Writing workshops available upon request for topics such as
- writing a query letter that gets you out of the slush pile
- developing characters to remember
- writing your resistance
- and revision strategies
Success Story Editorial Services
Fiction
I offer a range of services, whether it’s feedback on a chapter and a query letter to publishers or agents, or, a full developmental edit of the whole manuscript, where I provide a narrative summary of strengths, summary of areas for changes, and then line edits on each page reflecting my recommended changes. My service also includes a follow-up conference once all edits are sent.
I review the manuscript for characterization (believability, driving motivation, dialogue, arc across the story); point of view (consistency, transitions, coherence and connectedness to characterization); plot structure, flow, and key “beats” or game-changing moments; setting (world building, mood, tone, coherence); and consistency of voice (diction, style, tone, and mood).
While I don’t provide full copy editing services (fact-checking, advice regarding disclaimers and legal issues that might arise, and formal style guide edits), I do provide intensive proofreading: identification of major grammatical and mechanical issues, including punctuation. I address every sentence for issues that might impede clarity or comprehension.
I will suggest and/or provide examples for improvement but will not rewrite, revise, or ghostwrite any portion of the manuscript.
I highly recommend Lyn’s editorial services. She offered many helpful suggestions that improved the clarity. Grateful for her skills and thoughtfulness.
– Judith Brooks, Deeper Into the Garden: Meditating with Plants
Learn more about Lyn’s background and awards here.
Nonfiction
I offer a range of services, whether it’s feedback on a chapter and a query letter to publishers or agents, or, a full developmental edit of the whole manuscript, where I provide a narrative summary of strengths, summary of areas for changes, and then line edits on each page reflecting my recommended changes. My service also includes a follow-up conference once all edits are sent.
I review the manuscript for content quality (readability and audience appeal, relevance, arguments, details, imagery); structure and flow; clarity; and consistency of voice (diction, style, tone). I consider an author’s purpose and intended audience(s) and give extensive feedback on whether I see that purpose met and audience served.
While I don’t provide full copy editing services (fact-checking, advice regarding disclaimers and legal issues that might arise, and formal style guide edits), I do provide intensive proofreading: identification of major grammatical and mechanical issues, including punctuation. I address every sentence for issues that might impede clarity or comprehension.
I will suggest and/or provide examples for improvement but will not rewrite, revise, or ghostwrite any portion of the manuscript.
Fees
Depending on the project schedule and manuscript length, as well as the quality of writing, fees will vary. Typically, editing 80-100 pages, which includes line edits and a narrative summary in one full review, plus a follow-up conference, begins at $1800.
I also review smaller portions, such as the first chapters plus a query letters to agents or publishers, and/or proposals to editors and publishers. A ten-page chapter, plus a one-page query letter, might run $350, depending on manuscript quality and issues, and includes detailed feedback and a follow-up phone call.
Book a free consult for 20 minutes to tell me about your writing and goals.
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In all the recent conversations about The Cornell Seven and sexual assault, one question stays with me, and rings like a loud and rusty bell: Why didn’t anyone do anything. The period says how cynical I am. Says, Look how dulled your senses are. Why didn’t anyone do anything. This is the question 13-year-old Minerva …Read more
Minerva’s going audiobook!
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Write like it’s your last day.
Today I stared at the green-green leaves of oak and pine and hickory and I gave the breeze a listen and felt the cool surprise of a gray and rainy North Carolina May day. For a whole two minutes, I was not productive. I was not efficient. I was not worthy of the free enterprise …Read more
I’m Building a Bot, But Not for Books.
Authors are asking big questions these days, such as whether they’ll ever use AI to write a phrase or more of their books. Maybe you saw that New York Times article about the romance author who wrote 200 books last year. Yep. Did it all with AI, and proud of it. She’s teaching other people …Read more
Brand Obsessions: Definitely an ’80s Thing
Can you guess the ’80s brands? First, Some Background My novel Here Comes the Dog Parade is set in 1982. If you were around and conscious of that moment in time, let me know what you remember. There are some loosely autobiographical references in the book–basically to the body of the main character, Justine, who …Read more