Nonfiction Book Editing
As a developmental nonfiction book editor, I provide holistic, big picture feedback. This is different than a copy editor who focuses on grammar or syntax. Developmental editing can be helpful when you have a first draft of a book, but it's not polished yet and you'd like some feedback before you submit it to your publishing house for review. Think of me as your creative partner as you refine your manuscript.
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Intro call
The Editorial Letter
Manuscript Consult
In this free 30-minute phone or video call, you share background on your book process and we determine whether we're a good fit as collaborators. If so, we sign a contract and you send me your first draft.
Edit turnaround depends on manuscript length. I leave notes the margins of your draft and provide you with a comprehensive editorial letter outlining story strengths, structural flaws, and actionable next steps.
We connect in an optional 45-minute call to follow up on any questions or concerns you may have after reading the marginal comments and the editorial letter.
Role: Consulting Story Editor & Researcher
Project: "The Other Side of Change," a nonfiction book about how we can find meaning in the tumult of change
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In the book's early stages, I consulted on structural edits of a few key chapters of the book and contributed additional research and copy editing. The book became an instant New York Times bestseller.
Recent work
Role: Story Editor
Project: "Wild and Precious: A Celebration of Mary Oliver," an audiobook
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I worked closely with reporter and producer Helena de Groot to restructure the audiobook's introduction and find a new approach to unveiling sensitive biographical details about Mary Oliver, the subject of the book. The project was narrated by actress Sophia Bush and won an Audie award. It was also a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize.