Copyediting and Coaching Consultation: Whether you have a manuscript, an essay, a poem or a single piece of work, of any genre, any length, I would be happy to have a chat with you. At this consulting stage, I do not edit or proofread any works. I do not evaluate any writing. I listen and respond to your questions and help you discover ways to approach or improve what you’ve written based on your concerns, which I will gladly clarify. Consultations usually run from 30-minutes to 1-hour at a time.

Evaluation and critique: My main tasks when evaluating your work(s) is to thoroughly read through the entire document noting any weaknesses. Thereafter, I will prepare a summary outlining those weaknesses and suggest necessary revisions to correct and tighten your document.

Coaching: Sometimes it's hard to see the whole picture, —ah, a book in this case—and you need an objective eye. This is where I coach you to create a clear strategy on approach. I will steer you through this sometimes frustrating, writer’s block path, as well as guide you on how to format and prepare your document for submission to agents and publishers. My role is to assist you every step of the way to enhance  your written work, that is, to make sure your writings captivate an agent's imagination and engages his or her mind fully.

Copyediting: This is the level of editing most commonly called for once you have finished your document. It is critical at this point that standardize grammar, spelling, format, punctuation and other mechanics of style are checked, as one gets "cross-eyed" after mulling over documents over a period of time. I will not only check the above, but I will also check for consistency of mechanics and consistency of facts. It may include marking head levels and approximating placement of art if necessary. I will note every instance where I feel an important change is required.

Editing - Structural: Structural editing too is of paramount importance. Lack of structure in any written work shows your weakness as a writer. Structural editing focuses on logical organization, rhythm and flow of content to render your document clear, concise and legible. After I conduct a structural edit, this will ensure your arguments make sense, your plot develops in a compelling fashion and your information is accurately conveyed.

Editing - Stylistic: You have your own voice — a unique voice, and I will respect and enhance that uniqueness. Without flouting English conventions, I will assist you in clarifying meaning, eliminating unnecessary jargon, redundant usage, repetitiveness, and polish your distinct style. I'll work with you to make sure you're delivering a suitable and forceful message. This may include adjusting dialogue to suit your characters for instance.

Proofreading: For as long as I can remember, proofreading is, most times, mistaken for copyediting, but technically speaking, it's a separate entity. Proofing concerns other elements. For instance, design elements for accuracy and consistency, including headers, level heads, page numbering, word breaks, end-of-line breaks, page breaks, cross references, and appropriate placement of tables, artwork etc. Proofing further includes line-by-line comparison with an original layout to ensure all errors have been caught and rectified.

Time remit: This is dependent on both our time schedules, i.e. when you get your document to me and the length and level of work required.

Top 10 reasons to employ my services

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• Professional
  

• Honest
  

• Experienced
  

• Affable
  

• Respectful
  

• Relaible
  

• Innovative
  

• Efficient
  

• Affordable
  

• Creative
  

CHERRY-ANN

CAREW

The Power Writing Coach, Editor & Author