Victoria Bell
Editorial Services for Authors
Editorial Services
Here's an overview of the services I offer. For a free sample edit and quote, get in touch!
Copyediting or
Line Editing
You're happy with the content of your novel or short story (its plot, characterization, and structure) but need the language checked, before you self-publish or submit to an agent, publisher, literary journal, or contest. That's where I come in! I offer copyediting and line editing services to fiction authors (if you're wondering about different types of editing, Reedsy offers a good overview!).
I do my best to edit with a light but thorough touch -- I'll fix your typos, grammar, and awkward phrasing and check for consistency, but I promise not to mess with your voice! My feedback style is friendly and supportive, I'm organized and responsive, and meeting deadlines is my superpower. I'm at home with numerous style guides, including the Chicago Manual of Style, and with a somewhat world-spanning upbringing, I'm comfortable editing in various Englishes (is that a word? Let's say it is); i.e., UK, US, Canada, and South Africa.
I offer free sample edits (usually 5 double-spaced pages), so you can get a feel for whether my editing style works for you, and payment plans are definitely an option.
Proofreading
Proofreading is for laid-out manuscripts, as a final step before publication. I'll work on your fiction or non-fiction book to hunt out any typos or grammar errors and inconsistencies in layout and typography; flag bad page or word breaks; and check page numbers and table or illustration captions (if applicable).
This service is ideal for publishers or authors who are self-publishing. I usually work in Adobe PDF, but can handle other file formats, too -- let's talk!
I offer a free sample proofread (usually 2 laid-out pages), to show you my proofreading style. Payment plans are definitely an option!
Query Package
Review
As a writer myself, I fully understand the pain of trying to distill the plot and message of your entire novel into a 1-page query letter and 5-page synopsis, or a back-cover or website blurb. Sometimes it takes a disinterested (but interested!) observer to help you figure out the essence of what your book is really about and explain it to someone else, whether it's a reader or publisher or agent.
Are you ready to submit your fiction to editors or agents, or publish it yourself? Send me a draft of your query letter, synopsis, back cover copy, or website description, and let's figure out the best way to introduce and describe your novel!
(Note that this process works best when I've read your full novel or other work, but if you're interested in just having me look at your publicity materials, drop me a line anyway. At the very least, I can give you feedback on clarity and hook!)