Book Doctor ~ Editor
Anita D. McClellan
From concept into print since 1988
Quick LinksBritish Library puts online 44,500 selected recordings of music, spoken word, and human and natural environments
a researcher's dream, a writer's heaven--hear what you are writing about If a book is no good, hurl it across the room and reach for another.
tempis fugit, the publishing industry's motto--and that begins with submissions. Reading Detectives seek undiscovered writers in England
UK libraries team up to scour byways for new or ignored talent: follow the hunt Marc Fitten's Indie 100
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Services"Break up the larger story into its components, make sure you understand the exact function of each component (a story [nonfiction or fiction] is like a machine with numerous gears: it should contain no gear that doesn't turn something), and after each component has been carefully set in place, step back and have a look at the whole. Then rewrite until the story flows as naturally as a river, each element so blending with the rest that no one, not even yourself two years from now, can locate the separate parts." -- John Gardner
"Hire a freelance editor.... Writing is a collaborative process and a trusted freelance editor can whip your manuscript into shape." --agent Taryn Fagerness• In mid-revision and spinning your wheels on honing the current draft?
• Is your submission package or sample chapter(s) getting bites but not landing an offer? • Exhausted all usable feedback from your writing group and trusted readers? Get this publishing insider to analyze your current working draft. Find out the big-picture issues so your revisions can build on strengths as well as shore up weaknesses. Only then will your manuscript be ready for a line edit! Call Anita (see right-hand column) with questions about booking a Read and Evaluate on a partial or complete manuscript--before you invest in full-blown editing!An ideal service for not-ready-yet submission packages to get your revision head working effectively.
Then just take the editorial report and run with it! What you get from my Read and Evaluate:
A report in writing/phone/person on • what works, what doesn't work and why (fiction: action scenes, pacing, point of view, character development & arc, motivation, time and place; nonfiction: organization, scholarship, competition) • writing mechanics (syntax, language, rhythm, story continuity) • submission and marketing strategies Added values: • saved time getting to the nub of your revision process • saved money on editing costs by first making your draft the best it can be • 15-minute post-report conference by email or telephone • discounts on services for the same work in progress • no-cost MP3 download recording of phoned report with transcript option • insights into your writing process and project • reality check and accountability on writing goals and deadlines • focus, inspiration, challenge with viable next steps for your work in progress Flat fee prepaid: $497.00 USD Note: Editorial services may be tax deductible; ask your tax advisor. Read and Evaluate up to 15,000 words is a first-come, first-served prepaid editorial service.
• Evaluating big-picture issues in article- and book-length manuscripts, adult and juvenile, nonfiction and fiction, for commercial, scholarly, or self-publication
• Writing coach • Contract vetting--before you sign your rights away to an agent or publisher • Author-platform development • Book submission strategies • Deconstructing, editing, rewriting: nonfiction book proposals, synopses (fiction), query letters, any submission material "very helpful" • "laser-like insight"Ask me about coaching once, weekly, monthly, on demand to gain
• insights into your writing process and work in progress • collaboration with a publishing-industry insider • recording of each coaching session by MP3 download with transcript option • setting and accountability on your writing goals and deadlines • focus for your writing with inspiration, challenge, viable next steps • Partial or full in-depth evaluation of fiction or nonfiction with report emailed or delivered orally with MP3 download of discussion
• Contract vetting: negotiating tips and clause by clause in plain English • Contract negotiations when you have an offer but don't need an agent • Editor and Coach Combo: Brainstorm by phone, email, in person a synopsis, book proposal, work in progress, agent/editor pitch, query letter for any category of writing, hook to sell an idea to magazines, likely agents, viable book publishers, building an author platform, your target market and/or your competition Copyright © 2005-2010 Anita D. McClellan Associates, 464 Common St., Suite 142, Belmont, MA 02478 USA; (617) 575-9203--email gives me time to think before I speak. All rights reserved. Literary consultancy only. BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU ACCREDITED |
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