Editing & Formatting
“I have a confession to make. I LOVE editing. It's my favorite part of the process. There's nothing like seeing a great story develop into something phenomenal.”
How may I help your manuscript shine?
Developmental Editing
Let's look at the big picture
This is where we look at everything in the smallest detail. Big picture, plot, pacing, overall arc + romantic arc (if needed), show verses tell, opening and closing chapter hooks, dialog beats, sentence structure, flow, word choice, general grammar while keeping a hold of the author's voice.
I work in Microsoft Word with track changes turned on. When you get the manuscript back, you can look at each suggestion and approve/reject one at a time, or click on 'accept all' to adopt all the changes at once. I give advice in-line within your manuscript, and then give overall comments at the end of the job.
Please email me to check pricing and availability.
Writing Craft Coaching
Need help with craft? Do you understand concepts like: 'Show don't tell', Opening and Closing Hooks, Dialog Pacing, White Space, Deep Point of View (and yes, there are others)?
Coaching is both an introduction to these concepts, and explanation of not only how, but why these things are necessary.
Coaching is meant to help the author reach the coveted 'can't put it down' level of writing.
Coaching is hourly, because I'm never sure how much help a client will need. I offer deep dive edits (including coaching) on your first 1-5 chapters to help authors decide if they want a developmental edit, or if they need help with craft.
Please email me to check pricing and availability.
First Chapter Review
This is a serious DEEP DIVE edit
Not sure what you need? Let's start with a smaller chunk for a deep dive evaluation!
A detailed look at everything that can be improved in your first chapter(s), explaining both the how and the why — introducing concepts you can apply throughout your manuscript to strengthen the entire text: show don't tell, opening and closing hooks, dialog pacing, white space, deep point of view, and more.
Please email me to check pricing and availability.
Book Formatting
I've been formatting freelance since 2017 and have done everything from general novel formats, to big scale coffee table picture books and finance books. ALL WITH A 100% ERROR-FREE UPLOAD RATE!
Ebook and print formats available, for general novels, picture-heavy books, manga, non-fiction, horror, memoirs, and textbooks.
Rates start at $175 for a standard fiction book (no pictures, no block quotes). Picture placement beneath chapter numbers: $1 per chapter. Custom spacer image: $5 (unlimited use of the same image). Email for a custom quote.
The three types of edits, in order
Step 1
Developmental / Substantive Edit
Big picture, plot, pacing, overall arc + romantic arc (if needed), show verses tell, opening and closing chapter hooks, dialog beats, sentence structure, flow, word choice, general grammar while keeping a hold of the author's voice.
The longest, most labor-intensive, and typically most costly phase.
Step 2
Line Edit / Copy Editing
Sentence structure, flow, word choice, general grammar while keeping a hold of the author's voice, light proofread.
Fine-tuning after developmental work completes.
Step 3
Final Proofread
Reading slowly, checking for punctuation and correct spelling.
Done after all changes, before formatting and publication.
Why don't I offer proofreading? Because I'm super honest, and I am a HORRIBLE proofreader. My eyes rearrange letters, making typo detection nearly impossible — though I do catch some during other editing work.
What clients say
“Jennifer is a very detailed, professional editor who helped shape and perfect my manuscript. Because of her efforts, I had seven agents ask for the whole manuscript. She worked fast and efficient and delivered everything I had hoped for and more. Top notch service!”
“I have had the pleasure of working with Jennifer Eaton for my two novels: The Launderer and The Dryer. Her experience and diligence in reviewing every aspect of my writing were very valuable to me. Her many corrections and comments made my achievements stand out so much more because she correctly pointed areas that needed more description, characters' feelings that weren't sufficiently expressed and items that didn't flow well with the story. I really appreciated Jennifer authenticity and frankness in giving me the feedback that I needed to get to the finish line. I would recommend Jennifer to both beginners and experienced authors that want their work to stand out more prominently.”
“Jennifer is a professional in every sense of the word…”
Free writing tips for authors
These lessons live on the Starlog. If you're writing, Jennifer recommends going through every Gold Mine Manuscript lesson — even if you don't think you need it.
Get Your Manuscript Past The Gatekeeper
This series is written by a slush pile reader. She shows you the errors she saw in actual submissions, and gives tips on how to not make the same mistakes!
Gentle Tell is NOT okay in your submitted manuscript!
A one paragraph slapping I received from an editor. (Show Verses Tell training)
Gold Mine Manuscript
Analysis of a manuscript red-lined by a publisher
32 Rules to Writing a Great Novel
Give that Publisher What they Want, Dernit!
Preparing to submit your manuscript to a publisher
Why doesn't this chapter work?
The rules of writing a scene.
How to make readers care about your characters
Five easy recipes for success!