THE EDITING FORGE
Your word processor of choice and its color-coded squiggly lines want you to believe that editing and proofreading may as well be automated tasks, but polishing your novel the right way is a complex undertaking. Fablesmithy serves all four editing stages a la carte and in discounted packages.
Developmental Editing
A developmental editor looks beyond your manuscript's diction and focuses on its plot, themes, world-building, pacing, and other structural elements. We'll highlight what's strong and what might benefit from reforging.
Line Editing
A line editor scrutinizes nittier-grittier qualities of your writing, such as its tone, flow, and readability. Sentence structure alone can determine whether a scene grabs a reader or confuses them. We'll ascertain that you avoid the latter.
Copy Editing
Copy editing includes revisions of your work's grammar, punctuation, and word choice. We'll strive to maintain your writing's stylistic subtleties even as we disassemble and rebuild some of its smallest parts.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final and least invasive step of editing. We'll hunt down typographical errors, formatting problems, and whatever other infinitesimal quirks may be standing between your work and perfection.
Editing Workflow
We prioritize seamless integration with authors' existing workflows. Video or telephone conferences, e-mails, Track Changes in a Microsoft Word document, comments only in Google Docs — you name it, and we'll (probably) do it. For example, we will not drive to your residence, stand beneath your bedroom window, and yell editorial suggestions to you while blasting Elvis Costello's "Everyday I Write the Book" on a boombox.
It’s a big plus to find an editor/proofreader with a background in both fiction and non-fiction. Derek’s comments were insightful, clear, and specific – so easy to work with. He helped me make Garden Witch a better book.
I was thrilled with the editorial input provided by Fablesmithy and Derek Flynn for my horror novel. The book was previously edited and copyedited, but I’d made revisions. Derek caught so many issues as well as made some fantastic, actionable suggestions that made the book even better. I highly recommend their services!
WHY HIRE US?
Our editor, Derek (that’s me), has worked for over a decade in the medicolegal field, where he edits and proofreads forensic reports that are often hundreds of pages long. “But Derek!” you might say, cutting yourself off for dramatic effect. “That’s non-fiction!…Right? Wait, why am I yelling at a website that isn’t full of my utility bills?”
Because the tomes of technical writing that I review are destined for courtrooms, they demand a commensurate eye for clarity, consistency, and concision. This exhaustive (and sometimes exhausting) experience has primed me to hunger for more stylized prose (yes, yours!) to pair with my critical expertise.
Editing Services
Developmental Editing
Line and Copy Editing
Proofreading
All Four Editing Services
Bundle & Save
Save some cash by bundling our editing, design, and narration services.
We offer three tiers of packages to suit every budget.
FAQ
Are your editing services limited to certain genres?
Nope; however, before we begin editing your manuscript, we’ll discuss its contents with you. If our editor isn’t the best fit for you, you’ll know before you hire us (or very early in the editing process).
What's your preferred editing workflow?
Our editor is most experienced with and prefers to use Microsoft Word. Because editing suggestions are often subjective, we’ll add comments to the margins of your manuscript rather than make changes to it. Minor corrections will be made to the text itself with Track Changes enabled. We’re also happy to provide developmental commentary via a formal letter, informal e-mail, or even a conversation.
Can I see a sample of your work?
We don’t blame you for feeling hesitant about blindly hiring an editor from all the way across the Internet. Not only can you see a sample of our editor’s work, it can be a sample of your work! With some exceptions, we’re willing to prove ourselves by editing the first chapter (or the first five pages) of your manuscript before you hire us. Contact us for details.
How do I get started?
Click any of the links above with that exact verbiage, e-mail us, or leave us a voice message! We’re eager to help launch your manuscript over the finish line.
