Hire the Best Book Editors in Washington

Whether you're writing slow-burn romance that makes readers hold their breath or a cozy fantasy world readers never want to leave, you've poured something real into those pages — and you deserve an editor who treats them with the same care you did. I'm a developmental editor, copyeditor, and proofreader specializing in fiction, with a particular love for romance and cozy fantasy. I work with indie authors and first-time novelists who are ready to take their manuscript from "almost there" to genuinely publish-ready — without losing the voice and heart that made it worth writing in the first place. Here's what working with me looks like: Developmental editing — story structure, pacing, character arcs, plot holes, point of view, and the overall reading experience Copyediting — clarity, consistency, grammar, dialogue, and prose flow Proofreading — a clean final pass to catch anything that slipped through I also work with non-fiction on a selective basis, so feel free to reach out if your project falls outside fiction.

I help authors and graduate students transform drafts into polished, publication-ready manuscripts. Whether you're revising a novel, memoir, poetry collection, or dissertation, I provide thoughtful, detail-oriented editing that strengthens clarity, structure, and readability while preserving your voice and story. 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 & 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 I own and run my own editing company, Sidewalk Editorial Services, and have edited 100+ books and 30+ dissertations. My background includes over fifteen years in higher education (program management, instruction, and advising) and proofreading for the University of Washington. I hold a B.A. in English Language & Literature, an M.Ed. in Learning Sciences & Human Development, and have completed a creative writing program at Stanford. I participate in professional development through the Editorial Freelancers Association, the Northwest Editors Guild, and ClubEd Freelancers. I also publish my own poetry. 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 What does your manuscript need? I can help you determine where we should start: • Developmental Editing and Manuscript Assessments: Big-picture feedback on structure, organization, pacing, character development, argument clarity, and content accuracy • Line + Copyediting: Sentence-level refinement to enhance voice, flow, clarity, and emotional resonance, plus the technical corrections of copyediting • Copyediting: Grammar and syntax corrections for consistency and technical accuracy using the Chicago Manual of Style • Proofreading: Final polish and error detection before submission or publication • APA 7 Support: Consistency of references and in-text citations in APA style for dissertations 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 Across genres, I specialize in manuscripts addressing themes of trauma, healing, identity, healthcare, family systems and relationships, social issues, aging, chronic illness, grief, education, and life transitions. My favorite types of manuscripts to edit include: • Fiction: Literary fiction, romance, suspense, fantasy, sci-fi, thrillers, YA, and historical fiction • Nonfiction: Self-help, mental health, business, education, parenting, healthcare, and history • Memoirs, personal narratives, and legacy books • Children's picture books and workbooks • Poetry collections My clients include indie authors, physicians, business leaders, poets, entrepreneurs, small business owners, publishers, research centers, teachers, and ghostwriters—all of whom want a skilled eye on their manuscripts. 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 Graduate students—if you’re nearing the finish line with your dissertation or thesis and need copyediting and APA 7 formatting to finalize your manuscript, I’d love to assist. I've copyedited dissertations for dozens of doctoral students at institutions including Stanford University, UC Berkeley, USC, Smith College, Delaware Valley University, and University of Washington. In addition to copyediting, I review citations, references, headings, tables, figures, block quotes, tables of contents, and other manuscript elements to ensure compliance with APA 7 and institutional formatting requirements. I identify discrepancies between in-text citations and reference entries and work with you to standardize them. Using track changes in Word, I help you successfully submit a polished, committee-ready manuscript. I typically work with one active dissertation client at a time so I can focus on the specific requirements of your institution and prioritize quick turnaround. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁? Send me a message! Every project begins with a review of your manuscript and goals. From there, I'll recommend an editing plan, timeline, and budget tailored to your needs. I look forward to collaborating with you.

Hello all! I am enthusiastic about all things words and I can't wait to help make your projects shine! I have experience in most genre types and a flexible schedule/strong communication skills. My Process: Windows PC, Latest Version of MS Word and track changes. I can work with PDF, Google Docs, and a few beta reading sites. As long as I have a way to comment on the manuscript, I can work with it! Reach out to me if you need help with the following : .: Story collaboration assistance and/or Beta Reading .: Quick edits (blog posts, short stories, academic papers) .: Content/dev edits .: Copyedits .: Proofreading/Galley Edits .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. I have a B of S in Arts and Letters. I was a child author for the now defunct KidPub Press, and have 9 years of professional editing experience (2000+ manuscripts); 12 years of light academic editing (APA, MLA, Chicago), and 26 years of MS Word experience. Beta Reading: 26 years of being a bookworm across almost all genres and have beta read over 2000+ books in my professional career. I have worked with various publishing houses, like Dreaming Big Publications (2016-2022), Muze Publishing, Gatekeeper Press, ProSe Press among others. I assisted on all sides of the editing process, doing galley proofs, copyediting, dev editing, and being an Editing Manager for interning editors to keep the publishing process on track. I love the entire process of working on books. I want nothing more than to help you make your book stand out on the shelf and help bring your vision to life.

"Amazing mind to help to edit anyone's work. She will be my go-to for future projects." Fast, affordable, and accurate editing and proofreading of your novel or nonfiction manuscript, scripts, academic writing, or articles by an experienced detail-oriented editor. I have a B.A. in English Literature from Washington State University and minors in history, women’s studies, and media communications. I have over a decade of experience editing professionally. I specialize in the sci-fi/fantasy genre, but I can edit any document. I'm proficient in AP, APA, Chicago, Turabian, Oxford, and MLA style.

Freelance developmental and line editor for fiction and non-fiction books. Freelance writer and author of Creating Your Purpose-Driven Business: A 30-Day Plan for Developing a Personal Brand and Business Strategy. Specialized interests: romance, romantasy, mystery, and contemporary fiction. Organized, detailed, creative, approachable, great communicator, and excellent at working independently and as a collaborator. SKILLS Proficient in Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, Mailchimp, Squarespace, Wix, and other business management software such as Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Proficient in the Chicago Manual of Style, APA Style, and Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. Other: Structure and Organization Audience and Voice Character Development Plot Book Formatting Branding and Marketing Editorial Freelancers Association Member

Hello, I’m Alix. I proofread and edit fiction (novels, short stories, children's books), nonfiction (transcripts, self-help, essays, articles), marketing materials (website content, blogs, case studies, e-books), and business writing (white papers, KB articles, installation docs, configuration docs, user manuals). I am an avid reader with more than two decades of experience judging literary work, reading beta manuscripts, and ensuring software quality. As a certified master proofreader, I’ll apply your style guide of choice—together with any custom requirements you have—to correct grammar, punctuation, formatting, and spelling errors. And, as a lifelong athlete, my attention to detail and dedication to process are second to none. You’ve crafted your written work and want it to be the best possible reflection of you. I am ready and able to help you take it to the next level.