Editing

Developmental Editing for Novels

We are published novelists with years of teaching under our belts that make us the perfect coach for that story you’re dying to tell. Here’s what you can count on during our work with your novel.

• Narrative arc. We can help you build the intro hook that will get your reader interested. We’ll spot how you can work that theme throughout the plot. And we’ll make sure all the threads lead to the book’s climax.
• Character development. For a story to work, readers need to feel they know your characters. We can spot holes in the narrative where you can slip in description, and we also know what kinds of conflicts work best in your character’s development.
• Setting creation. All novels require a setting in which the characters develop and thrive. World-building is a skill that can bring your story out of the darkness and into the light. Let us show you how to use your senses to create a world your readers will believe.
• Dramatic structure. Stories rely on different types of dramatic structure, depending on the goal of the story. Let us show you a step-by-step process that will make it easier for you to organize and execute your story.

We analyze your story, help you rewrite sections, suggest changes or additions/deletions to strengthen the story, line-edit your work, and assist in developing a publishing plan. And we’ll hold your hand throughout the entire process. We are your coach!

Memoir and Creative Non-Fiction

Memoir is one of the hottest literary genres thanks to Frank McCourt (Angela’s Ashes) and Mary Karr (The Liar’s Club). The range of subject matter involved in creative non-fiction is endless; virtually any topic is fair game. We can help you develop the original concept, edit a completed manuscript, or re-purpose other materials (blog posts, papers, journals) into a cohesive narrative.

Our feedback will include granular “Review” level notes in the manuscript document and overall thematic and structural comments that we will share with you in a summary critique. We treat your work objectively and organically. We help you develop the story so it is true to itself, highly original but accessible to a larger audience.

Business Books

We have extensive experience working with companies and individuals. Many of our clients use a business book as a way to demonstrate thought leadership in a particular industry, or to support a professional speaking career or independent consulting practice. Business topics we have worked on include: cloud computing, artificial intelligence, project management, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital investing, social media selling, human resource strategies and social enterprise development.

Additional Editing Expertise

• Poetry
• Children’s Literature
• Travel Writing
• Feature Writing
• Essays