ALCHEMY AND WORDS

"Revision is one of the exquisite

pleasures of writing." 

Bernard Malamud
 

Amy has always been an avid—okay, voracious—reader. She also always wanted to start her own business.

 

She was an oncology clinical project manager for over 17 years. She realized that years of technical writing courses, and editing or generating clinical protocols and documents submitted to the government and investigational review committees gave her a vital skillset she could utilize to fulfill her dream.

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Why content and line? Simple. She enjoys the discovery that takes place while content editing. It leads to endless possibilities!

 

Amy also loves the creative process of writing from start to finish. Sounding board coaching sessions have become one of the most rewarding parts of her business. She looks forward to hashing out plots and even sketching out a story from an idea. If you're having trouble with a character or even launching an idea, schedule a coaching session today.

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Let's get started!

First—Congratulations! You're either writing or have written a novel and you're preparing for a deep dive into the content. If you're a new writer and haven't experienced the editing process before, there are several layers of editing. I've written The Four Types of Editing to provide a good idea of what to expect when editing your first manuscript. Even if you've edited several books, I recommend this quick read to understand the process and a quick snapshot of the type of editing I provide and how it fits into the bigger picture.

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For the purpose of knowing what to expect from me, the content edit provides feedback regarding your manuscript including the flow, consistency, plot strength, fact checks, character arcs, and dialogue. Line edits review how your words are crafted. The flow of your sentences and paragraphs. Line also concentrates on voice, readability, and style. 

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Summarizing, content and line involves reviewing progression, dissecting story and characters, and pulling sentences apart and then putting them back together again. That alone takes time. Consequently, time is required with your manuscript. Depending on the manuscript length and other factors, the process will take approximately two to four weeks to complete the content and line edits. 

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Keep in mind is that no two authors write or create the same way. 

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Here's a loose formula I've devised that sheds some light on my process.

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The formula:

·      2 parts getting to know the author and understanding their thoughts

·      1 part discussion

·      3 parts editing skill and style

·      1 part taking time to mull

·      1 part setting realistic timelines

·      1 part knowing your audience/genre  

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