What is developmental editing? Developmental editors, sometimes called book doctors, consulting editors, or writing coaches, assist authors in envisioning, organizing, developing, and refining their manuscript or product in accordance with the author's goals. Although a developmental editor cannot guarantee publication, (no one can since publishers sometimes "kill" books even after they have been contracted), working with a developmental editor can greatly improve your chances of an acquiring editor or agent noticing you.
Depending on where you are in the writing process, Lisa may suggest ways to strengthen your writing, define the goals of your book, determine your audience, guide you through the organizational process, suggest revisions, assist you in targeting appropriate publishers, and create a strong submission package following the publisher's submission guidelines.
Consider working with Lisa if any of the following statements are true for you:
- I've always wanted to write a book, but I need guidance and support in the process.
- I have an idea for a book, but I don't know where to start.
- I've written parts of the book (or the entire book), and I need feedback from someone with publishing and content experience.
- Submission guidelines required by publishers seem overwhelming and confusing to me, and I need help.
- A publisher (or publishers) rejected my book or project, and I don't know what I need to do to get it published.
- Publishing a book would enhance my career opportunities.
- I have expertise in a certain subject area, but I'm not a confident writer.
- I don't know what to expect when approaching a publisher and am afraid they will take advantage of me.
Working with Lisa can make the process easier
Because...
There's more to getting your book published than writing a manuscript to submit. If you struggle with how to get your book or project started and published and don't know where to start, you've come to the "write" place. Lisa can provide you with honest feedback and is someone who has your best interests at heart.
There is a flood of conflicting information regarding the publishing industry. Understanding the publishing process and meeting a publisher's specific requirements before you send off your book, gives you an edge on the competition, lets the publisher know you've done your homework, and reduces the frustration of wasting your time, money, and energy sending proposals that don't match a publisher's needs. When your product and proposal is comprehensive, well thought out, and well written, it makes a professional and memorable first impression.
Today's publishers and agents don't have the time or resources to develop a book. They have to see the potential of an author's project upon submission. An in-house editor or agent won't do the work for you.
As an author, you will benefit from Lisa's extensive experience in the publishing industry by knowing what to expect from publishers, what not to take personally, and how to research and choose a publisher.
And, because Lisa is an independent contractor and not affiliated with a certain publisher or agency, she can focus solely on the needs of the author.
What You Can Expect When Working With Lisa:
- An opportunity for discovering your passion as a writer.
- A professional, supportive, and fun environment to develop your book.
- A collaborative process that combines Lisa's content, publishing, and bookselling expertise with the author's vision.
- Compassionate, honest, and respectful feedback on your manuscript.
- Creative problem solving.
- Enthusiasm and inspiration as you and your project unfold.
- Support and guidance through the magical journey from idea to manifestation.
- Expertise in positioning and articulating your project's strengths and marketability in language that a publisher or editor unfamiliar with your topic can understand and get excited about.
- A lifetime of study and practice in mind body spirit subjects.
- Working with someone who treasures and believes in the value of spiritual books and products.
- Assistance in using referrals and identifying industry contacts and resources.
Lisa enjoys collaborating with authors to come up with concepts and find ways to implement them. Whether you need to check in every so often to see if you are on the right track or a full-fledged start-to-finish project, Lisa is there to assist you.
Click here to read what authors have to say about their experiences working with Lisa >
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