Developmental Story Editing
Content Line Editing
Proofreading
Hello! I am so glad you are here. I know that often after you have finished writing, you aren't sure what the next step should be. That's okay because I will help you figure that out and help get your book to the point you can publish it exactly as you pictured! Please take a look at the services I offer, and feel free ask any questions.
SERVICES
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#1: Simple Developmental Story Edit:
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Sometimes when you have finished your first draft, you need a new set of eyes to make sure what you think is on the page, is really on the page! I tell clients this is like a glorified beta read. Yes, you can get friends to read for you, but you will usually just get a "It's good!" or "I like it!" when you're looking for more. It's hard to get an unbiased opinion from somebody you know, and that's where I come in.
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For this kind of an edit, I look at your content. I read through your whole book and then write up a narrative that addresses the following:
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Does the pacing work? Did any sections seem slow or maybe even too rushed?
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Do the characters seem realistic? Did their conversations seem natural? Was there tension like you hoped?
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Did you get your character out of their mess like you envisioned?
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Was there a lot of redundancy in your wording?
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Were there glaring contradictions?
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Were the descriptions you wrote about locations, characters, fights, falling in love enough to paint the picture you hoped?
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Were there any gaps—maybe you thought you explained something because you've been working this story in your head for a long time, but it just didn't translate to the page?
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I am wordy, so expect to get multiple pages in return with lots of thoughts—things that caught my attention, phrases I loved, and parts that could be tweaked, or questions I had as a reader for you to go back and work on.
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I always ask you ahead of time what your questions are: maybe there is a scene you are trying to perfect and you need a few thoughts, maybe you aren't sure if you main character really comes across the way you are hoping. Whatever it is, we will definitely chat beforehand to make sure we cover all those bases and get you on your way to your next edits!
#2: Content Line Edit:
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I always tell authors a line edit is best after a few rounds of self-edits and a beta read or two. For this edit, I take your manuscript and edit out to the side of the document directly where there should be changes — in the margins. This differs from a Developmental Story Edit because these suggestions are made directly on the document in the margins where there is an issue.
Things I look beyond the Developmental Story Edit for include:
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Redundant verbiage
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Questions about character actions/descriptions/ dialogue
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Parts of the story that are strong/weak
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Suggestions on specific text to help it flow or read better
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Does the pacing work? Did any sections seem slow, or maybe even too rushed?
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Do the characters seem realistic? Did their conversations seem natural? Was there tension like you hoped?
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Did you get your character out of their mess like you envisioned?
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Were there glaring contradictions?
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Were the descriptions you wrote about locations, characters, fights, falling in love enough to paint the picture you hoped?
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Were there any gaps—maybe you thought you explained something because you've been working this story in your head for a long time, but it just didn't translate to the page?
Once again, I'm wordy so you'll probably end up with lots of margin notes celebrating what is strong and suggestions of what could be a little bit better. This edit also includes a quick Word document as well—one to two pages—that give you some overall thoughts and answer any questions you sent me up front.
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*Please note that this edit does not create a final draft. It is also not proofread.
#3: Proofreading:
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Hooray! You made it to the last step: proofreading.
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This step is my chance to catch any missing words, words that have been misspelled, and missing or incorrect punctuation.
Please understand this does not include formatting or style issues. You don't want me to help you with that! It's not my expertise.
My main genres I edit are: Young Adult, Women’s Contemporary, Christian Romance, and Historical Fiction. However, always reach out and tell me what you’ve written and would like help with!
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I do not edit or proofread excessive cussing, explicit sex scenes, any rape scenes, or same-sex bedroom scenes.
What People Are Saying:
Rachel's editing provides keen insight into what I actually want to say as a writer. I find that sometimes I write about what I want to say but Rachel helps bring my writing back on point. Her notes always help me look at details I overlooked and find new avenues to explore. She's a key part of my writing process.
- JF Lee, author of Tales of the Swordmen
Rachel provides the caliber of editing insight I always wanted from a traditional publishing house. She's the kind of editor who enhances your author voice. She doesn't trample on your words or your style, but instead she helps you hone your message so your story speaks more clearly to the reader. She's so easy to work with, and true to her word on turnaround times. After searching for a great editor for years, I finally found one. Thanks Rachel!
- Barbara Hartzler, author of the Amazon bestselling Montrose Paranormal Academy series
Rachel did a great job of pointing out things to change in word choice and sentence flow that made my manuscript sparkle and shine. Her comments were extremely helpful and I'll absolutely be seeking her out on future projects.
- Amelia Sinclair, author of Christmas Road Trip
Rachel is an amazing developmental editor. She was not only timely in her responses, but her feedback was very thoughtful and relevant. Taking into consideration my concerns regarding my draft, she addressed those in addition to completing her already detailed assessment. She fully understood my vision, and was enthusiastic about working together to get my work into a better state. I would absolutely recommend working with her and I look forward to future projects together.
- Laura Langa, author of My Heart Before You and A Guarded Heart
I count myself so fortunate to have found Rachel. To be completely honest, I wasn't sure if I needed a proofreader since I'm a full-time freelance writer, but I'm so glad I went with Rachel. She not only found mistakes I'd overlooked but also offered insights that were incredibly helpful. Her attention to detail and command of language make her a phenomenal proofreader. What's more, Rachel is *so* easy to work with. I have already recommended her to other author friends of mine. If you're looking for exacting, quick, professional proofreading, you've found it in Rachel.
-Catherine Ryan Gregory, author of Virtual Travel Activities for Kids
Rachel is the best! I've worked with her for several months over the course of the first five books in my series. She's great at proofing and catching things that slip past other editors. She always has constructive suggestions and is so encouraging. Editing and proofing a book can make an author feel extremely vulnerable, but Rachel is incredibly supportive and wants you to succeed. She gets invested in the project and you can tell she cares just as much as you do about putting the best version of your story in front of readers!
-Lexie Scott, author of the Arlington Park and Drexel Academy series
CONTACT ME
To inquire/schedule services, please fill out the form below or email me directly at garber.rachel.a@gmail.com.
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Let me know your word count and your genre! Also the timeline you are looking at for starting our collaboration.
Send me the above information and the 1,000 word sample in a Google Doc or Word Doc and I will do a free sample edit to determine what kind of edit you will need. I'll turn it around in two business days and we will chat from there!
ABOUT RACHEL
I love words! I have been writing for as long as I can remember and editing constantly since college. You can find me planning our next adventure, guzzling sparkling water, and dreaming of fall. My husband, two kids, and I live in Idaho but get to the beach whenever possible.
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Thank you for trusting me with your book, I am excited to work with you!
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PLEASE NOTE:
I At the time of booking, I require 50% non-refundable deposit (via PayPal) and a signed contract. When I finish your project, I will bill you for the other 50% due. If you need to reschedule, there is a rescheduling fee of $100.00, but I'll apply your deposit toward a future booking.
If I need to cancel your booking for any reason, I'll refund your money 100% and even help you find another editor if needed. I
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I ask for three weeks for turn around on most projects. If you request a faster turn around, there will be a rush charge of 20% added.
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I work in Google Docs and Word with Track Changes but am willing to discuss other avenues!
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DISCLAIMER: Good editing and proofreading will greatly enhance your chance of success; however, my services are NOT a guarantee of five star reviews, website traffic, book sales, publication, or an agent and book deal.