Editing Services

Manuscript/Whole Book Editing

I approach completed manuscripts (whether of whole books or shorter, independent pieces) with a focus on consistency in tone, content, and format, suggesting changes only where needed—but applying a rigorous eye to be sure they are ready for final copyediting by the publisher.

 

Samples:

 

Developmental/Substantive Editing

Where it’s needed, I work with writers on the big picture: honing ideas; identifying or developing story lines, concepts, and scenes; and considering various points of view. Developmental editing helps move a writing project from concept to reality. Substantive or structural editing takes place after a rough draft has been created, but similarly focuses on large-scale issues like organization, flow of ideas, fact-checking, and research.

 

Samples:

 

Translation/Non-Native English Editing

I specialize in editing translations and writing by non-native English speakers. I work closely with authors and translators to ensure that idiom, style, and syntax are consistent throughout the piece and within the standards of American or British English, as required.

 

Samples:

 

Copyediting/Proofreading

I am skilled at catching inconsistencies and random errors that appear in the last stages before publication, ensuring you have a professional final product that allows your readers to focus on content.

 

Samples:

 

Nonprofit Support

I have decades of experience supporting the particular needs of academic and cultural nonprofit organizations, especially for annual report production and assistance with complex grant writing.

 

Samples:

  • “I was blessed by the assistance of Rachel Miranda, who has a brilliant eye and the easy ability to improve my work.”

    Rabbi Daniel Nevins, author of Torah and Technology

  • “Rachel Miranda is by far the best translation editor I have ever worked with.”

    Roman Kostovski, Publishing Director, Plamen Press

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I hire an editor when my computer can check my spelling and grammar?

As with any artificial intelligence, spellcheck and grammar programs are limited. They don’t see context or understand nuance. As your editor, I will read each sentence carefully and consider the flow, context, word choice, and structure, as well as syntax, grammar, and spelling. Depending on the level of editing you desire, I will suggest ways to tighten your narrative and ensure that every word is doing the work you intend it to do.

What are the different types of editing services you offer?

Proofreading involves looking for frank errors (or typos) in written work. This can include missing or repeated words, misspelled words, missing capitals or punctuation, incorrect grammar or usage, and formatting issues. Pieces that only require proofreading are at the final stage before submission.

Copyediting includes all the tasks of proofreading, but also encompasses inconsistencies of tone and style, word choice questions, and issues of syntax (sentence structure) and flow. This step in the editing process comes after a piece has been fully drafted and revised but might still have some rough spots.

Manuscript editing simply means that I receive a completed manuscript—of a book, article, short story, etc., and apply the principles of copyediting or substantive editing per the client’s request. For academic manuscripts, I also check for formatting consistency, and make sure citations follow required style guides. For creative manuscripts, my work might include flagging storylines, characters, or dialogue that need attention.

Substantive/structural editing focuses on organization and presentation, flow of ideas, intended meaning, consistency of style and tone, and research. This is the first stage of editing for a written work that is fully conceived and drafted (does not require development) but might still need substantial revision.

Developmental editing involves consultation at the earliest stages of a project, when the writer might not yet have a vision of the complete piece or might need guidance with structure or content. I have worked with writers who have a fully conceived memoir but don’t know how to organize their ideas, and writers who bring me a pile of separate short pieces and don’t even realize they have a book inside them, waiting to be written!

 

How is a “translation editor” different from a translator?

I am not a translator. My expertise lies in polishing works that have already been translated into English—or have been written by a non-native English writer—and which still require significant adjustments to be ready for publication (a natural part of the process that does not diminish the skill of the translator). I address issues of syntax, word choice, grammar, and idiom, and communicate carefully with translators, asking lots of questions about the language of origin, as well as the intended meaning, context, and style of the original.

 

How do you assess fees for editing a project?

I offer two choices for every client: pay by the hour, or pay a single, previously agreed fee for the project. Single-fee work usually involves a manuscript that is fully formed, that I can easily assess for the level of editing it needs. With clients who are not at the manuscript stage, an hourly rate allows maximum flexibility while we work together to realize the final shape of the written piece. If an hourly client is uneasy about leaving costs open-ended, we can discuss a cap or agree on other limits to the work in advance.

 

Which style guide do you use for editing?

I will apply the style of your choice (Chicago, AP, MLA, APA, etc.) to your piece, or if you have no preference, I will recommend a style based on the audience you are writing for. If you’re not sure of the audience or you have no style requirements, my preference is to use the Chicago Manual of Style, 17th edition.

 

Let’s make your words sing.