The Right Word
At the Right Time.
Nonfiction Editor
You’ve poured your heart into your manuscript. Now it’s time to polish it to perfection. As a seasoned editor with years of experience working with dissertations, Christian nonfiction (including memoirs), and fiction, I’m here to help you refine your words while preserving your unique voice.
The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver (Proverbs 25:11)
Why Work with Me?
As the managing editor of the nonfiction arm of Elk Lake Publishing Inc., I’ve guided numerous authors through the editing process, helping them achieve clarity, precision, and impact. I’ve also trained with the Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network (PEN), honing my skills to deliver thorough, reliable, and invisible editing support. My goal is to enhance your manuscript while ensuring your message shines through.
Your Vision, Your Voice
Every author’s voice is unique. My mission is to support and enhance your words without overshadowing your intent. Whether you’re working on a devotional, a book on Christian living or discipleship, a personal memoir, biblical fiction, or something with a more academic bent, I will be an attentive, invisible partner in your journey to publication.
Let‘s Get Started
Ready to take your manuscript to the next level? Reach out today, and let’s discuss how I can support your writing journey.
Services – Levels of Editing
Paragraph Level
Substantive or Line Edit
You’ve finished your first draft. You’re ready for a substantive or line edit.
Sentence Level
Copy Edit
Grammar, usage, and consistent spelling and use of terms and words, character names, and location are all addressed in the copyedit.
Word Level
Proofread
The final step. The proofread double checks for typos and consistency in layout.
Process and Timeline
Not sure what level of editing you need? Let’s start with a chat about your project and your writing background. The best way to determine what level of editing your project requires is a sample edit, which I offer at no charge. As an added benefit, a sample edit gives you the opportunity to determine if I’m a good fit for you and me to determine if I’m the right editor for your project. Win-Win.
Client Testimonials
What People Are Saying About Judy
Sample Portfolio
Some of Judy’s Previous Projects
The Blender Adventures Series
Glenda Faye Mathes
Self-Published
Substantive edit preparing manuscript for a general audience.
The Black and White Thinking Christian
Fred Jacoby
Self-Published
Compilation and substantive edit of a series of blogs into a publishable manuscript.
To Each is Given:
Timothy Clothier
Self-Published
BMH Books, denominational publisher Substantive edit preparing manuscript for a general audience.
Latest Blog Posts
Anticipation is a Gift
Anticipation is a gift. Perhaps there is none greater. Anticipation is born of hope. Indeed it is hope’s finest expression. In hope’s loss, however, is the greatest despair. ~Steven L. Pack Although it’s another month before we flip the calendar to a new year, for Christians, Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year. This season invites us to prepare to celebrate the birth of the Messiah as well as to anticipate his return—his second coming. In a year in which we’re anticipating a COVID vaccine, economic relief, and a “return to normalcy,” we might be forgiven for balking at …
Beware the Zombies
I’m supposed to be writing a review of Steven Pinker’s Sense and Style, but like the student who waited until the last minute to read the book, I’m not in a position to write a full review—yet. With Halloween on the horizon, and Pinker’s reference to zombie nouns, I thought a blog on those might be more apropos than trying to bluff my way through a full book review. I am not a fan of horror films or literature (with the exception of Stephen King), so my knowledge of zombies is limited. Suffice to say that for our purposes the …
When You Need an Editor
At first glance, the similarities between doctors and editors may be difficult to imagine. While editing may not have quite the number of specialties as the medical profession, it is no more a one size fits all profession than doctoring is. You may have a general practitioner for annual checkups, but when you break a bone, you’ll be referred to an orthopedic doctor. Sustain a heart attack and you’ll see a cardiologist. Likewise, it’s important to know that editor is an umbrella term that encompasses as many as five to seven “specialties.” Before we delve into them, however, I want …