Hire the Best Book Editors in Washington

I've worked full-time as a freelance writer and editor since 2012. In that time, I've supported hundreds of clients across many different industries. Clients typically bring me in to: • Proofread and line edit content before publication • Improve clarity, tone, and flow without changing the original message • Format complex documents in MS Word • Edit long-form content including guides and books • Develop and polish professional resumes and other career documents • Refine AI-generated drafts After more than a decade of full-time freelance work, I understand that clients value reliability, clarity, and results. You can expect responsible communication, dependable turnaround times, and careful attention to detail. My goal is to deliver polished work that exceeds your expectations and makes your job a little easier.

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.

Editorial & Publishing Services Every manuscript is different. Some need structural work. Others need refinement, technical cleanup, or guidance through the publishing process. My role is to help you understand what your book actually needs, then provide the right level of editorial support to get it there—without wasted effort or unnecessary services. Below is an overview of the services I offer and how they typically fit together. Editorial Consulting & Book Project Management The full package from outline to manuscript to publication. This service is for authors who don’t just want edits—they want a clear plan and an experienced professional managing the process. I act as a strategic partner, helping you make decisions, set priorities, and coordinate moving parts so the project stays focused and forward-moving. Best for serious authors, thought leaders, and professionals who want clarity, momentum, and fewer costly detours. This includes: • Manuscript Evaluation / Editorial Assessment • Developmental Editing • Substantive Line Editing • Copyediting • Proofreading • Interior Design, Layout, and Formatting for all publishing platforms • Cover Consultation, Design & Creation • Accountability and milestone planning • Coordinating external editors, designers, artists, and other vendors as needed • Advising on publication paths and readiness — Manuscript Evaluation / Editorial Assessment — Get a clear, honest roadmap before committing to a full edit. This service provides a professional assessment of your manuscript’s strengths, weaknesses, and readiness for the next stage. You’ll receive targeted feedback and practical recommendations without line-by-line edits. Best for authors who want clarity on what their book needs—and what it doesn’t—before investing further time or money. — Developmental Editing — Transform your manuscript’s structure, clarity, and narrative drive. This service focuses on the big-picture elements that determine whether a book works: structure, pacing, character development, argument flow, and overall coherence. Together, we identify what’s strong, what needs some attention, and what’s getting in the way of the reader’s experience—then rebuild the manuscript so it delivers on its promise. Best for authors who know their story matters but need expert guidance to shape it into a compelling, publishable book. — Substantive Line Editing — Refine your prose so the writing carries the reader effortlessly. Line editing sharpens the language at the sentence and paragraph level while preserving your voice. The goal is not to rewrite your work, but to clarify meaning, tighten phrasing, and improve rhythm so the reader stays immersed rather than distracted. Best for manuscripts that are structurally sound but need polish, consistency, and stylistic refinement. — Copyediting — Ensure your manuscript is clean, consistent, and professionally prepared. Copyediting addresses grammar, syntax, punctuation, consistency, and adherence to style conventions. This is where technical distractions are eliminated, and the manuscript is brought up to professional standards expected by agents, publishers, and serious readers. Best for authors preparing for submission or production who want confidence that nothing technical undermines their work. — Proofreading — Catch final errors before publication—nothing more, nothing less. Proofreading is the last quality-control pass before a book goes to print or digital release. It focuses exclusively on surface-level errors that may have been introduced during revisions or formatting. Best for manuscripts that are otherwise finished and ready for publication. — Formatting & Interior Layout — Prepare your manuscript for professional print and digital release. Formatting ensures your book meets industry standards for readability and production across platforms. The focus is on a clean layout, correct spacing, technical compliance, and decorative design. Best for authors ready to publish who want their book to look as professional as it reads. — Cover Consultation & Coordination — Make sure your cover signals the right genre, tone, and audience. Rather than settling for generic or AI-assisted covers, I help you evaluate concepts, understand logistics and best practices, and avoid common market mistakes. The goal is alignment: between your book, its audience, and industry expectations. All covers are original, full-color, custom-designed, and created specifically for your book. Best for manuscripts that are otherwise finished and ready for publication. — Why work with me? Personal care. As an author myself, I understand how intimate and emotional the writing process can be. I'm sensitive to the highly personal nature of sharing your work and respect the courage and vulnerability it takes to publish your work. Tailored clarity. No two stories are alike. I approach each manuscript with fresh eyes, crafting bespoke support that respects your voice and vision

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.