. If you’re submitting to publishers and agents, getting accepted is like winning the lottery, and you can’t afford not to put your best foot forward.
Design, layout, book production: How the page reads, what the cover says about the story inside, how photos are displayed. I have extensive experience in interior layout and a network of extremely talented designers for cover or interior design, well versed in current trends and latest technologies. I have dealt with printers and their requirements during my entire career and can help you with the technical requirements of bringing your book to print or the web.
Submission package: Getting the attention of a publisher or agent is a difficult task, but a solid query package can go a long way in moving your submission up the pile. It is essential that these be of the highest quality, or you won’t get a foot in the door. I have seen literally thousands of these letters, synopses and summaries and can guide you in the best way to present your work.
Proofreading: An oft-overlooked but crucial step for finding errors and inconsistencies. Even after an intensive copy edit, there is always the chance that a few errors linger or have been introduced at the design stage. Proofreading is the last line of defense between a perfect book and an embarrassing one.
For more information and my thoughts on self-publishing, please read the special section on this site.
