Editing Samples

Click here to return to the "Editing" page of the Thompson Writing & Editing website.

Click here for a list of my editing rates and submission guidelines.

There are three ways in which I can edit your manuscript, and I'll use whichever works better for you.  In either instance, you are always in control of your own manuscript.  Each note I make is only a suggestion with an explanation of why I think the change is needed.  It's always up to you whether or not you make the suggested change.
bulletThe first option I can use is to highlight the area that needs changing and insert a footnote explaining what needs to be done.  Most authors prefer this method because I can get into more detail about why I feel the change is needed.
bulletThe second option is to use the "Track Changes" function in Microsoft Word.  This allows me to make the change in the text for you, but doesn't allow for an explanation.  You may then go through the manuscript and right-click on each change, either accepting it or reverting to the previous version.  This is sometimes a better option for a Level 1 edit when turnaround time is limited and the author isn't interested in improving his or her grammar skills.
bulletIf you submit your document to me as a PDF file, I can use the "Notes" tool in there to indicate where changes are needed.  This is the most common method I use for proofreading.  The notes will appear on your copy like little electronic sticky notes.
When a new client sends me the first 1,000 words of his/her book manuscript, I'll edit the sample free of charge.  This gives writers a chance to see if they like my editing style and will give me an idea what kind of shape the rest of the manuscript is in so I can estimate the price I will charge to edit it.  To get started on the rest of the edit, I'll need a retainer fee of half the total amount and a signed contract for editing (which I'll forward to you with my estimate).

 
Testimonials

Here's what some of my current editing clients have had to say about Thompson Writing & Editing:

"Wow!  Thanks for the continuity worksheets and the editing notes.  On first pass through them, I can see key factors I overlooked."
Dave Hickok
Author, Outplacement

"I scanned what you sent and from what I can tell, you earned your money.  Obviously it will take some time to digest and apply what you have sent me, but it seems you have created a good road map for me to improve the manuscript."
"Please know that I have found working with you quite rewarding.  It is easy to understand what it is you are suggesting, even though it can be challenging to address some of your comments.  You are VERY professional in how you work."
Jim Jeansonne
Author, Coral Crunch

"Wow!  Thanks for all the hard, detailed work you put into my book.  I am sorting through everything and figuring out the chronological order.  It makes so much more sense that way."
Karen Henderson
Author, Bruzer

Check the "What's New" page of this site over time for news on these books and the ones listed below.
These are some of the books and short stories I have edited for authors:
bullet   Family Fun on Florida's First Coast by Jenny Conway & Paige Howell (POW! Award winner; published by Sawgrass Press, 2005; featured in Southern Living magazine, January, 2006)
bullet Blessed Beyond Belief by Yolanda Tucker (Royal Palm Award winner; published by Kenneth Gilmore Ministries, October 2004, 252 pages, paperback)
bulletThe Dream Keepers: The Legend of the Dream Castle by Lisa Maria Kalaf and Eugene Orlando (Royal Palm Award winner)
bulletThe Little Day Girl by Barbara May Sanders
bulletThe One That Didn't Get Away by Bonnie Thomas Birdsall
bulletInspirations: Messages from Spirit by Joann MacQuarrie
bulletA Most Unlikely Love Affair by John R. Cowan
bulletGram's Eyes by John R. Cowan
bulletI Will Stand by Lafils Rivers
bulletWrite the Vision by Lafils Rivers
bulletTogether In His Presence by Lafils Rivers
bulletThe Dream Keepers: Easter Dreams by Lisa Marie Kalaf
bulletThe Dream Keepers: Halloween Dreams by Lisa Marie Kalaf
bulletSaved & Satisfied by Sabrina Henderson

Click here to return to the "Editing" page of the Thompson Writing & Editing website.

Click here for a list of my editing rates and submission guidelines.

© 2007, Thompson Writing & Editing, Inc.