Fiction & children's books
If you’ve written a novel, you’ve already put in months – or maybe years – of hard work. You’ve wrestled with creative dry spells and struggled at times to put the right words in the right places. Your work is a reflection of your personality, your experiences, your unique style. Placing it into the hands of a stranger is a daunting task.
Why would you entrust your novel or your children’s book to me?
Your novel needs not just a ‘fresh pair of eyes’, but constructive advice from an experienced and qualified editor to help it be the best it can be. I have professional qualifications as well as experience in editing and writing books for adults and children. I’ve reviewed countless books for Magpies Magazine and, as a librarian and author, I’m familiar with practices and trends in the publishing industry. I’ve written and edited books for traditional publishing and self-publishing. My own books have been well received and listed for significant literary awards. I know – first-hand – the sort of feedback that authors appreciate, whether they’re first-time writers or experienced novelists. I can help you at any stage in your novel’s development, whether you want early advice on structure or finishing touches applied before you submit to a publisher. Most importantly, I’ll work with you, taking care to preserve the unique ‘voice’ that makes your novel yours.
What can I do for your manuscript?
The level of editing you may want will depend on your level of experience, the stage your manuscript is at, your budget and your publishing plans. I will tailor the service according to your needs.
1. MANUSCRIPT ASSESSMENT
Maybe you’ve finished your first draft and you’d like some honest and constructive feedback on how to proceed before you invest too much time in fine tuning. I can help you at this stage by doing a manuscript assessment. I’ll answer questions like the following:
2. STRUCTURAL EDIT
Maybe you’d like someone to work through an early draft of your manuscript with you more closely, addressing the topics above and advising you on how to improve on any of the aspects that need attention. This process is a structural edit.
3. COPYEDIT/LINE EDIT
If you’ve already done multiple drafts and shown your manuscript to a few friends and family, you might be ready to have it line edited or copyedited. This is where we really get down to the fine detail and examine every sentence. If I edit your book at sentence level, I will:
What if you don’t know which service your novel needs?
No problem. Everyone has different requirements, depending on their experience, their expectations, their goals and the developmental stage of their novel. Please send me a message and together we can work out how I can help you at your current stage.
How much will it cost?
The cost will depend on the length of the novel, its stage of development, and the level of service you require. Please contact me for a quote. When you’ve sent me a message, I’ll ask you to send a sample of your work (usually around 1000 words) so that I can work out an accurate quote.
Why would you entrust your novel or your children’s book to me?
Your novel needs not just a ‘fresh pair of eyes’, but constructive advice from an experienced and qualified editor to help it be the best it can be. I have professional qualifications as well as experience in editing and writing books for adults and children. I’ve reviewed countless books for Magpies Magazine and, as a librarian and author, I’m familiar with practices and trends in the publishing industry. I’ve written and edited books for traditional publishing and self-publishing. My own books have been well received and listed for significant literary awards. I know – first-hand – the sort of feedback that authors appreciate, whether they’re first-time writers or experienced novelists. I can help you at any stage in your novel’s development, whether you want early advice on structure or finishing touches applied before you submit to a publisher. Most importantly, I’ll work with you, taking care to preserve the unique ‘voice’ that makes your novel yours.
What can I do for your manuscript?
The level of editing you may want will depend on your level of experience, the stage your manuscript is at, your budget and your publishing plans. I will tailor the service according to your needs.
1. MANUSCRIPT ASSESSMENT
Maybe you’ve finished your first draft and you’d like some honest and constructive feedback on how to proceed before you invest too much time in fine tuning. I can help you at this stage by doing a manuscript assessment. I’ll answer questions like the following:
- Is the language suited to the target audience?
- Does the structure make sense and aid the narrative flow?
- Are the characters believable?
- Does the dialogue sound authentic?
- How is the pacing?
- Are there any plot holes or inconsistencies?
- Are there any potential legal, ethical or copyright issues?
- What is the market for your book?
- What more needs to be done before you seek publication?
- What are your publication options?
2. STRUCTURAL EDIT
Maybe you’d like someone to work through an early draft of your manuscript with you more closely, addressing the topics above and advising you on how to improve on any of the aspects that need attention. This process is a structural edit.
3. COPYEDIT/LINE EDIT
If you’ve already done multiple drafts and shown your manuscript to a few friends and family, you might be ready to have it line edited or copyedited. This is where we really get down to the fine detail and examine every sentence. If I edit your book at sentence level, I will:
- correct typos and errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar
- ensure your language is clear, accessible and inclusive
- pick up inconsistencies, repetition or redundancy
- polish the text so that it is a joy to read!
What if you don’t know which service your novel needs?
No problem. Everyone has different requirements, depending on their experience, their expectations, their goals and the developmental stage of their novel. Please send me a message and together we can work out how I can help you at your current stage.
How much will it cost?
The cost will depend on the length of the novel, its stage of development, and the level of service you require. Please contact me for a quote. When you’ve sent me a message, I’ll ask you to send a sample of your work (usually around 1000 words) so that I can work out an accurate quote.
Testimonials
'Through her manuscript assessment of my book, Christine's Revolution, Jane pointed me in the right direction and provided much-needed guidance, which helped me improve my writing and complete my novel.'
- Julie Cozens.
- Julie Cozens.
'As a new author I was a little anxious about finding the right editor for my manuscript. I am so lucky to have found Jane!
Besides her expertise and professionalism, her insights into my novel were spot on. She was honest, neither harsh nor delicate, and her suggestions and encouragement throughout the process made for a better read, and made me a better writer.'
- Peter Spencer
Besides her expertise and professionalism, her insights into my novel were spot on. She was honest, neither harsh nor delicate, and her suggestions and encouragement throughout the process made for a better read, and made me a better writer.'
- Peter Spencer
'As well as being personable and approachable, Jane's efforts have added immeasurably to the quality of my work. Her suggestions for restructuring the plot were helpful in dealing with the problems of sequencing. Jane's guidance with cultural sensitivities and general historical facts about early Queensland was invaluable. She has an expert knowledge of language and of the best tools for presenting direct speech, internal thoughts and description. From my first communication with Jane I had no reservations about working with her. Her editing has helped me produce a complete family history linked inextricably to the world events of the time.'
- Barbara Hickey, memoirist and family historian
- Barbara Hickey, memoirist and family historian
Fiction books I've edited
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