Joy S.

I'm an experienced line and copy editor and proofreader in the areas of fiction, non-fiction, and memoir. I would like to make your editing experience something to enjoy because I'm a published author in my own right, and I know the editing process can be frustrating and even intimidating. I have worked with authors submitting manuscripts for traditional publishing and those who are self-publishing. Depending on what you need, I follow either U.S. English or British English style conventions. Over the years, I've edited in a number of genres, including epic fantasy, space opera, horror, sweet romance, dark romance, transgender romance, memoir, men's and women's self-help and motivation, and academic texts. • My aim is to work with you as a team and build a relationship of respect, trust, and encouragement. • My passion is to smooth your manuscript into its best version through several stages and levels of editing while preserving your unique voice. • I believe in giving reasons for my edits so you can make educated decisions about whether to accept or query suggestions and even learn from the experience for the future. • I edit and proofread in both Google Docs and Microsoft Word. • For U.S. English, I defer to The Chicago Manual of Style and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. With British English, I usually consult New Hart's Rules and the Oxford Dictionary. However, I do both with your voice in mind and the flexibility that comes with my experience. • I'll gladly do a free sample edit of a portion of your manuscript before you commit. We would be an excellent fit if: • you're an author wanting to have your manuscript professionally line edited, copy edited, and/or proofread before you self-publish or as a requirement before approaching or being accepted by a traditional publisher; • you're a traditional publisher looking for a reliable and competent line editor, copy editor, and/or proofreader; • your book is to be published in either U.S. or British English; • you're uncomfortable about—or even dreading—entrusting your manuscript to someone else for assessment and editing; or • you'd like a free sample edit done before you commit. Message me with your genre, word count, the kind of editing you're looking for, and your timeline. We'll take it from there!