In addition to my own writing, I also offer editing services for other writers who wish to submit their work to prospective agents or publishers, or who are preparing to self-publish their own books. Although I work primarily on book manuscripts, I will also copyedit web pages, blog posts, and newsletters.
I have a good eye, can quickly spot issues that should be fixed, and am sensitive to both the story’s style and the author’s audience.
My Background and Experience
I have graduate degrees in natural science (geology) and have authored or co-authored 16 peer-reviewed reports published in scientific journals.
I have a certificate in Technical Writing and Editing and have worked as a technical writer for several large technology companies.
The children’s picture books I’ve written, published by major U.S. publishing houses, have each won at least one award and have been chosen for best-books-of-the-year lists. I have also had poems and flash fiction published in literary journals, and science and geography articles published in kid’s magazines.
I’ve been part of a critique group of children’s writers for over twelve years; we’ve helped each other craft fiction and nonfiction picture books, early readers, chapter books, and middle-grade fiction and nonfiction. As of 2020, our small group has published over two dozen children’s books.
Services I Offer
Copyediting (fix incorrect spelling, grammar, syntax, and punctuation; fix transposed words; ensure spelling, numerals, hyphenation, capitalization, indentation, and spacing are consistent; and correct or advise about awkward or incorrect word usage)
Proofreading (copyediting to confirm intended changes from one version or proof to the next)
Fact checking of information and details—especially regarding natural sciences or technology
Formatting of manuscripts before submission to agents or publishers
Substantive editing of rhymed verse (meter, rhyme, structure, sense, readability)
In the course of the above editing I will also mark instances of repetitive material, missing words or details that impact comprehension, lapses in logic, and anything that might trip-up a reader and bring them out of the spell cast by your story…
I can most easily edit documents in Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, and Google Docs; other file formats will be considered upon request.
Payment can be made via PayPal—or other means as mutually agreed upon. Invoices are provided for all work.
Interested? Have questions about rates or other details? Contact me at: curtis[at]curtismanley[dot]com