Book Editing

I’m an editor who likes to get my hands dirty, i.e. really dig into words, plot, structure, and any story’s other big picture elements—whether fiction or nonfiction. This I might do to my heart’s content in a developmental edit where I make corrections, offer suggestions, and add additional comments on the manuscript page.

When I’m not “hands-on” in a developmental edit, you will likely find me taking the “hands off” approach in a manuscript evaluation/extensive critique of your manuscript. This means I will do a “clean” pass; I won’t touch the story itself through editing on the page but I will plumb the same elements in a comprehensive editorial memo that summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of your manuscript, as mentioned above.

Using these industry standards, I advise you of the Chicago Manual of Style rules and Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary spelling and meaning of words. Finally, I provide a comprehensive editorial memo that covers the many elements listed below, and additional thoughts and suggestions specific to your book.

Copyediting, proofreading, and publishing strategy are also part of what I do.

What I do:

Developmental/structural/ stylistic editing
Detailed critique/extensive evaluation
Ghostwriting of unwritten or written manuscript
Revision of written manuscript
Collaborate with you in a mentoring capacity as you revise your manuscript
Copyediting
Collaborate with you on query letter and/or synopsis
Determine with you which literary agent would be suitable for representation
Determine with you whether to pursue mainstream, niche, or independent publishing
Consultation on your initial and/or ongoing social media strategy

Let’s not forget:

Story and character arcs (for fiction and nonfiction)
Plot events and turning points
Conflicts, stakes, and tension
Narrative pacing
Information “dumps”
Characterization; believability, themes, motivations, etc.
General writing issues such as showing vs. telling, point-of-view, etc.
Grammar and spelling
Industry style standards (i.e. Chicago Manual of Style; Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary)

“Working with Stacey was an absolute game-changer. From the very first read-through, she demonstrated a razor-sharp eye for pacing, plot cohesion, and character development. Every suggestion sharpened my manuscript immeasurably and brought my story to life in a way I couldn’t have accomplished on my own. What makes Stacey stand apart is her supportive style. She was not just bang-on, she was also encouraging and positive. A true collaborator, thoughtful, communicative, and respectful of my vision.

“Stacey had a deep understanding of the genre. Her expert hand guided me impeccably on how to ramp up the tension and how to maintain that perfect balance between mystery and revelation. She helped me tighten the narrative so every twist landed with maximum impact. I have received so many positive reviews for this book, and I owe most of them to Stacey’s unerring expertise.

–Lana Saberwal,
author of Maya, Dead and Dreaming

“I owe my writing career to Stacey Donovan. I was astounded at her instincts and her talent to not only point out opportunities for improvement, but to offer concrete guidance as to how to implement necessary changes.

I had no idea that inspiration, editing excellence, and patient teaching could all be wrapped up in one individual.

Now that I’m working on my fifth book, I look back with gratitude to Stacey who so generously shared her expertise and provided such valuable direction.”

—Patricia Gussin
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, winner of the Florida Book Award

Tell me about your book

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