Is your manuscript close, but not there yet?
You’ve invested months of focused work, rearranged schedules, and fallen asleep at your desk. The final draft is complete, and there’s a quiet sense of achievement as you begin to read it through.
But after a few chapters in, you pause. The ideas are strong, but the structure feels uneven.
A section repeats what you’ve already said, and another could be clearer.
How I can help
You’ve spent months researching your topic with the sound of your writing voice in your head, so it’s virtually impossible for you to see your work objectively. I can help you shape and strengthen your manuscript until it is submission-ready, with specific focus on:
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- Your book idea, style and structure in relation to your intended readership
- Your opening/closing ‘hook’
- The phrasing of sentences and paragraphs to ensure clarity of message
- Your overall voice and storytelling style
- Language appropriate to your intended readership
- The main point effectively conveyed in relation to your book’s message
- Your knowledge/expertise effectively conveyed
- Any holes, missing arguments, confusing ideas
- Clichés, stereotypes, mixed metaphors
- Appropriate sources cited with a complete bibliography if necessary
- Inclusive language
- Whether you are leaving ideas on the table
- Whether you need to cull
- Overall strengths and weaknesses, with suggestions on how to improve flow
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It will include:
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- Margin notes and highlights within the manuscript to illustrate key observations and suggestions
- A full Editorial Report, covering strengths, gaps, and recommendations
- A 60-minute phone or video conference review call to discuss the report, answer any questions, and clarify next steps if appropriate
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Why might you use this service?
This will suit you if:
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- You have a completed manuscript but feel overwhelmed with conflicting beta reader reports
- Your manuscript is partially complete, but you feel stuck and unclear about how to move forward
- You are a small or hybrid publisher on the lookout for a freelance developmental editor who can assist you on a project-by-project basis
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will this work for my industry?
These transformation principles apply to all professional, non-fiction content. I tailor the approach to your specific audience and industry standards.
How do you maintain my authentic voice?
Your voice is shaped by your choice of vocabulary, typical sentence structure, rhythm, and tone. I’ll work with you to tease them out while ensuring your expertise shines. Your voice will be clearer and more engaging, not replaced.
Can you guarantee my manuscript will be accepted by a publisher?
I provide professional content transformation. Publishing decisions depend on many factors, including market fit, timing, and publisher preferences. I can, however, provide you with a compelling book proposal. As it is typically the first document an acquisition editor reviews, a well-structured proposal significantly improves the chances of a positive response. You can learn more about my Book Proposal Package here.