Writers at any level will benefit from coaching to identify

• writing strengths

• areas of challenge

• points of motivation

Coaching includes

• support at all stages of the writing process

• tools, exercises, and resources

• constructive feedback aimed at helping the writer elevate their craft

• accountability geared to the writer’s personal goals

Editing services include developmental editing and copyediting of

• fiction and nonfiction, with a special focus in memoir and creative nonfiction

• most subject areas

Books I’ve edited have been finalists or winners of a number of awards, including

• the Minnesota Book Awards

• the Midwest Book Awards

• the Next Generation Indie Awards

Developmental Editing

Developmental editing involves working with the author through multiple rounds of editing and revision to

• identify big-picture strengths and weaknesses

• improve structure and organization

• ensure a consistent point of view

• evaluate and strengthen the narrative

• provide constructive feedback on all aspects of craft

Copyediting

The copyediting process

• ensures consistency in editorial style and usage

• improves the clarity of the writing while honoring the writer’s voice

• offers feedback based on genre and/or subject area conventions

• corrects mechanical errors (grammar, punctuation, spelling)

• includes the creation of a comprehensive, customized style sheet

As a copyeditor, I strike a balance between following industry standards (like those set out in the Chicago Manual of Style) and ensuring the author’s preferences, voice, and vision are prioritized.

 A writer seeking the best route for achieving their publishing goals

• learns about the differences between types of publishers

• gains insight into the self-publishing process

• receives guidance for making a decision that matches their vision and values

A writer pursuing traditional publishing receives

• tips on researching agents and publishers

• feedback on the query letter

• advice on strengthening the book proposal

An indie author gets a partner who guides them through the self-publishing process by

• managing the production process, from editing through final files

• collaborating with them to create a comprehensive marketing plan*

• recommending and supervising professional third-party vendors

• helping them choose and navigate printing and distribution services

*Marketing consulting is also available; services include design of promotional materials, such as press kits—Download Sample (PDF)

At the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis I have

• given a presentation on publishing to a cohort in Foreword, a multi-year writing program

• taught a one-session class on self-publishing

I’ve presented to groups of various sizes on a range of publishing-related topics, including

• how to successfully self-publish

• observations and insights about publishing trends and practices

• avoiding bias and using inclusive language

• book design for editors

• creating effective style sheets

Past audiences include

• members of an independent publishers’ association

• a chapter of Romance Writers of America

• a group of independent scholars

• members of a professional editors’ association

Contact me about speaking to your writers’ group, training your editorial staff, or presenting to your organization.

What Beth’s Clients Say