Ready to publish your book? Let’s get your manuscript edited
and formatted so it’s ready to go to press!

Sarah writing in a notebook - editing

Developmental Edit

A developmental edit is often the first edit a manuscript goes through and one writers use early in their writing process. As a developmental editor, I look at your manuscript from a macro viewpoint and focus on the big picture.

  • For fiction: I help you identify structural issues, plot inconsistencies, and character arcs that could be strengthened.

  • For nonfiction: I help you identify structural issues, organize your points for a smoother read, and draw attention to arguments that could be strengthened.

sarah working in the corner of a coffee shop with greenery hanging - editing

Content Edit

Content edits are the first edit that focuses on enhancing your manuscript through physical changes. I use Track Changes in Microsoft Word so you can see every change I suggest. You can then accept or reject the changes on your own time. Content edits focus on the page and paragraph level of your manuscript:

  • Is your writing tone best for your audience?

  • Does your choice of verbiage fit with your plot (fiction) or message (nonfiction)?

  • Are there particular areas you should cut out or expand on?

sarah working on macbook in coffee shop - editing

Line Edit

In a line edit, I comb through your manuscript line by line with a focus on making your prose the best it can be. I will change individual words to better communicate your message and ensure each line flows into the next. A line edit is essential at the micro level. The goal of a line edit is to ensure you communicate your message in the clearest way to your readers. I do this through focusing on the:

  • Unique style of your writing

  • Flow from sentence to sentence

  • Overall readability of your text

sarah holding coffee while working - editing

Copy Edit

Once you feel you’ve completed all the edits you can, it’s time for a professional copy edit. In a copy edit I focus on finding grammar mistakes. At this stage, I also ensure your manuscript adheres to the Chicago Manual of Style industry guidelines. In a copy edit, I also look for:

  • Areas of inconsistency

  • Places where a few tweaks will make the writing much stronger

  • Continuity from first page to last

sarah writing in moleskin - editing

Proofread

A proofread is the final edit a manuscript goes through before publication. A last pass, the proofread can take your book from good to great. As a proofreader, I look for typos and formatting issues that may have previously been missed. The goal of a proofread is to make your manuscript error-free and ready for publication.

The proofread is a crucial step for authors because it allows editors the chance to correct mistakes the author has become blinded to. When you look at your work for so many months, it’s easy to see what you intended to type and miss simple typos. A well-proofed back will make you stand out in the marketplace.

 FAQs

  • Business
    Memoir
    Self-help
    Christian Living
    Personal Development
    Middle Grade Fiction
    Young Adult Fiction
    Historical Fiction
    Suspense/Thriller
    Literary Fiction

  • I make edits in Microsoft Word with Track Changes ON. This ensures you can see the edits I make, accept the ones you want to keep and reject the ones you don’t.

    Additionally, I leave comments within the document expanding on edit choices, as well as noting areas that I love (who doesn’t love some encouragement?).

  • That’s what I’m here for! Simply contact me and we can decide together. I’ll likely ask to look at a writing sample to better assess your editing needs.

  • This part’s easy! Simply fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch. Talk soon!

Fill out the form below and I'll be in touch!

Here’s what people are saying...

  • brian biro headshot

    “Sarah Rexford is the consummate pro! She is so much more than an editor making grammatical and spelling corrections. She truly cares about your work and seeks to help you be your very best writer. Don’t miss the opportunity to team with Sarah. You’ll love working with her!”

    —Brian Biro, America’s #1 Speaker

  • kendall qualls headshot

    “Sarah Rexford provided detailed edits that drew out the voice of my manuscript. I would recommend her to authors looking for a quality, timely, and professional edit.”

    —Kendall Qualls, Founder and President of TakeCharge

  • Jessica Gendron headshot

    “I couldn’t have asked for a better editor or a better editing experience than the one I had with Sarah. She was knowledgeable, timely, and accurate. More importantly, she improved my writing without changing the spirit or tone that I wanted for my book. My final manuscript was so much more professional and polished because of her. I’ll be using her for my next book for sure.”

    —Jessica Gendron, President and CEO of The Center for Leadership Excellence

  • Scott Reed headshot

    “Sarah Rexford is talented, efficient, and easy to work with—critical elements when working with an author like me. She brought me to the finish line when I was having a hard time getting to there.

    —Scott Reed, President of Reed Financial Planning Services

  • Brian Hampton headshot

    “An author must have a consummate professional for editing, proofing and formatting. I was blessed that I found the multi-talented Sarah Rexford! She polished the manuscript and brought it across the finish line. Sarah is personable, reliable and author friendly in every way.”

    —Brian Hampton, public speaker who introduced over 70 Members of Congress and Presidential Appointees