You will get questions to decide your path: Traditional Publishing or Self Publishing
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Project details
I can speak to both types of publishing from three sides:
(1) I've worked for a publisher;
(2) I've had my own books published;
(3) I've guided writers as their editor and book coach.
What does YOUR book need: Traditional Publishing or Self Publishing?
Traditional Publishing
Advantages/ Concerns
FEATURES to seek in a traditional publisher
What are processes for wisely submitting your manuscript?
What do you do with the waiting time?
Who pays for what?
Can you trust Traditional Publishers? What are warning signs?
Self Publishing
Advantages/ Concerns
FEATURES to seek in a self-publisher
What are processes for wisely submitting your manuscript?
Who pays for what?
Can you trust self-publishers? What are warning signs?
When to choose self-publishing or traditional publishing.
• Once we conclude the consultation you can choose to contract with me to guide you through query letters and proposals.
(1) I've worked for a publisher;
(2) I've had my own books published;
(3) I've guided writers as their editor and book coach.
What does YOUR book need: Traditional Publishing or Self Publishing?
Traditional Publishing
Advantages/ Concerns
FEATURES to seek in a traditional publisher
What are processes for wisely submitting your manuscript?
What do you do with the waiting time?
Who pays for what?
Can you trust Traditional Publishers? What are warning signs?
Self Publishing
Advantages/ Concerns
FEATURES to seek in a self-publisher
What are processes for wisely submitting your manuscript?
Who pays for what?
Can you trust self-publishers? What are warning signs?
When to choose self-publishing or traditional publishing.
• Once we conclude the consultation you can choose to contract with me to guide you through query letters and proposals.
Genre
Business, Children's Literature, Religion & SpiritualityLanguage
EnglishWhat's included $100
These options are included with the project scope.
$100
- Delivery Time 1 day
- Number of Revisions 0
Optional add-ons
You can add these on the next page.
Query Letter
(+ 4 Days)
+$200Frequently asked questions
67 reviews
(65)
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KS
Kimberly S.
Jul 11, 2026
Copy edit for a nonfiction book.
Karen was excellent to work with! I am extremely happy with the completed project
BB
Barbra B.
Jun 9, 2026
Ongoing Writing/Brainstorming Partner
FW
Fred W.
Mar 11, 2026
Copy Editor — Christian-Based Science Education Booklet (17,485 words, Nonfiction)
Karen was a pleasure to work with as the copy editor for my manuscript on Jesus, Light, and Design. She went well beyond what I expected, catching grammar and style issues and even identifying passages that needed clearer explanation. I especially appreciated her enthusiasm for the project, as it was clear she genuinely cared about helping make it the best it could be. She was professional, responsive, and very detail-oriented. I would gladly work with her again!
NK
Nyla K.
Feb 22, 2026
Children's Book Editor & Publisher
BJ
Beyonca J.
Feb 4, 2026
Children’s book editor
About Karen
Developmental Editor | Children's Books | Bible-based Projects
100%
Job Success
Madison, United States - 5:56 am local time
I will ask you questions to glean your goals for your book to solidify what your project needs. Then we'll go to work. I worked for a huge publisher as well as smaller groups of all sizes.
I have scores of reviews and years of experience testifying to my ability to take your good idea and help it become something bigger and better than you could've imagined.
I'll coach you in (and edit from) your reader's point-of-view.
“Karen makes good writers into better writers--and keeps your voice. No other editor I worked with over all these years ever did this as well as she does."
As I listen, I'll grasp your goal and then show you how to get there.
Is this your first book? Your fiftieth? Do you want your readers begging for the next in your series? Do you have a dream that's flowing? Or are you not sure what to do next? I'll teach you, coach you, and edit to get your book to completion.
Clients say I have an eye for catchy marketing phrases and am a master at pithy book descriptions, sure to invite readers to open your book.
In all this, I aim to give you more value than you expected--a level of excellence you didn't anticipate. When you invest in my services, you access decades of expertise that I apply to your project.
We'll find words full of meaning that paint your story with all senses.
We'll captivate leaders with your business books.
"Karen got our goal for the book! She's an amazing talent at picking up on the cues of the author(me). Her finished product spoke volumes for her ability of transformation. Not only is her technical level extremely high, her communication, efficiency, and punctuality were equally high. A real pleasure to work with."
Will parents buy your book for their kids? I'll show you how to discern that.
Will Christians grow through your resources and web experiences? I'll help you assemble books, journals, guides, devotionals, more.
I edit for all cultures and communities. You are the experts; I communicate your brilliance. “I saw you do this through your sensitivity to hearing what I was trying to say. You tightened up the language to express those ideas without ever once inserting or injecting your interpretation or creating something that might have been more familiar to your lived experiences.”
I’m happy to answer your questions. You are hiring me for my experience as well as my editing. I’ll share my knowledge with you—including several ways to go on a particular decision and the advantages of both.
I've conceptualized books and other projects from blank paper to ongoing publication. Or jumped in at any juncture. One client says: "Not every editor is conscious of the reader's perspective. It was obvious Karen gave skillful attention to formatting all the jots and tittles but also gave careful consideration as well to [overall] content. She's good! Pointing out pull quotes (who does that!), giving diligence to places we've used a Bible passage too many times, then, actually suggesting replacement passages? PLUS...conversation and teaching all along the way."
Why a developmental editor? I help you provide:
• content that does what books are meant to do--surprise, delight, equip, make laugh, touch the heart; paint the truth in a new way, create a book so reread that it falls apart.
• words full of meaning that paint your story with all senses
• overall story structure and inviting page structure
• true-to-life-ness in fiction & irresistible practicality in non-fiction
• conceptualization for your sequel or series
• rhymes that are rememberable
• flow so interesting the reader-must-keep-turning-the-page
• edits you can accept, reject, or take to the next level. You always stay in the driver's seat.
• highlights for your unique approach
• understanding your target so your copy captivates them
• steps and processes at each juncture
• wordsmithing long copy into concise copy that still speaks the message
• illustration ideas
• explore details about the publishing world
• writing tutoring and writing mentoring
• all in addition to grammar and punctuation.
NICHES:
* INSPIRATION for all agesincluding poetry
* CHILDREN'S BOOKS
* BIBLE-BASED PRODUCTS for your diocese, denomination, church, or small group
* TEACHING GUIDES: We've all seen boring ones. Good ones can mean teachers buy the book for their classrooms. That spills over into parents buying the teacher-approved book for their homes.
* BUSINESS TRAINING: Do you have a leadership project you want to elevate so it creates fascination rather than yawns? Share your goal with me so I can help you get it onto paper and into hearts. What are your teaching goals? I'll help your team with methodology that matches.
Steps for completing your project
After purchasing the project, send requirements so Karen can start the project.
Delivery time starts when Karen receives requirements from you.
Karen works on your project following the steps below.
Revisions may occur after the delivery date.
Client schedules a meeting.
I will overview advantages and disadvantages of each path. I will ask the client questions and direct us to topics to customized process to the client's book.
I will summarize the meeting.
I will submit via Upwork messages key actions for the client to take next on the publishing path.