Editoral/Developmental AnalysisAn Editorial Assessment/Analysis looks at big-picture issues like genre alignment, characterization, plot, pacing, structure and style. An editorial assessment can help you develop your early draft into content that meets professional standards.
Before you commit to a full Developmental Edit which is a significant investment, you might want to get the big picture overview, take that feedback to make changes to your manuscript and then present the more polished version for a fuller developmental edit or perhaps a copy edit (line editing). |
I decided to hire Cathleen for an Editorial/Development Analysis. Cathleen's analysis was spot on. She provided all the missing pieces I was looking for, from eliminating chapters in question, to strengthening the story line, to weaving the chapters together in a way that flowed. Now, I am no longer stuck in a whirlwind of doubt, but instead moving forward with confidence." Trista Haggerty, Writer |
DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING/COPY EDITING (LINE EDITING)Developmental Editing focuses on the structure, organization and content of your book. It is very much a collaborative process with the goal of helping you get your manuscript ready for final copy-editing and publication or submission to an agent or publishing house.
A developmental editor evaluates and critiques a manuscript and suggests additions, deletions, and revisions. The goal is to make sure your manuscript is well-organized, compelling, clear and consistent for the reading audience. Depending on your project the developmental editing services may include research, rewrites and even line editing. However the final copyediting and proofreading, the final stage before submission, are not part of the developmental editing process. If you have a book project and need assistance organizing chapters, content and dialogue then developmental editing is your next step in the preparation of a publishable manuscript. Copy Editing (Line Editing) Services also available. |
“I first met Cathleen at an IWWG conference in a class she taught on the Power of a First Chapter. She stimulated and motivated the class with positivity and skill. After the class I knew I wanted her to be my coach and mentor for my memoir. We now talk monthly and our conversations are taped so I can listen if needed. She understands my vision for my book and helps me implement it with thoughtful ideas and recommendations that make my writing more robust and forceful. She creates a bridge between what I want to share with readers and what will maintain their interest in turning the pages.” Roberta Kuriloff, Writer |
LAYOUT, FORMATTING, MARKETING ASSISTANCE FOR A SELF-PUBLISHED BOOKIf you want to self-publish your book but don’t know where to begin, which service to use, how much to spend or what you get for your money then it’s time to consult an expert. I’ll help you weigh the options, choose the right path and get you organized with the steps, including doing the layout and formatting as well as setting up your book and author page on amazon. If you are doing a children’s book, I will do the book layout for you exactly as needed by self-publishing platforms. You choose which services you need for your book.
You need an organized and clear marketing launch plan for your self-published book. I will work with you to develop a marketing package, help you enlist co-marketers to broaden your reach and show you how to coordinate a launch day to bring your book to the top of the amazon bestseller category using email and social media. |
Cathleen formatted and laid out my book and then created a promotional package for my book launch that included sample tweets, social media posts and email content. She also developed a launch timeline and showed me how to check on the status of my book’s ranking on amazon on the launch day. What an exciting day it was! My book is off to a great start and I already have re-hired Cathleen to help with my second book in my series! Virginia Giordano, Educator and Writer |
WRITING CLASSES AND WORKSHOPSAnnual classes in writing, publishing and marketing are held through the International Women’s Writing Guild (IWWG) each summer. Join as a member to be kept informed of the latest regional conferences as well as the annual summer conference at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA.
Check the Events and Workshops page for other offerings. |
I wanted to thank you for your wonderful class at IWWG…I’m the woman who pulled the “abundance” card. So many of the things you said spoke directly to me…especially your words about the need to feel carefree. I actually wrote a chapter of my cozy mystery on Sunday afternoon. Typically, when the afternoon rolls around, I have myself convinced that I can’t write…that I can only write in the morning. Well, I’ve now disproved that, and you were right…it didn’t feel like work at all. . . . Thanks again for being such an inspiration. Sally Handley, Writer |