Common Editorial Tips

Writers often ask what are the most common tips an editor can provide to improve writing? I've asked this question myself, and there are several resources to consider; Stephen King's On Writing and Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott are two of my favorites. I have also been fortunate enough to work with a successful literary agent as an intern over the past 1.5 years, who has imparted much wisdom to me on this topic.

Below are three important tips you may find helpful as you revise your magnum opus:

Showing Versus Telling: I have been guilty of "telling" my audience so much, especially when I first started writing. And sometimes "telling" is important as it can be a way to provide our readers with valuable information. However, "showing" our readers a situation evokes feeling and imagination, which is going to enrich your story and engage your reader so much more than "telling" ever could. Use strong descriptors to paint the scene and what the character sees and feels.

Reduce Your Use of Adverbs: Cross out the word "very" every time you use it. Adverbs are helpful, but they also give off a sense of laziness. Is your character "very angry" or "spitting nails she's so mad"?

Pacing: How fast or slow your plot moves can be the death of a great story. Pacing is so important, but what is the best way to keep the pace when writing? The best advice I've ever received on pacing is this: make sure at least three things are happening in every chapter to drive your story forward. Use the characters, the setting, and plot points to engage the reader and keep his/her interest.

For more tips, follow this blog or reach out to me personally on Facebook or via email at scribblerservices@gmail.com. If you are having trouble getting representation for your project, a developmental edit may be what you need. Contact me - I'd love to help!


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What I Offer

First, and foremost, I am an authors' editor. As an authors' editor, I work for the author, not any publishing houses or literary agents. I work with new, unpublished, and established authors to identify concerns and provide creative solutions to resolve those concerns.

Have you written a novel but aren't getting much traction when you query agents? Are you getting requests for partials or fulls but then getting rejections? A developmental edit may be what you need. 

Developmental editing does not address grammatical errors or other copy editing concerns. It addresses the story and what is moving the story forward or keeping it stagnant. There may be characters who need more development or are not necessary. There may be an undercurrent in the manuscript which is not fully fleshed out. There may historical or cultural references which may need clarity, especially in a climate where diversity and accuracy is so important. A developmental edit can identify these issues and more and offer suggestions on how to fix them. Developmental editing gets to the root of your story and makes sure it's growing in the way the author wants.  

I offer the following with a developmental edit: 

1. A meticulous, comprehensive edit of your manuscript with multiple readings to ensure full understanding of the story at its core.
2. Detailed feedback regarding plot, character, pace, tone, and engagement - what works and what doesn't. 
3. Suggestions on how to improve what is not working as well as guidance on topics which may be historically inaccurate or culturally insensitive.

So, why should you hire me? I am highly organized, efficient, and college-educated. I have studied English, Theatre (specifically Playwriting), and Classical Languages. I have written three novels, which have yet to be published, and I am a published poet and playwright. I have been an intern and assistant for a successful west coast literary agent, who has taught me so much about the publishing industry, the publication process, and editing for publication. I also have been mentored by a successfully published Young Adult author and an editor with an imprint at Penguin Random House, both of whom provided excellent guidance and invaluable advice along my journey.

I provide feedback typically within 4-6 weeks from the receipt of payment. I do require payment upfront, but my rates are well-priced as I understand developmental editing is an extra - though often necessary - expense authors must incur. 

The standard pricing for developmental edits is $10+ per page, which can mean thousands of dollars out of pocket. However, I offer significant discounts due to my own experience as a writer working on a budget. I also frequently offer promotions, which provide additional opportunities for savings as well. 

Below is my current price list:

• Non-Referral: $7 per page on first project with a discount on future projects.
• Referral: $5 per page on first project with a discount on future projects. 

Please email me at scribblerservices@gmail.com for more information about availability and other author services I provide. Also, visit my Facebook page to keep an eye out on specials coming soon. Please like the page if you like what you see!

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