Editing
Many people don’t realize there are different types of editing.
Developmental Editing. This is the type of editing I do the most. It involves finding the problems in a manuscript in terms of structure and flow to make sure it’s a clear and easy read. Sometimes, it’s also called “structural editing” or “book doctoring.” Some editors diagnose the problems and offer feedback to the author, while the author then fixes the problems.
My type of developmental editing usually involves diagnosing the problems and also fixing them. At the same time, I do a “line edit,” which includes improving (often tightening) the writing, as well as fixing grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. My goal is to deliver a manuscript that’s ready for publishing. Of course, if I think the manuscript needs sweeping changes like moving whole chapters around, I consult with you as the author first.
Ideally, authors hire me to edit each chapter as they write. In this way, they learn new skills from each edit that they can apply to the next chapter, and they prevent the necessity for sweeping changes to their manuscript.
Line Editing/Copy Editing. This type of editing involves improving the quality of the writing and fixing errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It also includes catching inconsistencies and discrepancies. It’s a lighter form of editing than developmental, as it doesn’t fix structural or flow issues. While most of my editing work is developmental, I also provide line/copy editing services.
Proofreading. This is the lightest type of edit, which does nothing but fix blatant errors of spelling, grammar, and punctuation. This is usually the final edit of a manuscript before it’s published, and it’s a good idea to have a third person (someone other than the author or editor) complete this part of the process. They will bring a “third set of eyes” to the manuscript and catch any remaining errors. Traditional publishers often proofread a manuscript a dozen times or more because it’s so easy to miss errors.
Contact me at contact at melanievotaw.com to inquire about my editing services.
“I had no idea what I was doing to get my memoir across the finish line when I reached out to Melanie. I had attempted to work with three other editors by the time I found Melanie. Each one had come up so very short from their promises that I was about to give up, but I gave it one last try. And I am so glad I did. I knew I was a good writer, but not a great writer. I have lots of room for improvement, and Melanie took the bull by the horns and drove my book to where it needed to be in order for it to create the bang I thought possible through the power of the memoir. When writing a memoir, I found it difficult to create the feeling that the pages were alive. She did that and more. I had read my story tons of times, but when I read the first 25 pages of her edit, I am not going to lie – I welled up with tears. I couldn’t quite place what she had done besides sheer magic. My words had come alive. She pulled them together and made the prose tight and vivid. My story had become something with breath and power, just what I had envisioned, but unable to do on my own. Working with her saved my memoir and has created a longing to learn more and perfect my craft in writing more. Thank you, Melanie. Thank you so much!”
~ Mark Turnipseed, author of My Suicide Race
How Does Editing Work?
If you decide you want to write your book or book proposal yourself, I can help you in the beginning stages to determine the title and focus of your book, as well as the outline. I can edit it chapter by chapter as you finish, or I can edit the entire manuscript at once.
All writers need editors. No matter how hard we try, we become myopic about our work and need an objective eye to make sure the writing is clear and interesting.
Whether you’re self-publishing or have a deadline with a traditional publisher, my goal is to present your manuscript to you in ready-to-publish form.
If you’re interested in hiring me as an editor, please email me at contact at melanievotaw.com or contact me using the online form to set up a phone appointment.
”Melanie Votaw is a gifted editor, who was able to approach my nearly completed (or so I thought) manuscript, Self Belonging, with a laser-focused eye on just what parts of the piece needed to be rearranged, removed, or tweaked to transform the book into a page-turner. Here’s what one author said, who recently looked over the piece to give me his opinion: ‘You have identified and synthesized your material in a way that I have never seen before…’ I am convinced that Melanie’s keen insights contributed enormously to this author’s experience of the material. Furthermore, in working with her, I never felt judged or criticized–instead, simply just supported in getting my message out to readers in the best way possible. Melanie was great with deadlines, efficient, and really good at what she does. Hire her!”
~ Luann Robinson Hull, author Happily Ever After…Right Now, and Self Belonging (due out in August 2020–the book that Melanie edited)