Melanie Saxton | Book editing and ghostwriting

I've been working with authors for two decades and am a great hand holder. I love to collaborate, brainstorm, and watch a book develop. Writing and editing is my full-time occupation, and my experience as a journalist and former English teacher adds another layer of expertise to each project. I was recognized as #6 in a Top 15 Texas Book Editor ranking this past August. I received the Excellence in Cancer Journalism from the American Cancer Society in 2009. My website testimonials speak volumes, and I would love to collaborate with you! Book editing Ghostwriting Award-winning writing Authors generally need copy editing, line editing, developmental editing, substantive editing and/or research. Each is explained below. Copy editing: Your book may require the most basic type of editing, which is copy editing (or proofreading). Special attention is focused on misspellings, typos, grammatical errors, tense, subject-verb agreement, hyphenation, mislabeling and awkward transitions Line editing: This next level of editing examines paragraph structure, flow, pacing, usage and writing style. I look at your syntax and how you weave various literary devices into your manuscript. I usually copy edit as I line edit because both require intense attention to detail. Developmental editing: This more advanced form of editing involves the development of your narrative and story arc. This includes overall conceptualization, plot, character, theme, and other storytelling elements. I may rewrite or add new content. Your front matter, back matter, chapter titles, and organization is reviewed (and revised). Substantive editing: Your manuscript may require an overhaul — and that’s a good thing, not a bad thing! Some of the most wonderful stories get “lost in translation” as they travel from your brain to the keyboard. I rewrite, restructure and resurrect your work, sometimes ghostwriting the bulk of it. Research editing: I offer research services to gather background (this often helps with the story arc), verify facts and provide citations. Ghostwriting: I write your book for you. As a ghostwriter, I spend a lot of time on the phone with my clients. Skype and Facetime is also helpful. Some authors keep a notepad under their pillow to capture a thought after waking up in the middle of the night with a "Eureka" moment. Others share memories and recollections on tape recorders. There are a thousand and one ways to develop the manuscript, and my job is to find the right path for your book. Publishing: I also often work with a boutique book publishing firm and can help authors with their self-publishing journeys. Please contact me to assist with your writing and editing needs! ~ Melanie Editing and writing is my calling. It is gratifying to help authors bring their manuscripts to life. It's so exciting to see their books on Amazon! Many of these projects appear on my website as well. Many people have great stories and compelling concepts but aren't sure how to write the manuscript. That's where I come in. My editing and ghostwriting services ensure that stories are published rather than being lost to time. Your book is important!