Melissa's Manuscripts
Book Editing Services
Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Children's Literature
You wrote a book! Now what?
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Whether you plan on submitting your manuscript to a traditional publishing house or choose the self-publishing route, expert editing is a vital part of the publishing journey.
I can help you get your manuscript in top shape for publication through all stages of the editing process, including:
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Beta reading
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Developmental/content editing
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Line editing
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Copy editing
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Proofreading
My Story
Books are my passion. I knew from an early age I wanted to be involved in the writing and story-making process. After gaining a well-rounded education in literary studies, creative writing, and editing, I worked as an editor at an independent press on several award-winning, highly reviewed books. I then went on to become an English instructor and magazine editor.
After a brief hiatus as a stay-at-home-Mom, I realized I wanted to get back to my passion and work with books again. I love diving into a new story and find the editing process highly rewarding. I pride myself on having a keen eye for detail and finely-tuned editorial sensibilities.
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Your manuscript is important to you. Let me help you make your voice shine and ensure your story is a true success!
Portfolio:
Birds of Wisconsin
B.J. Best
At Home Anywhere
Mary Hoffman
Kinesthesia
Stephanie N. Johnson
Whiskey Heart
Rachel L. Coyne
When Love Was Clean Underwear
Susan Barr-Toman
Friend Among Stones
Maya Pindyck
Interference &
Other Stories
Richard Hoffman
Fallibility
Elizabeth Oness
American Fiction
Vol. 11
Herman the Mouse
Tammy Brown
I'm Sure Glad it's Just Me
Tammy Brown
Editing Process & Rates
It's simple:
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The first step in getting your manuscript fit for publishing is to seek out beta readers. Think of them as a test audience. These readers should be familiar with your genre and will give you valuable, constructive feedback on what works and what doesn't in your writing and overall story. Once you have gone through that process, you can move on to editing. Fortunately, I do both!
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I am experienced in all aspects of the editing process from start to finish, so you can come to me at any stage along the way.
If you are ready to get started, simply send a short excerpt of your work with a brief synopsis of your story. I will then send back a free sample edit, along with a quote of what the project will cost.
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From there we will come up with a plan and deadline that best suits your needs.
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Publishing a book is truly a journey— I can't wait to start it with you!
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Education & Experience
M.A. English
St. Cloud State University
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Graduate Certificate in Publishing
Minnesota State University, Moorhead
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B.A. English
Art History Minor
St. Cloud State University
English Instructor
Madison College
09/2012 - 03/2017
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Associate Editor
Advantage Business Media
09/2012 - 11/2014
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Legal Assistant
Johnson Legal Group, LLC
01/2012 - 04/2012
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Editorial Intern
New Rivers Press
08/2009 - 05/2010
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Copywriter/Editorial Intern
Open Magazine FrostFire Media
07/2009 - 10/2009
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Writing Consultant & Graduate Teaching Assistant
St. Cloud State University
08/2008 - 01/2011
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