I love editing. I’m as passionate and excited about editing as writers are about writing. I thoroughly enjoy the process and like nothing more than helping a writer tell the story she’s trying to tell. I firmly believe that your story is yours, but that doesn’t mean I won’t cheerfully argue with you about word usage, punctuation, plot points, and characterization! I have lots of practice at it, too: over twenty years of experience editing for writers, both aspiring and published; and a Bachelor of Arts with Honors degree in English.
I have worked closely with Ms. Mullin for more than ten years, and every project she has edited for me has been improved beyond measure due to her deft touch, wise advice, and keen eye. She has a deep love for the written word and that love is reflected in her professional approach toward editing and in the dedication she brings to the authors she works with.
— Jamie Scofield
How does this process work?
Contact me using the form at the bottom of this page, indicating that you’re interested in having your manuscript edited. We’ll talk on the phone, via Skype, or in person (if you’re local), and talk about what you’re hoping to accomplish with your manuscript, the length and genre of the manuscript, and what kind of editing you’re looking for.
After we’ve met and decided we can work together, you’ll send me the first five pages of your manuscript so I can get a feel for your writing style and make sure that we’re on the same page about what kind of editing the manuscript needs. Then I’ll email you a contract detailing the specifics: what type of editing has been agreed upon, the projected completion date, and my fee. After I receive the signed contract and deposit, I’ll begin editing the manuscript.
What will you edit?
Nearly anything. I specialize in fiction, but I’m happy to edit, format, and proof nonfiction as well, including professional papers, presentations, masters and doctoral theses, business marketing materials, query letters, etc.
Ms. Mullin’s expertise with grammar, mechanics, and story construction made me more confident in my work. She is thorough and consistent in her advice and has an eye for detail that has helped me catch both characterization and plot errors. I look forward to working with Ms. Mullin again and highly recommend her services.
— Gayle Francis Moffet
What won’t you edit?
Hate speech manifestos of any sort, no matter the format or topic. Anything illegal.
Editing service types
Content (developmental) editing
Content editing is done at the story level, discussing plot, characterization, pacing, chronology, narrative arc, and point of view, among other topics.
Copy editing (line editing)
Copy editing is the process of editing a manuscript line-by-line, focusing on punctuation, grammar, syntax, clarity, word choice, and tone. It is a very time-intensive process, and is best done after the manuscript has been completely edited for content by the author and a professional editor.
All copy editing is done electronically using the track changes function in Word or LibreOffice.
Proofreading
This is the final check before your manuscript is released into the wild. Proofreading makes sure there aren’t any major layout issues or missing items (e.g., chapters, pages, graphics, tables) or glaringly obvious mistakes. It is not a copy edit for punctuation, typos, grammar, etc. This is the last look before sending it off to be printed.
Fact checking
Fact checking is exactly what it sounds like: checking that information is correctly transcribed from the original source (the data in tables are correct, the URL given goes to the right page, names are spelled correctly, citations are correct, etc.).
What will it cost?
Contact me using the form below to get started.