Book Editor
Book Editor
It feels euphoric to finish the first draft of your book. However, after the excitement fades you may realise that more work is needed before you can begin the publication process. If you want to be successful in an increasingly competitive market, you need a professional manuscript editor. I can help you. Not only with the words, but with the correct formatting for your chosen publisher or agent.
Book Editor Customers
Are you nervous about getting your book edited? Perhaps you are a first time author, and want to know that your work will be treated with sensitivity and care. I have worked with many first time authors, and you can see more testimonials below. I can also offer flexible payment options to suit most budgets. Contact me today!
Whether you want high quality correction of spelling, grammar, vocabulary and punctuation, something more in depth, such as a copyedit, or even a complete chop, change and reworking, you need look no further for a highly recommended service. Your work will be honed to read better, which helps to grab the attention of your readers. I will consult carefully with you, and the edit can be as basic or far-reaching as you like.
What areas and elements might a book editor look at:
Non-fiction book editor:
Besides making corrections and/or suggestions for the technical elements — spelling and punctuation, data and fact queries, numbering accuracy of footnotes and index — the editor of non-fiction will help a writer organise the manuscript for greatest impact, clarity, and readability. She will check the flow and rhythms of the manuscript. She will ensure that conclusions fit well with the whole and are well presented. She’ll look for variety in vocabulary and sentence construction and make suggestions where necessary.
She’ll make sure word choices match the intended audience in terms of knowledge and age appropriateness and suitability. She may suggest sections where an anecdote or other story might be appropriate. She’ll check to see that the style matches the subject matter. She’ll look for threads that connect chapters and sections so the manuscript reads as a cohesive whole.
Fiction book editor
For a copy edit, she’ll check your grammar, spelling, punctuation and paragraph structure, using each for maximum effect. She’ll format your dialogue also. Beyond the technical issues of grammar, punctuation, and spelling, the fiction editor will look at the punch and flow of your document. She’ll read for pace and logic and the entertainment factor, and check for repetition of vocabulary and concepts. She may suggest better word choices for your story or genre, to grab the reader’s attention.
For a more in depth edit, she’ll look for balance in setting and dialogue, action and exposition, and use dialogue to its best effect. She may also check scene and chapter beginnings, ending hooks and transitions, making sure the reader is engaged by each.
Both the fiction editor and the editor of non-fiction bring that outsider’s eye to a manuscript. They notice when and where elements don’t fit. They see that something’s missing.
As a fiction and non-fiction editor, Helen Sewell offers a bespoke service, where she will offer as much or as little of the above input as you wish.