A creative writing editor does so much more than check your grammar and punctuation.
We look at all the building blocks of your novel including story arc, character development, subplots, voice, rhythm and pace.
As you know, writing a novel is a long, slow process with many moments of joy and pain along the way. You can work with an editor at various stages in the journey to get the feedback, reassurance and support you need to finish your book.
Here’s how.
Manuscript appraisal – the big picture
A manuscript appraisal is a big picture look at your novel. It gives you feedback on all the elements of your story, including plot, character development and voice. An appraisal can be helpful with either a finished draft or work in progress.
A manuscript appraisal will:
- show you where the strengths are and where it’s not hitting the mark
- give you confidence that you are going in the right direction
- help you work out what to focus on next.
Lu gave me some terrific ideas to develop the story.
Her insight made a significantly positive impact on the direction I’ve taken it in.
Sarah Nicholson
Learn more about manuscript appraisals
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Writing coaching & manuscript development – the work in progress
Once you’ve had an appraisal there will most likely be some things for you to work on, such as reworking a plot line or a character arc. If you need support with this, we can set up coaching to workshop your new writing.
It can be a one-off session to get you back on track or a series of workshops and targets to keep you on track.
I’d particularly recommend her workshops to fiction writers,
as you’ll be able to work on and talk about sections of your novel
you may be struggling with.
Nichola Scurry
Learn more about coaching & manuscript development
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Copy editing – the detail
Copy editing is the final polish. It focuses on your writing line by line, making sure the language, rhythm and flow are serving the story and the characters as best they can.
This is the last phase of editing before proofreading.
It’s precious for a writer to see the editor engage with your manuscript
in such depth, and in such a supportive way. It builds a relationship of trust.
I like how your comments range from word choice and syntax to
narrative technique and character development.
Gilbert Van Hoeydonck
Check to see if you’re ready for a copy edit
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Let’s chat about the next step for your novel.
Contact Lu