Book Editing, Specializing in Developmental Editing

Developmental Editing

You have an idea for a book, but nothing written. Or your manuscript is partially written and you need assistance in bringing it to completion. Or you've completed a manuscript but are uncertain about how it reads. If this is your situation, I will guide you in completing your book.

As a developmental book editor, I help authors conceptualize, organize, and rewrite their manuscripts. No matter what stage you're at, I will help you develop your manuscript to its fullest potential.

I'll consult with you, review your manuscript, and provide you with a detailed written evaluation. We will work together to decide what your book needs to be successful and what steps we will take to reach that goal. By providing you with outlines, questions, and carefully edited drafts, I'll guide you through the writing process. My goal is not to impose my vision on your book, or to change your content or voice, but to help you create the best possible book—one that says what you want to say, in the most effective way possible.

Here are several examples:

I assisted author Irene Masiello in reorganizing and rewriting her account of how her elderly parents were exploited by their caregivers and robbed of their savings. This involved developing a new chapter structure for the book, streamlining the narrative by trimming excess material, and creating a more direct and readable storyline.

I helped I helped author Tom Jacobs rework the structure and direction of his book on teen crime to take a fresh and more effective approach. The book shifted from a narrative account of individual crimes to an interactive format that involved the reader in evaluating and judging each case. They Broke the Law—You Be the Judge: True Cases of Teen Crime (Free Spirit Publishing, 2004) was a ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Finalist and won awards from the American Library Association/Young Adult Library Services Association.

Dan Russo grew up sexually confused in Newark, N.J. in the late 1950s and early 60s. One evening his cousin told him about the underground gay scene in downtown Newark, and a door to a secret world opened for Dan—one that revolved around sexual freedom and a cast of unforgettable bohemian characters, until it vanished forever in the riots and social revolution of the late 1960s. I assisted Dan in reorganizing, rewriting, and developing new material for his memoir Downtown.

Tommy Mack: An Appalachian Childhood captures Tom Dixon’s tumultuous experience of growing up poor in the coalfields of southwestern Virginia during the 1950s and early 60s, where the darkness of poverty and alcoholism was alleviated by the enduring joys of childhood and family. I provided developmental editing services for Tom’s memoir.

I collaborated with nationally recognized experts on resilience and conflict resolution to produce two award-winning books for young adults. I selected and edited the personal essays for the anthologies, wrote the introductory material, and was lead writer in creating accompanying teachers' guides. The Struggle to Be Strong has sold over 40,000 copies since publication, while The Courage to Be Yourself has sold about 25,000 copies.

I assisted author Jim Charette in reorganizing and developing his self-help book, The Answer Is Yes: But First You Have to Ask.

I assisted author John Miczak, founder and clinical director of the National Institute for Resiliency and Wellness, in expanding and reorganizing Healing the Body, Mind, and Spirit: Groundbreaking Approaches in Working with Stressed and Traumatized Youth.

Fiction Editing

I’ve edited numerous novels and short stories for clients. I will provide you with a detailed critique that evaluates your characters, plot, themes, writing style, and organization. My concrete and constructive suggestions will help you produce a professional, convincing, and well-written book. You can make the suggested changes on your own or with my assistance.

Copy Editing

Your manuscript is complete, but you need a professional edit to make sure it's correct. I will correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and make minor changes in style to improve the overall clarity and readability of your manuscript. I am familiar with Chicago, APA, and MLA style.

Website Writing and Editing

I will evaluate your website content and make suggestions for how it could be revised and rewritten. I assisted the Fund for Social Change, the Academy for Educational Development, and Youth Communication/New York in reorganizing and rewriting their websites. I assisted the American College of Education in developing their online curricula for graduate students.