Hire the Best Book Editors in Kentucky

Hello! I’m an early-rising, coffee-drinking, book-loving freelance editor who is passionate about children’s literature and picture books. I aim to encourage, inspire, and lend a helping hand along your journey as an author. Many editors focus on grammar alone. I focus on how your story feels to a child—and how it connects with who it’s meant to reach. I specialize in read-aloud flow, ensuring your story sounds natural, engaging, and enjoyable in any setting. I also bring a strong awareness of audience and market positioning, helping your book meet the expectations of its target readers. I work with picture books, early readers, and middle grade manuscripts, supporting authors at every stage—from big-picture structure and pacing to final polish. My Experience... With over a decade of editing experience, I use my bachelor's in education and editing training from the University of Michigan to focus specifically on children’s and picture book manuscripts. Over the past several years, I've worked with many wonderful authors—from debut authors to best-selling. Often, authors I’ve worked with include me in the acknowledgements of their published books. Beyond my experience and training, I truly know kids’ books. So well, in fact, I have quite a few favs I can read to my little guys without looking at the words (but don’t tell them). I’m well acquainted with classic authors like Bill Peet, Lois Lensky, and Maurice Sendak. I know authors who have been around for a while, like Laura Numeroff, Stan and Jan Berenstain, and Patricia Polacco. And I keep up with newer authors like Jez Alborough, James Dean, and Karma Wilson. I even have a vintage children’s book collection (something my husband fails to fully appreciate, lol). Let’s Work Together... I know what makes a good book, and, more importantly, I know how to make one just a little better. I can help you add that unique flair, catch that wee little thing kids won’t like or may stumble on, or shine up a line that will bring an extra-big laugh. All you need to know about me before we work together is that I’m a Christian, and I try to ensure the projects I take on reflect my beliefs. I’m flexible, easy to work with, and honest. Never a need to be nervous or fearful about handing over your manuscript. I’d like us to be a team and make your book the best it can be. My goal is to be helpful by finding mistakes, offering suggestions, and providing constructive, encouraging feedback. EDITING SERVICES MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE / BETA READ - For authors who want written professional feedback without the expense of a full edit Includes: • Big-picture feedback on story structure, pacing, story flow, strengths, and improvement ideas • Guidance on age-appropriate language and tone Does not include: • Line-by-line edits • Tracked changes within the manuscript • Grammar or proofreading corrections DEVELOPMENTAL / LINE EDITING - A comprehensive edit to strengthen both the story and the writing itself. Includes: • Tracked changes and comments directly within the manuscript • Suggestions to improve story structure and pacing • Line editing to strengthen clarity, rhythm, and readability • Feedback on tone, flow, and word choice for young audiences • Detailed written notes with revision suggestions Does not include: • Final proofreading for publication • Layout or formatting evaluation before/after illustration placement PICTURE BOOK LAYOUT / STORY FLOW ASSESSMENT - Designed for picture book authors who want help shaping their manuscript for illustrations, page turns, and overall visual storytelling. Includes: • Review of how the story flows across a typical 32-page picture book format • Suggestions for page turns and story pacing across spreads • Guidance on where illustrations can carry the story • Feedback on text density and balance between words and visuals • Suggestions for scene breaks and natural page divisions • Notes on moments that could create strong visual interest for illustrators Does not include: • Full developmental editing or line-by-line edits • Illustration creation or art direction • Layout design or formatting for print FINAL PROOFREADING - A careful final check before publication to catch small errors that may remain. Includes: • Detailed review for spelling, grammar, and punctuation • Correction of minor wording or formatting issues • Multiple read-throughs of the manuscript • Audio read-through to catch subtle errors the eye may miss Does not include: • Developmental feedback or story changes • Major rewriting or restructuring *Project Details & Pricing* Because every manuscript is unique, I provide custom flat-rate quotes after reviewing your word count, target age group, and editing goals – just send me a message and we can talk. A Final Note Before You Go YOUR SATISFACTION is essential to me. I want you to be 100% happy. If you are ever dissatisfied with your edits (even a bit), I’ll make it right—PROMISE!

Make your manuscript shine with a trained editor who understands the writing process from the inside out. I'm a professional proofreader and editor with formal training from the PEN Institute and a deep understanding of what it takes to bring a manuscript to life—because I’ve written three myself. I know how personal and important your work is, and I bring that same level of care and attention to every project I take on. I specialize in fiction and nonfiction manuscripts, offering a clean, polished final product that stays true to your voice. I also enjoy working on other written material—blog posts, articles, essays—anything where clarity, flow, and professionalism matter. What I Offer: • Line editing and proofreading for grammar, punctuation, and clarity • Detailed attention to tone, consistency, and reader engagement • Constructive feedback when desired • A friendly, communicative, deadline-driven work ethic Whether you’re looking for a fresh set of eyes on your novel or a meticulous review of your nonfiction draft, I’m here to help you present your best work. I also provide critiques for works-in-progress and understand the importance of helpful, respectful feedback. Let’s polish your pages and get your writing ready for the world.

Everyone has a story, so everyone needs an editor. My most meaningful work is in the shaping of words, finessing every project into its most fully realized form. I'm a writer's editor, having worked for newspapers, magazines, and the web for 20 years. You will almost always find me with a book or pen in my hand, if I'm not at my desk editing a manuscript or assignment. A bachelor's in English and master's in writing form the bedrock of my lifelong study of literature in all its forms. If you need an editor or proofreader, odds are I am more than qualified (and very eager to get started). I pride myself on keeping a diverse pool of clients, with projects that range from financial materials for American Advisors Group to line edits for authors like Christopher Murphy (The Other Side of the Mirror, Where the Boys Are). Name it, and I've edited it: commercial pieces, flash fiction, website ads, product packaging, email campaigns, slideshows, poems, recipes, blogs, business newsletters, short stories, children's books, travel guides, exposés, memoirs, screenplays, novellas, and so much more in just about every industry and genre. Empathy is an underestimated force of nature that informs my own writing, along with my all-in process as an editor and proofreader. My first priority is learning from my clients what kind of editor they need and how I can be the most successful fit for the work ahead. Is there a resume in need of structure? A novel in need of a thorough and careful eye? Perhaps the company needs an editor to freshen up the website. Whatever the project, I will gladly make room for it in my calendar. It is always a thrill and honor to showcase my skills.

Thank you for viewing my profile and considering me for your project. All work I do is on a fixed-price basis. "William is a great man! He responded quickly to my numerous questions. Edited my book in a professional manner and gave me advice. I would surely work with him again!" — Client from London, England “William is a superb editor and has a work ethic to match. This is my third project with him in less than a month. I think that speaks for itself.” — networlding "He didn't just do the work to 'do the work' -- he showed an investment in the success of my manuscript, which made me feel confident that I made the right choice in hiring him." — dlovitz I have written 13 books, including nine that were bestsellers on Amazon. Ten of the 13 were published by traditional mainstream publishers through my literary agent. I have also edited two bestselling books, including one published by Simon & Schuster that was a New York Times #1 bestseller. Some of my editing work was done on Elance (before they merged with Upwork at the end of 2015). While on Elance, I ranked in the top 0.1% among all freelancers, and I have a 100 percent job success rate as an editor on Upwork. I have edited a wide range of other projects for clients worldwide, including: Self-help books Business/marketing books Healthy living books Financial books Travel books Spiritual books Children's books Fictional short stories Magazine articles Websites College application/scholarship essays Phone apps Blog posts Business letters Press releases I am a former writer and editor with the Cincinnati Enquirer newspaper. I worked there for 10 years before leaving in 2013 to be a full-time author and freelance editor. Some of the books I have written, which you can find on Amazon, are: “The Ultimate Comeback: Surviving a Suicide Attempt, Conquering Depression, and Living with a Purpose.” Written with former NFL quarterback Erik Kramer and endorsed by the likes of Barry Sanders, Brent Musburger, and Peter King. “I Choose to be Happy: A School Shooting Survivor's Triumph over Tragedy.” Written with Missy Jenkins Smith, it was featured on CNN, Anderson Cooper Live and Ricki Lake; “Angel in the Rubble: The Miraculous Rescue of 9/11's Last Survivor.” Written with Genelle Guzman-McMillan and published by Simon & Schuster, it was featured on NBC's 9/11 10th anniversary special and was published in four countries; “Finding Peace Amid the Chaos: My Escape from Depression and Suicide.” Written with Tanya Brown, the youngest sister of Nicole Brown Simpson, it has been featured in People Magazine and on CNN, Katie, Larry King Now and Huffington Post. “Expect the Unexpected: Bringing Peace, Healing, and Hope from the Other Side,” with Bill Philipps, published by New World Library in San Francisco. We also published a second book, "Signs from the Other Side," in 2019. “The Doctor Will See You Now: Recognizing and Treating Endometriosis,” with Tamer Seckin, MD. The book was released in 2016. The foreword was written by Padma Lakshmi. It was ranked by Bookauthority as the #1 book of all time among 86 endometriosis books. Our second book, “EndoMEtriosis: A Guide for Girls,” was published in 2020. “Cards for Brianna: A Mom's Messages of Living, Laughing, and Loving as Time Is Running Out,” with Heather McManamy, who died of metastatic breast cancer. It was published by Sourcebooks in 2016, and it was a #1 bestseller on Amazon. It has been printed in four languages. If you're interested in me putting my 30-plus years of editing/writing experience to work for you, I'd love to hear from you! Thank you for your consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions. Sincerely, William

*Content Manager experience for two supplement companies * Content Manager for several travel-related blogs and search engines *Experience hiring talent and building relationships *Is a talented, dedicated book editor and ghostwriter *Background includes editing, publishing and content, article and review writing *HARO specialist *Extensive HTML knowledge and experience with WordPress and various plug-ins *Has managed teams of content creators, set up publishing calendars and approved content *Specializes in AP Style editing *Social media and WordPress management *Link building *Content marketing *Graphic design *Is highly proficient in editing with Microsoft Word Track Changes and using Grammarly *Has worked with various Fortune 500 companies on many editorial projects *Vast experience with guest post creation and backlink outreach *Is a Top Contributor for TripAdvisor, as well as a paid, commissioned guide writer *Has Upwork tested in the top percentiles for English spelling, vocabulary, basic skills, and both U.S. and UK article writing and blogging *Passionate about connecting with the reader, with the purpose to engage, teach and entertain *Excellent grammar and communication skills *Always attentive to small details *Recognized as a consistent, talented writer, reviewer and editor *Thrives best in a creative, entrepreneurial environment *Consistently adheres to and meets strict deadlines *Specializes in travel industry, business and technical writing and editing *Has created and maintained a professional travel and entertainment website and blog, including gaming destinations *Academic Essay editing and proofreading *Vast experience with SEO, hyperlinks and cross-referencing other articles within the story body *Possess hundreds of working relationships with visitor and convention bureaus across the country, as well as media and press organizations and outlets *Has extensive knowledge of hotels based across the globe *Has both written and edited lifestyle and academic materials for ESL teachers *Image editing and re-sizing *Edits, proofreads and writes academic content

My passion is to help clients tell their stories in the most clear, concise, and engaging ways possible. With a BA in History and over two years' experience as a writer, proofreader, and editor, I know what it takes to bring a project from idea to completion. I've worked extensively with novels, short stories, blog articles, video scripts, academic texts, and authors possessing every level of experience. I would be honored to bring my knowledge and enthusiasm to your project and help you share your message with the world. As much as I enjoy improving created works, I enjoy seeing writers' abilities improve more. I also offer constructive critiques and pragmatic advice as part of a comprehensive coaching service to take your writing to the next level. Let's tell your story with confidence!