We work with diverse types of manuscripts, including but not limited to these:
Nonfiction – theology and other traditional disciplines such as history, philosophy, humanities, and education; biography, autobiography, and memoir; sermon, devotional, or essay collections
Fiction and creative nonfiction – young adult and adult – religious and secular
Each of the various forms of imaginative literature
Newsletters, brochures, Web site copy, magazine and journal articles, reports, essays, book proposals, marketing copy, radio spots • If your project category does not fit into the above categories, please contact us. We will be happy to discuss the options with you
We macro edit, evaluate, and analyze manuscripts.
We can prepare a written report that considers all elements of the manuscript as is, including writing style, clarity and logic of thought, originality of content and language, market possibilities, needed changes, and other elements
We can provide lists of possible publishing houses or kinds of publishers that might be interested in your work
We can give you lists of writers’ resources and manuals
We can offer information about online, print-on-demand, subsidy and self-publishing, and corporate/special sales
We copyedit.
Heavy level: Rewriting copy so that it is clear, concise, and non–repetitive. Adding variety of expression and language to what you have written. Fixing grammar, usage, punctuation, and capitalization errors. Adding subheads. Reorganizing chapters. Fixing all identified spelling and capitalization errors. Checking footnotes, endnotes, and bibliography for proper format
Medium level: The above with exclusion of actual rewriting. Providing a list of ways to enhance current writing style
Light level: Fixing grammar, usage, punctuation, and capitalization errors. Checking footnotes, endnotes, and bibliography for proper format. Upon request, providing a list of ways to enhance current writing style • Payment is either on a per-hour basis or flat fee arrangement, which is negotiated at the time the contract is prepared • All of the above involve a detailed list of queries from us to you if we identify possible changes needed
We ghostwrite, rewrite, collaborate, and/or cowrite.
Rewriting a current manuscript to author’s or publisher’s requirements
Changing taped transcripts, journals, sermons, speeches, workbooks, or other material into book form
Adding additional copy to manuscripts such as anecdotes, descriptive copy, historical background material, quotations, and other elements • Each of the above involves regular and frequent contact with you • In the above cases, we are sometimes listed on the cover in this way: “By Jane Smith with L. G. Goss” • Payment is usually a flat fee, with a portion payable up front and in set increments thereafter. Arrangements may also include a portion of royalties
We edit and proof dissertations and scholarly work.
Checking of all grammar, spelling, usage, and punctuation errors
Rearranging of paragraphs and/or sections for greater clarity and logic of argument
Checking of all endnotes, footnotes, and bibliography for correct format (We do not check quotations against the sources but do identify instances in which we think you need to recheck the source. We do not take responsibility for possible plagiarism, since that is the writer’s responsibility)
Strictly adhering to graduate school’s format requirements as provided by you
Transforming academic jargon and cant into well-organized, readable prose • All of the above entail meticulous checking with the candidate before and if we make any changes • Payment is usually on a per-project basis, with incremental payments for first editing and later corrections
We prepare and/or edit formal book proposals, synopses, author bios, curriculum vitae, and other documents.
Our work follows publishing houses’ and/or industry standards for manuscript submission materials •Payment is usually on a per-project basis but sometimes can be per hour
We proofread.
Services including electronic markup for periodicals such as newspapers and magazines
Proofing of galleys and typeset copy
We consult.
In addition to the consulting involved in the above services, we can help you in these areas and others: •
book development • book proposals • agent advice and contact •
book promotion •
project management •
contract review and advice
We speak and teach and do other on–demand projects.
We are experienced speakers, seminar and workshop leaders, and writing consultants who are available for conferences, classes, and ongoing training
We can prepare one-hour or two-hour workshops for faculty and graduate students on college/university/seminary campuses covering converting theses and other academic writing into readable and publishable prose, along with other writing and publishing topics
We will fashion and conduct special classes or presentations tailored for your group • We charge a set fee per event that considers duration and expenses
