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?
I provide both editing and coaching services for fiction manuscripts. If you’d like help with your writing for a work in progress, you might like to use my writing coaching service. If you’re seeking editing services, please read on.
1. 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. 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. If you’ve already done multiple drafts and shown your manuscript to a few friends and family, you might be ready to have it copy-edited. This is where we really get down to the fine detail. If I copy-edit your book, 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?
I provide both editing and coaching services for fiction manuscripts. If you’d like help with your writing for a work in progress, you might like to use my writing coaching service. If you’re seeking editing services, please read on.
1. 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. 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. If you’ve already done multiple drafts and shown your manuscript to a few friends and family, you might be ready to have it copy-edited. This is where we really get down to the fine detail. If I copy-edit your book, 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.
Testimonial
'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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