Nonfiction Book Editing
Editing services ranging from the big picture to the last period.
Nonfiction Editing
Have you written the first draft of a nonfiction book, and now you’d like some help with it? I can provide big-picture developmental editing, substantive editing, or copyediting services.
Developmental editing focuses on the overall structure and cohesiveness of the manuscript, identifies main topics and themes to ensure they are communicated clearly and consistently, and often includes substantial rewriting. Substantive editing typically includes heavy line editing, some restructuring of the document, and some rewriting. Copyediting services focus on grammar, style, usage, and consistency checks.
I typically work on documents in Microsoft Word and use track changes and comments. When my review is complete, I’ll send a memo to you covering the topics below.
Nonfiction Developmental Editing
Developmental editing has three main components: an overall review of the manuscript, a chapter-by-chapter critique, and detailed in-text comments. Some of the key points I would address in my memo to you include the following:
- Have you established why you are an authority on the subject?
- Do you present a clear point of view, a vision, a hook?
- What is the key takeaway for readers? Action items? A shift in worldview?
- Does the manuscript have a logical flow with a clear organization that makes it easy for the reader to navigate?
- Are the chapters well organized and subdivided?
- Are tables, figures, and other illustrations used appropriately?
- Is quoted material used appropriately and cited correctly?
- Is the content too technical, or is too much jargon used?
- Are particular words and phrases overused?
- Is the reading level appropriate for the target audience?
Nonfiction Substantive Editing
Substantive editing falls in between developmental editing and copyediting. It is less focused on the overall vision of the manuscript than developmental editing. Substantive editing usually includes some heavy line editing and text revisions and some restructuring of the document. It also usually includes most of the copyediting tasks.
Nonfiction Copyediting
Copyediting services typically include the following tasks:
- Check grammar, punctuation, hyphenation, capitalization, spelling, and usage
- Check for filler words, unclear wording, and passive voice; suggest revisions where needed
- Check the use of jargon and the introduction and use of acronyms, abbreviations, and initialisms
- Check list punctuation and structure
- Check tables, figures, etc.
- Check references cited and source information provided
- Suggest revisions where wording is unclear or potentially difficult for a reader to follow
Edited Nonfiction Books
The Engineer’s Guide to Leading Change, Crystal Kadakia and Janette Williams, 2022, substantive edit.
With Me All Along: Reclaim Your Body’s Innate Wisdom and Unlock Abundant Wellness, Katy Bosso, 2022, substantive edit.
Confused by the Odds: How Probability Misleads Us, David Lockwood, 2022, developmental edit and copyedit.
Outwitted, David Lockwood, 2022, developmental edit and copyedit.
Cracking the Stress Secret: How to Turn Pressure into Power, Amir A. Rashidian, 2022, developmental edit.
Uprooted: Family Trauma, Unknown Origins, and the Secretive History of Artificial Insemination, Peter J. Boni, 2022, copyedit.
Fooled by the Winners: How Survivor Bias Deceives Us, David Lockwood, 2021, developmental edit.
The Cure for Healthcare: An Old-World Doctor’s Prescription for the New-World Health System, Tony Dale, 2021, substantive edit.
American Schism: How the Two Enlightenments Hold the Secret to Healing our Nation, Seth David Radwell, 2021, copyedit. Winner of the 2022 International Book Award for best general nonfiction.
Present Future: Business, Science, and the Deep Tech Revolution, Guy Perelmuter, 2020, copyedit. Gold Winner in the Science and Technology category of the Foreword INDIES 2021 Book of the Year Award.
28 Ways of Compassion: A Guide to Transformation and Leadership for a Relationship-Centric Healthcare Culture, Denise Borgoyne, 2019, copyedit.
A Great Fit: My Take on Confidence, Charisma, and the Career that Suits You Best, Tom Murry, 2019, copyedit.
Executive Fundamentals: Essential Principles for Developing Leaders, Nicholas A. Fischer and Daniel H. Shin, 2018, copyedit.
The Growth Dilemma: Determining Your Entrepreneurial Type to Find Your Financing Comfort Zone, Ami Kassar, 2018, copyedit.
The Punk Rock of Business: Applying a Punk Rock Attitude in the Modern Business Era, Jeremy Dale, 2018, copyedit.
Red Key Revolution: Redefining Success for a Life of Significance, Jordan Kemper, 2018, copyedit.
The Innovation Biome: A Sustained Business Environment Where Innovation Thrives, Kumar Mehta, 2017, copyedit.