A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. (Proverbs 25:11 ESV)
Line Editing
This is a deep dive into how you and your characters use words. While a line edit will correct glaring grammatical errors, it is more focused on how you have told the story and seeks to find ways of polishing your and characters’ voices so that your story shines with the right words and not almost right ones.
Copyediting
This is focused on the three Cs: correctness, clarity, and consistency. A copyedit will make sure that your sentences, punctuation, and spelling are all correct. Any unclear or confusing sentences and paragraphs will be marked for you, and any inconsistencies in the story will be corrected.
Proofreading
The final check before publishing, a proofread seeks to remove any errors that were missed in the previous stages of editing. This will correct spelling and punctuation errors but will not clarify confusing sentences or ensure that details are consistent throughout the story or scene.
Back-Cover-Copy Writing and Editing
Marketing copy is a key component of the success of a book, but it is arguably the hardest to write. This service allows you to select between having existing back-cover copy edited for effectiveness or having a new back-cover copy written for your book.
Claire immersed herself in my manuscript as though it was her own, painstakingly working to recommend the best suggestions that would tighten the text. I was so impressed by the level of excellence and thoroughness with every edit. By the end, I felt she knew the manuscript and my characters as well as I did. She went above and beyond expectations! I will most definitely request her services again!
Hi there.
I’m Claire, a dreamer who deals in words. I believe that stories are powerful and have the ability to change lives. Of equal importance to the characters, plot, and theme, are the words you choose to tell the story. Have you chosen the best ones? Is your voice shining through on every page? Or are grammatical errors and not-quite-right words going to distract your readers and lessen the impact your story has?
With a background in tutoring, my goal is to work with you so that you tell the best story you can, polishing your voice and freeing your manuscript of errors before you release it to the world. You have a story to tell. Are you telling it well?
I submitted my upcoming novella to others to review, before asking Claire for assistance. Claire caught so many things others did not see. Her expertise was evident in her helpful comments and suggestions. She has a deep knowledge of how to phrase things better in dialogue.
My commitment to you
Excellence
As Christians, we have the call to proclaim Jesus Christ to the world. As an editor, this means seeking to eliminate grammatical errors from a manuscript so that the published book glorifies God with its excellence.
Education
Having your manuscript edited is an opportunity to learn as it will highlight the things you tend to do as author. As your editor, my goal is to thoroughly explain the grammar rules and suggested changes made to your manuscript so that you grow in your skill as a wordsmith.
Encouragement
Getting published is scary business. You’ve released your baby, something you’ve invested years of work in, to another individual and asked them to point out errors. But there are things that you will have done well. My goal as your editor is to point out these strengths of yours even while catching typos.
I actually learned something from Claire’s edits. Sometimes when I read over edits, I don’t understand the reasoning behind why they want me to change something. She took the time to explain things in a kind and informative way. It made my story so much better.
Frequently asked questions
What editing services do you offer?
Currently, I offer line editing, copyediting, and proofreading services. I also offer back-cover-copy writing and editing. To learn more about the services I offer, visit my services page.
What genres do you edit?
I edit most things except theses and academic writing. My specialties are Christian fiction, speculative fiction, Christian nonfiction, and devotionals, and I especially love working on action, adventure, and suspense.
Do you offer free sample edits?
Short answer: yes, I do!
Slightly longer answer: I don’t offer sample edits on projects I know I won’t edit, like academic papers or theses. Your best option is to contact me and tell me about your book.
How much does an edit cost?
This depends on the type of edit, the length of the manuscript, and the editor. Some editors charge per word while others charge per hour. Edits that are more intensive, like developmental or line edits, typically cost more than copyedits and proofreads.
To see what I am currently charging, visit my services page. To get a quote, contact me.
How long does an edit take?
This depends on the length of the manuscript, how much work it needs, and the type of edit being performed. Turnaround times also vary from editor to editor.
In general, for a manuscript of 80,000 words, you can expect a developmental edit to take 8–10 weeks, a copyedit to take 6–8 weeks, and a proofread to take 4–6 weeks. But always get an estimate from your editor.
Are you a member of any editorial associations?
Yes, I am! I am a gold member of The Christian PEN, a network of Christian editors and proofreaders, as well as a member of the Christian Editor Connection, a service that connects established freelancers with authors, publishers, and agents.
You’re South African. Is that a problem?
No, it isn’t. My mother tongue is English, and I have been trained in both UK and US style guides. I believe that my nationality is an asset, as it gives me a different perspective to many in the publishing industry. Also, South African is culturally diverse, and growing up here has given me an understanding and appreciation for cultures. It also taught me how to interact with people of diverse backgrounds with repsect.
The greatest challenge I’ve come across is communicating with clients based around the world. It often looks like I send emails in the middle of the night when the reality is that it’s simply a difference in time zones.
How do I pay you?
Currently, I send invoices and receive payments via PayPal, as that has been the easiest solution for me to date.