Editing Services

Editing Services page

I can be contacted at sivelsk@gmail.com.

What qualifies me as a copy editor and line editor, you may ask? A lifetime as a voracious reader and meticulous writer. My background in psychology has taught me outline and research skills, as well as APA style. As a creative writing minor, I have given feedback on countless short stories and acted as one of the editors for the River Bluff Review (Spring 2013, Volume 22) at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. River Bluff Review is the product of a course designed to give students basic knowledge of the publishing world and hands on experience publishing a literary journal.

I edit with great respect for the author, material, and audience while making corrections and suggestions when needed. Who best to be your editor than a reader and fellow writer?

Still not sure about my credentials? I will edit a 1,000 word sample free of charge.

If you would like to discuss anything you see here, please email me at sivelsk@gmail.com.

My Services

Copyediting- $3/1,000 words

Line Edit- $4/1,000 words

I specialize in fiction. However, I am flexible and more than capable of editing articles, blog posts, nonfiction, academic papers, and business documents. If its written and in English, I can edit it. 

Line editing- for when you are looking for feedback on content.

A line edit deals more with the flow and effectiveness of your writing. I will bring attention to confusing sentences and words, passive writing, and story transgressions on a basic level. Simply put, I will read to make sure your sentences are saying what you need them to say. Let me be clear: I will not do extensive rewrites for you during this stage. I feel it is the job of the writer to make these corrections. This is your baby. Think of me as a nanny. I will take care of your "baby" (novel or document) but at the end of the day, it's still your "baby". I will highlight the section and leave a comment with an explanation as to why I think it should be improved and when possible offer suggestions.

Copy editing- the document has gone through the necessary rewrites and now you are ready to publish.

I will make sure the grammar, punctuation, and spelling is in order. Also, I will check for consistency with proper names, basic character/story details (such as if a blonde mysteriously becomes a brunette or if all of a sudden it snows in Southern California), and words and locations referenced. A style sheet will be provided and may consist of characters, words, locations, and general notes.

A lot of writers think that copy editing and line editing isn't necessary. You think that since you have edited as you have written, everything is in order, not realizing that you have missed plenty of errors. You may think those errors are no big deal, but many readers would beg to differ. When reading off the clock, I know I'm frustrated by books with egregious errors. It makes for choppy reading and takes me out of the story. Sorry to burst your bubble but even your favorite authors have editors who help make your reading experience most enjoyable.