Structural editing
I have been on both sides of the editing process and know that being edited is an experience of both vulnerability and reward. Your editor is your dream reader – they are highly engaged, thoughtful and ask all the right questions.
I approach structural editing with empathy and care, providing you with the next steps to troubleshoot roadblocks and lean into your writing practice with renewed momentum.
Manuscript assessment
My manuscript assessments provide a broad evaluation of your work, focusing on strengths, limitations and overall potential.
I offer feedback on structure, style, themes and audience suitability, helping you identify areas for improvement.
Structural editing report
My structural editing reports provide detailed feedback on the organisation, flow and coherence of your writing. Whether a creative project or workplace policy, I can highlight areas for improvement and offer actionable suggestions to improve impact.
What you can expect when working with me
- A high level of care and attention to detail
- Constructive and forthright feedback
- Timely, friendly and clear communication
good to know…
What is a manuscript?
The word ‘manuscript’ conjures images of monks getting their fingers inky by candlelight… 🦧📜🕯️ But in publishing, a manuscript is just a piece of writing before it’s been published.
In short, a manuscript is a draft.
It could be your novel, or it could be your short story, it could be your cover letter…
What’s the difference between a manuscript assessment and a structural editing report?
A manuscript assessment provides a broad overview of your work’s strengths and limitations – it’s a report that lets you know how your work will be received by a reader.
A structural editing report delivers detailed, actionable feedback on improving the impact of your writing.
They key differences are:
- Timing: A manuscript assessment is typically the first step after completing a draft, while structural editing comes later when you are ready to refine the piece.
- Scope: Manuscript assessments are broader and focus on an overall review, while structural editing is more targeted and in-depth.
- Depth of feedback: Structural editing digs into the “how” of improving the manuscript, while a manuscript assessment points out “what” needs improvement.
Does my work need a structural edit, copyedit or proofread?
Structural editing, copyediting and proofreading come at different stages of your writing project.
- New draft and have some big picture questions? You’re looking for a developmental or structural edit.
- Polishing up your final draft? You probably need a copyedit.
- Final check before publishing? Make sure to proofread.
If you’re still unsure, I can recommend the most suitable option for you.
Why work with a human editor?
It’s possible that if you’ve found your way to my website, AI has already failed you.
If you want to produce some bog-standard writing, AI can help! AI is great at producing familiar (i.e. boring) copy based on formulas and patterns.
If you want your unique ideas and voice clarified and fortified, work with a human editor.
Only a human editor understands the particular context of your project and can review it with all the sensations of a living, breathing being.
Can you edit to a house style?
Oh, boy! Yes, I can.
In fact, I find working to a house style very satisfying. Leave me with your style guidelines, vocab sheet (if applicable) and preferred dictionary.
In return, I will provide you with a sparkling new document with consistent spelling, terminology and style 🕺🏻.
What kind of editing do you specialise in?
This sounds weird… but I am as at home with a YA fantasy novel as with a user manual. I have broad interests and experience and this is reflected in my editing range.
However, it’s true that there are a few text types that I especially love to edit:
- learning resources for schools, galleries and arts organisations
- textbooks for humanities, English and visual art
- user manuals, procedures and policies
- exhibition and collection materials, such as catalogues and artwork labels
- marketing and communications with a focus on accessibility
- personal memoir projects
- creative non-fiction
- literary and popular adult fiction
- young adult (YA) and middle grade fiction, all genres
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