Services

The focus of substantive editing is big picture analysis. I will review your entire manuscript from a high level perspective. Attention is on overall structure, not line edits.

I will attend to issues such as: Is the writing suited to the intended audience? Is there a logical flow to the content? Does the structure/arc make sense and invite the reader to turn the page? Are there plot holes or awkward transitions? Are your characters believable and fully developed?  Is there consistency of theme, voice, and style? 

Choose a high level Editorial Assessment or a more detailed Developmental Edit. Assessments are done in writing and can include an optional phone call or videoconference.  I can also provide a followup edit after revisions are completed.

I provide substantive editing for narrative nonfiction and novels for adults, young adults, and middle grade readers, as well as for picture book text.

This is an in-depth line-by-line edit of the manuscript to eliminate wordiness, tighten the writing, and create a better reader experience. It should be performed when your manuscript has been critiqued, revised, and polished.

This type of edit goes much deeper than proof reading. I will read your manuscript for consistency, cohesion, clarity, rhythm, diction, and flow at the word/sentence/paragraph level. I will also edit for grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation, inconsistencies in style and formatting, and other fine points. Once your manuscript has been copy edited, it will be more efficient, cohesive, and focused on your voice.

If I think your work needs substantive editing, I'll let you know quickly and point you in a different direction.

This service includes am editorial letter and in-manuscript edits,  comments, and suggestions.

I copyedit narrative nonfiction and novels for adults, young adults, and middle grade readers, as well as picture book text.

Stuck with your book project? I can help get you back on track with personalized one-on-one coaching, editorial feedback, and mentorship.

We can work out a structure for coaching that works inside your time and budgetary constraints and serves to move your work forward.

I provide written critiques, video conferencing, and writing exercises to develop your writing skills and strengthen your works-in-progress. I will also point you toward mentor texts where you can discover for yourself how other writers do what you aspire to.

I coach people who are new to writing fiction and nonfiction for children and young adults, including picture book writers.

To ensure your work is ready for submission or publication, I double-check everything. 

I’ll make sure that your pages are free from spelling mistakes, grammar errors, missing punctuation, and other typos that could spoil a reader’s enjoyment of your writing. I will also attend to aesthetic elements like fonts and page design.

I am available to proofread books, academic papers, business documents, web copy, etc.

I am available to present - live or via an online platform - on:

Storytelling: The Art of Altering the Discourse 

(1-hour workshop)

Who’s Got the Power? Secrets, Lies and Deception as Survival Strategies for Child Characters in Conflict Zones 

(1-hour lecture)

Introduction to Writing for Children (6-session course)

Other topics upon request.

Maureen's current 6-week introductory course on picture book writing is at capacity and closed for registration.

Watch this space for future classes.