Nonfiction editing

Your voice matters

You have knowledge and experience to share with the world.
Work with me to deliver your message effectively while staying true to your writing voice.

See for yourself

Specialties

  • A closed green journal lies by an open journal that reads, "Write what should not be forgotten." Photo by Kasturi Roy.

    Multigenre anthologies

  • A tree from below. Brown bark reaches up to green leaves against a daytime sky. Photo by Sebastian Pichler.

    Introspective nonfiction

  • A compass resting on a wood windowsill. Photo by Jordan Madrid.

    Guides and companions

How do you want your readers to feel?

Informed? Engaged? Inspired? Transformed?

Let’s make it happen.

“I was nervous about working with an editor, but this was nothing like being graded at school. Jessica’s editorial process was collaborative and generative. Her gentle guidance and suggestions brought out the best in my books while preserving intention and tone.”

SARAH SHOTTS
Entwined: Creativity & Motherhood, An Anthology
Ember: An Art Journal for Parents

 Nonfiction editing

Offerings

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Beta reading

  • Beta reading is the best option for writers seeking early feedback from an informed reader before the editing stage. I won’t be making any changes to the text or offering solutions. I am more a reader than an editor at this point.

    My responsibilities:

    • read through your working draft

    • make observations in marginal comments about your message, examples, anecdotes, transitions, pacing, or writing style

    • ask questions when I’m confused or simply curious

    • keep an eye out for any issues you’re concerned about

    • write a letter to you summarizing my reading experience

  • You’ll leave Cozy Cottage with a virtual knapsack of these files:

    • a welcome packet

    • your preference form

    • our service agreement

    • marginal comments tracking my reading experience

    • a summary letter

    • tips for tending to your emotions and nervous system while you wait

    • resources for continuing your writing journey

  • • $2 for every 1,000 words

    • Returning clients get 20% off

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Line editing

  • Line editing focuses on how style and language choices affect the overall reading experience. Its focus is on how a work is written rather than grammar and mechanics. It’s especially helpful for writers looking to strengthen and streamline their prose. Even grammatically impeccable writing can benefit from a line edit!

    In two thorough rounds of editing, we’ll improve your work’s clarity, effectiveness, and readability. You’ll have the chance to accept (or decline) my edits and ask for clarification before deciding.

    My responsibilities:

    • improve paragraph- and sentence-level organization, flow, pacing, and rhythm

    • suggest edits that amplify your writing voice and message

    • offer simpler or clearer wording in spots that might “trip” your reader

    • ensure your research or examples are woven in naturally and effectively

    • flag unintentionally harmful or stigmatizing language and suggest alternatives

    • flag any glaring errors I notice (please note, though, that copyediting is a separate offering)

    • flag content that needs citation or copyright permission

    • point out moments I think readers will find particularly interesting, moving, helpful, or compelling

    • ask clarifying questions to make sure my edits support your vision

    • record all pertinent information and style choices in a style sheet

    • write two editorial letters about your work’s strengths and patterns and my suggestions

  • You’ll leave Cozy Cottage with a virtual knapsack of these files:

    • a welcome packet

    • your preferences form

    • our service agreement

    • your original manuscript

    • the first-round edit with comments, questions, and tracked changes in Word

    • an in-depth editorial letter about your manuscript

    • a style sheet recording all editorial decisions, people, places, and important terms (basically, a mini style guide for your project)

    • tips for tending to your emotions and nervous system while you process feedback and answer queries

    • the second-round edit with tracked changes

    • a clean copy of this second version

    • tips for continuing your writing journey

    You’ll also get ongoing support during revisions and after the clean copy is submitted.

  • • $25 for every 1,000 words

    • Returning clients get 20% off

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Copyediting (substantial)

  • This comprehensive and meticulous copyedit is best for projects that require extra attention due to their complexity, detail, or style.

    In two thorough rounds of editing, we’ll iron out inconsistencies and errors to keep readers immersed in your work without distraction. You’ll have the chance to accept (or decline) my edits and ask for clarification before deciding.

    My responsibilities:

    • fix errors in grammar, usage, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and numbering

    • standardize style and formatting in the main text, front matter, back matter, headers, footers, and page numbers

    • suggest simpler or clearer wording in spots that might “trip” your reader

    • check tables, figures, illustrations, and captions against the main text

    • flag unintentionally harmful or stigmatizing language and suggest alternatives

    • flag content that needs copyright permission

    • check the accuracy of real-world details mentioned in the text

    • point out moments I think readers will find particularly interesting, moving, helpful, or compelling

    • ask clarifying questions to make sure my edits support your vision

    • record all pertinent information and style choices in a style sheet

    • write an in-depth editorial letter about your work’s strengths and patterns and my suggestions

  • You’ll leave Cozy Cottage with a virtual knapsack of these files:

    • a welcome packet

    • your preferences form

    • our service agreement

    • your original manuscript

    • the first-round edit with comments, questions, and tracked changes in Word

    • an in-depth editorial letter about your manuscript

    • a style sheet recording all editorial decisions, people, places, and important terms

    • tips for tending to your emotions and nervous system while you process feedback and answer queries

    • the second-round edit with tracked changes

    • a clean copy of this second version

    • tips for continuing your writing journey

  • • $20 for every 1,000 words

    • Returning clients get 20% off

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Copyediting (light)

  • This option provides lighter copyediting at a reduced cost. It’s best for drafts that have already been revised and self-edited.

    In two rounds of editing, we’ll focus on the essentials to keep readers immersed in your work without distraction.

    My responsibilities:

    • fix errors in grammar, usage, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and numbering

    • standardize style and formatting in the main text

    • suggest simpler or clearer wording in spots that might “trip” your reader

    • check tables, figures, illustrations, and captions against the main text

    • flag unintentionally harmful or stigmatizing language and suggest alternatives

    • flag content that may need copyright permission

    • point out moments I think readers will find particularly interesting, moving, helpful, or compelling

    • ask clarifying questions to make sure my edits support your vision

    • record all pertinent information and style choices in a style sheet

    • write an editorial letter about your work’s strengths and patterns and my suggestions

  • You’ll leave Cozy Cottage with a virtual knapsack of these files:

    • a welcome packet

    • your preferences form

    • our service agreement

    • your original manuscript

    • the first-round edit with comments, questions, and tracked changes in Word

    • an in-depth editorial letter about your manuscript

    • a style sheet recording all editorial decisions, including preferred spellings of important terms

    • tips for tending to your emotions and nervous system while you process feedback and answer queries

    • the second-round edit with tracked changes

    • a clean copy of this second version

    • tips for continuing your writing journey

  • • $15 for every 1,000 words

    • Returning clients get 20% off

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Proofreading

  • Proofreading comes after your manuscript has been thoroughly edited and only minor errors remain. Ideally the manuscript is also formatted and in its final layout at this point.

    I’ll carefully review your manuscript to fix or note the following issues:

    • grammar, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and numbering errors

    • minor formatting inconsistencies

    • errors in front matter, back matter, headers, footers, and page numbers

    • problems with page or section breaks

  • You’ll leave Cozy Cottage with a virtual knapsack of these files:

    • a welcome packet

    • your preference form

    • our service agreement

    • the proofread file with marks

    • a brief editorial letter

    • an updated style sheet

    You’ll also get support throughout and after the process.

  • • $10 for every 1,000 words

    • Only for professionally edited manuscripts

    • Returning clients get 20% off

“Very professional and driven. Excellent work; would rehire in a heartbeat.”

CARLOS IMERY

Request a free sample edit

Thinking about working with me? I’ll edit 500 words from your writing project for free. No strings. No pressure.

“Jessica was a pleasure to work with. Very detailed and professional.”

JOHN SHIRK