What Type of Editing Do You Need?

Your writing project, and your editing
needs, are as unique as you are.

Developmental Editing

What is developmental editing?

If you have an idea for a book but don’t know exactly how to proceed, a developmental editor can help. A developmental editor will work with you to turn your rough notes into a story synopsis and detailed outline, giving you the tools you need to write your first draft.

What to expect from Edit A Book:

A series of communications to develop your ideas
A strategy for creating a story synopsis and chapter-by-chapter outline
Feedback on your synopsis and outline to ensure that the plot, characterization and pacing are strong—before you begin to write
A timeline for the development of your first draft

Substantive Editing

What is substantive editing?

Once you’ve completed a solid draft of your work, it’s time to step back and look at the big picture. Does the reader understand what you’re trying to say? Are there any gaps in the plot or the characters’ motivations? A substantive editor will get to the core of the story or the message, making notes on characterization, plot, setting, structure, pacing and voice. You’ll get a fresh perspective on what’s working—and what isn’t—and suggestions on how to rework your manuscript so that every scene sings.

What to expect from Edit A Book:

A written evaluation of your manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses
A strategy for fixing the sections that aren’t quite working
A phone conversation to discuss ideas and get to the heart of what needs to be done to make your story successful

Line Editing

What is line editing?

A line edit is about the details. In a line edit, the editor will go through your manuscript word by word, looking for areas that need clarification. A line editor will eliminate jargon, smooth the language, find repetition and ensure that the work is consistently compelling.

What to expect from Edit A Book:

An electronic line-by-line edit of your manuscript using Track Changes. This feature shows any changes, queries and suggestions made by the editor, right in your document.

Book Proposal Development

You have been living with your book for a long time and you know it intimately. A book proposal is a way for you to explain what your book is about to someone else—a publisher or a literary agent, for example. A book proposal should be concise, focused and compelling. It should showcase your strengths and attract attention. A book proposal is used to sell your project.

What to expect from Edit A Book:

A conversation—or more than one–to determine the key selling features of your story.
An outline for your proposal
Professional feedback from an experienced editor who has seen hundreds, if not thousands, of successful and unsuccessful proposals

A Partial Edit

If a complete edit is not in your budget right now, you may wish to have the first three or four chapters reviewed and/or edited. You will receive feedback on structure; plotting, characterization and pacing, all of which will help you pointed in the right direction.

What to expect from Edit A Book:

A conversation—or more than one–to determine the key selling features of your story.
An outline for your proposal
Professional feedback from an experienced editor who has seen hundreds, if not thousands, of successful and unsuccessful proposals

Consulting/Career Strategy

Are you interested in publishing traditionally, or self-publishing? Perhaps you’ve finished your first book, but you’re not sure what to do next. No matter where you are in your writing career, I will work with you to examine your options and help you develop a strategy for achieving your goals.

What to expect from Edit A Book:

A conversation to determine where you are in your career, and where you’d like to be.
A brainstorming session to examine a range of options for your next steps.
A written strategy that outlines your action plan.

Everyone Has a Story to Tell, And I’d Love to Help You With Yours.

Some Inspiration For You

“Everybody can write; writers can’t do anything else.”

Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic’s Notebook, (1963)

“I’ve been working with Valerie at Editabook.com as my editor for years now, and I simply cannot exaggerate how indebted I am to her for her amazing skill and talent. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every project, and her insights and suggestions always improve my manuscripts immensely. She is an invaluable and integral part of my writing process, and I cannot recommend her services highly enough.”

--Jasinda Wilder—New York Times, USATODAY, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, Amazon.com, and international bestselling author of more than 90 books.

“Valerie Gray took my broken manuscript and helped me stitch it back together into a book that was quickly acquired, a book that sold beautifully and, most important, a book that I absolutely love. Valerie is a total class act. She is a joy to work with, she knows both the craft and the business of writing, and I cannot recommend her highly enough.”

--Kimberly Stuart,author of Sugar: A Novel

“Valerie Gray is a joy to work with! Her keen insight brought into focus the problems in my manuscript that I knew were there, but could not see. Better yet, she provided concrete suggestions on how to solve them, identifying ways to strengthen the story, all while respecting my own unique vision and voice. She also calmed my panic during a very stressful time and reminded me that I can do this!”

--Roxanne Snopek,USA TODAY bestselling author

“Valerie and I have worked together on seven books, and in that time she has proven herself to be a gifted, generous, and immensely talented editor. With her elegant style and attention to detail, she is adept at guiding a book from the merest wisp of an idea to a fully realized and beautifully complete novel. I am a better writer for knowing her.”

—Deanna Raybourn,New York Times bestselling author

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Selected Portfolio

Love is Murder

You Can Do It

Sugar

Valerie Gray