Inky Page Editing

MacKenzie Saladin Editor

SERVICES

The types of editing I do vary depending on the needs of the text and yourself. I, of course, will want to know what editing you feel your document needs, but I will want to review the document before any final decisions are made. Editing has been my passion for years, and finding the right person to examine your document is very important.

There are different levels of editing that a document could need. For example, I can do developmental, structural, copyediting, and proofreading. Below I go more into each level. My prices depend on the project, your budget, and the rate at which the project needs to be done. I also list the reference books I have used.

Genre Preferences

The genres listed are not the only documents that I edit; they are just ones I enjoy working with or have worked with. As noted elsewhere, I will work on fiction, nonfiction, and technical works. I am strongest in fiction but did my fair share of nonfiction writing in college.

Historical Fiction (My top preference)
Horror/Gothic Horror
Mystery/Suspense
Literary
Memoir
Essays
Short Stories- Fiction/Creative Nonfiction

Developmental Editing

The focus here is the content of the document.

I love doing developmental edits because of the intimacy I get to create with each character and the overall content of the document.

Common questions I ask when doing a developmental edit: Does the document serve its intended purpose? Are there any areas missing information or story development? Is there content to be removed?

Developmental editing looks at the big picture of your document. This level of editing would also help with the storyline, character development, pacing, organization, etc.

Line Editing

Line editing focuses on the sentences. Here I want to look at how the sentences are impacting the reading experience.

Line edits will look different for various genres of writing.

A line edit is very similar to a heavy copyedit. This level looks at word choice, sentence structure variances, grammatical errors, and voice. Any awkward passages will be revised, and strengths in the author's voice will be utilized.

In fiction, I focus on tightening word choice, increasing shoeing over telling, and looking for instances readers may lose interest.

In nonfiction, clarity and consistency are one of my main focuses. I will improve sentence flow, transitions, and ensure consistent tone.

Proofreading/Beta-reading

Proofreading is usually one of the last steps before publication.

Beta-reading can happen during any process of the manuscript. Typically, writers have a beta-reader before they begin edits.

One of the essential steps before publishing a piece is making sure the text is free of grammatical or style errors. Like a light copyedit, a proofread looks at the hard and fast spelling and grammar rules. This process also checks for orphans, widows, incorrect hyphens, and overall layout. Usually, a document has already been laid out for publication, so this step ensures everything looks how it is supposed to.

Beta-reading is helpful if you're heading into the revision process and are looking for some feedback. There is not a single task beta-readers do; instead, they provide information on how the document reads. Some may point out there are a few types of reading, but I like to keep beta-reading as a blanket for all readers.

Structural/Substantive Editing

Still looking at content, structural editing is a lot like it sounds.

Substantive editing may also occur during a structural edit. It is a mix between developmental editing and line editing.

When doing a structural edit, the main priority is whether the document flows and has the most effective layout to get the ideas across. I also look at the length of chapters, sections, and paragraphs to ensure the document has a nice balance.

If your document doesn't need a full developmental edit but is not ready for a copyedit, then a structural edit with a side of substantive editing may be for you. Adding the substantive edit means I will look at finer details and more specific development needs of the document. For example, looking at the structure and character development but not any setting or pacing details.

Copyediting

Now we get into the words and grammar. Copyediting looks closely at how the words are used.

This level of editing is what people most commonly want.

Copyediting has numerous levels of its own.

A light copyedit focuses on grammatical and spelling errors, cross-referencing when needed, and other vital tasks to a clean document.

Medium copyedits include a light copyedit with the addition of looking for missing material, word choice, citations, and light fact-checking.

Heavy copyedits help reduce redundancies, eliminate passive voice, and ensure coherence and consistent tone. This level looks the closest to the document, including the medium and light copyedit. Heavy copyedits look at the words, sentences, and paragraphs to ensure the document is as cohesive and concise as needed.

Cover Design

I have been a long lover of acrylic painting.

Recently I have had interest in people wanting me to paint their book/chapbook covers.

The process is pretty simple. I read your work and note the elements, motifs, and themes I want to highlight. We will then have a face-to-face or video meeting to discuss the work and what you are looking for in a cover.

I love drafting and having conversations with authors to develop unique covers.

Style Guides/Reference Books

Chicago Manual of Style, 17th ed.

Associated Press Stylebook, 50th ed.

MLA Handbook, 9th ed.

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th ed.

Webster's New World College Dictionary, 5th ed.

Testimonials

"MacKenzie Saladin is an amazing editor. She improved my manuscript, polished my
story, and educated me in the process. Her use of the Chicago Manual to edit content, copy,
line, and proofing provided correctness. She fact checked details making sure times, dates and places were correct. . . . "

"MacKenzie Saladin is an amazing editor. She improved my manuscript, polished my
story, and educated me in the process. Her use of the Chicago Manual to edit content, copy,
line, and proofing provided correctness. She fact-checked details making sure times, dates, and places were correct.

She developed a detailed style sheet educating me on general style, punctuation, numbers, and capitalization from the Chicago Manual of Style. The word list
provided names of people, places, and events to refer to correctly throughout the story.
Through all the changes, she allowed the story to keep my voice.
MacKenzie’s knowledge and detailed attention creates a professional product. I am delighted
with her service."

-Sharon Hoseley

Sharon Hoseley / Line Edit/Copyedit / A Bridge of My Own