Proofreading to keep readers focused on your story

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About this service

Summary

Do you want a book readers can get lost in? How about reviews that don't mention typos and inconsistencies? Maine Woods Editing can help.
I am a highly detail-oriented proofreader/copy editor able to meet tight deadlines, spot typos, find plot holes and inconsistencies, and make suggestions that respect your authorial voice. With Maine Woods Editing, you are getting a reader perspective, an editor's experience and guidance, and tips that can help you take your writing to the next level.
I have experience editing book reviews, magazines, feature articles, romance novels, nonfiction, and book blurbs. I am familiar with both AP style and the Chicago Manual of Style, and I'm a proficient user of Microsoft Word. Since leaving Kirkus Reviews magazine and starting Maine Woods Editing, I have helped eight authors polish seventeen books. Will yours be next?

FAQs

  • What genres do you edit?

    I specialize in romance but will edit any genre I read frequently: historical fiction, humorous realistic fiction, time travel, fairy-tale remakes, action/adventure, and some fantasy/science fiction. I also recently completed a nonfiction anthology. Your genre not listed? Drop me a line and we can chat. I may be able to help or recommend another editor.

  • What types of editing do you do?

    I do copy editing and proofreading and work with content that is already on the page—I am the final step between you and the reader. If you need developmental or line edits, I do have an editor that I have worked with frequently and can recommend.

  • How does the process work?

    Step one is to send me your manuscript so I can provide a free sample edit of about 1,000 words and quote you a rate for editing. If we decide to work together after the sample edit, we will look at the calendar and find a date that works for both of us. I will send you a contract to sign that includes the price and scope of the work and invoice you. A $50 nonrefundable deposit (deducted from your final total fee) will reserve your date in my schedule. Half the fee is due before work begins. The remainder is due when I email you that your manuscript is complete. Once payment has been made in full I will return your manuscript and style sheet. If you need a payment plan, please reach out.

  • As an editor, how do you respect my voice and writing style?

    I never forget that this is not my book. This is your book that you are sharing with me and asking for my help polishing. I will make edits, comments, suggestions, and even explain grammar rules throughout your manuscript, keeping in mind your writing style and the voices of your characters. But it's always your choice to accept or reject any changes or suggestions.

  • What's your turnaround time?

    Turnaround time varies based on the type of editing, how much editing is needed, and the word count of the manuscript. If I am doing my two rounds of copy editing back to back, it typically takes under a week for a short story or novella (under 30K), a week for a longer text (30K-60K), and two weeks for the longest manuscripts (60K+). If you'd like your manuscript back between rounds, you'll need to add your time with the manuscript to the total time the copy edit will take. These timelines, of course, are based on an ideal world and are not guaranteed, but I do my best.

  • How do you protect my privacy?

    Neither your identity nor your work will be disclosed to any third parties without your permission.

  • Talk to me about Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    I do not use AI in my editing. When you hire me, you hire my experience and my expertise, not a computer's. I also will not run/feed any portion of your manuscript through any AI program. I prefer not to work on manuscripts that have had portions written by AI. (Editing programs like Grammarly are fine. Those don't generate your content.)

What's included

  • Edited file

    You will receive a Word file with all changes tracked and comments in the margin noting suggestions in line with your authorial voice, writing tips, grammar rules, well-written passages, and items needing attention.

  • Editorial report and style guide

    This Word document brings together any margin notes in one place, so you can use it as a guide in writing future books. In the editorial report portion, I'll note grammar and punctuation rules, writing tips, and issues that need to be addressed in your manuscript. The style guide portion lists specifics about your book/series: character and place names and descriptions, a word list, timeline details, style preferences, and formatting choices. Having all these details at your fingertips will make it easy to ensure that books in a series are consistent.

  • Guide to using Word's Track Changes

    This document gives first-time Track Changes users instructions for using this Word tool and a safe place to practice those skills (not their edited manuscript).


Skills and tools

Copy Editor

Proofreader

Adobe Suite

Adobe Suite

Canva

Canva

Google Docs

Google Docs

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word

Industries

Publishing