Fiction Editing and Proofreading

I needed the manuscript turned around really quickly. WordsRU did 140,000 words in under a month to a high standard and even made some suggestions for improving the book!
John Halsted, Author, Legend of the Last Vikings – Taklamakan
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• Use your own unique perspective on life as the basis for your writing.

• Prepare a story outline that includes all the characters and plot developments. Use it as a ‘map’ as you create your story. The map is not locked in concrete – it can be altered to reflect developments that occur once you are under way — but it will keep you on track.

• Develop your plot so that every action/scene builds and reinforces the tension/conflict and impact (and be flexible in moving sections around to achieve this).

• Establish your characters with telling details that make them appear real — make them compelling and interesting.

• Remember that a reader’s own imagination plays a large part in their understanding and enjoyment of what they are reading.

• Be flexible – if you are on the wrong path, start again. What you have done is not wasted as you will carry forward what you have learnt to the next manuscript.

• Make sure you keep control of your chosen voice (or voices) throughout the work and check for any unintentional slips or lapses.

• Dialogue should serve to advance the story otherwise it can become tedious.

• Strong writing evokes each of the senses. Active voice is stronger than passive voice. Similarly, strong verbs work better than verbs supported by adverbs.

• Make sure that there are no loose ends (the outline ‘map’ is a big help with this).

• Get your manuscript professionally edited – not your best friend who might do it as a favor. Be prepared to invest in yourself — you will be surprised at what a fresh pair of eyes comes up with and how helpful the feedback and comments are in taking your work to the next stage!

I have not yet completed my novel but it needs work and I would like some feedback. Can you help?

Yes, we certainly can. Suggest you let us have it for editing now and one of our editors will not only get the work into good shape, and ensure you are on track, but include feedback, comments and suggestions that you can take up in completing the work.

If you edit my story, can you guarantee it will be published?

No unfortunately, we cannot. What we can guarantee though, is that your professionally edited manuscript is much more likely to receive a favorable reception from both agents and publishers alike if you can add “my manuscript has been professionally edited” to your cover letter.

I am a first time writer – can you give me some advice and tips about my writing?

Yes. When the editing is returned to you, it will include Editor Comments that cover various aspects of the writing including any areas that may not be working as well as they should, and suggestions on how to deal with them.

Can you edit my book chapter by chapter, as I write it?

Yes we can but it is not the best way to do the editing because it means the editor is to some extent working in the dark. Much of the way a work is edited is determined by the way the unfolding narrative, and its character and plot development and therefore later stages inform the earlier sections and changes may be made in the second or third run through the manuscript. If you must do it this way, then at least give us a few chapters at a time 10 or 15000 words as something to ‘work with’ . . .

What is the difference between a synopsis and a story outline?

A synopsis gives a brief summary of the story, its main character and the plot highlights. A story outline is a much more detailed document. It outlines the framework for your story, all the characters and the key events as they unfold. It is invaluable to keep authors on track in the actual writing process. As things develop and/or change in the story, then you should note the story outline as well so that it really is an evolving overview guide to the process.