FAQs
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Because I teach how to get published in addition to doing editing and writing, I need to stay on top of what's happening in the business world now! To do that, I belong to a dozen writing groups that offer information on everything from marketing to epublishing to grammar.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
Having had 16 books published by top publishers, friends and family members frequently approached me for help on their writing, from college applications to dissertations to speeches that had to be given, et al. I was always happy to help. Then an editor friend called and asked if IÂd edit a memoir by her friend; she felt too close to the woman to do it herself. She said sheÂd pay me $2,000. IÂd never been paid for editing before, but I thought, why not? I did itÂand I enjoyed doing it immensely. So I decided to offer my services professionally. I found myself becoming quite vested in my clients works and am happy to advise them when it comes time to submit to agents and publishers. When they get published, IÂm so proud of themÂI always post it on my web site and help promote it on my Facebook page, my LinkedIn! Groups, and my many email contacts.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
Mostly I do line editing, which consists of correcting grammar and spelling, improving sentence structure, asking questions for clarification when there is confusion or a need for more information, making suggestions, etc. I do this whether its fiction or nonfiction or a screenplay. But I also do evaluations: reading the entire manuscript and writing notes to the author on overall flow and structure: where are the greatest strengths, where are the weaknesses, what needs to be to improve the work. This usually comes to two or three pages of notes. Lastly, I help clients write up their book proposals, their query letters and a synopsis of their work--essential for getting published.