Science Fiction Editing and Proofreading

Science fiction was once defined by the famous American science fiction novelist and scholar Isaac Asimov as “that branch of literature, which is concerned with the impact of scientific advances upon human beings” (Modern Science Fiction 1953). The genre has come a very long way since those days and there are hundreds of authors whose writing in this field has made them household names to their readers and thousands more vying for the same fame. During the 1970s the notion of science-based fiction developed from dealing with science to considering consequences. Questions as to “what would happen?” and “what if?” began to arise. From this starting point it is easy to see how science fiction has grown so that today it is one of the most popular book genres throughout the world with millions of avid readers locked into epic sagas about alien worlds and intergalactic action adventure and fantasy.

WordsRU - Science Fiction Editing

"It's an important and popular fact that things are not always what they seem. For instance, on the planet Earth, Man had always assumed that he was the most intelligent species occupying the planet, instead of the *third* most intelligent. The second most intelligent were of course dolphins. Dolphins had long known of the impending destruction of earth and had on many occasions tried to alert mankind but their warnings were mistakenly interpreted as attempts to punch footballs or whistle for titbits."
"Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy"
—Douglas Adams

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WORDSRU AND SCIENCE FICTION EDITING

WordsRU’s team of editors and proofreaders has worked on hundreds of science fiction novels, many of which have been published with their authors returning to us to edit their subsequent manuscripts. Our team appreciates how important it is to you as a writer of science fiction to preserve your own distinctive ‘voice’ and retain the integrity of your original concept. We understand that authors are looking to have their work edited by an editor who can improve the quality of their writing, bringing forth that which may be proving elusive, but who will not change the style or mood of the writing, and certainly not alter the story itself. Whether you are attempting your first novel or you already make a living as a professional writer, WordsRU’s professional editors and proofreaders will check your manuscript for trouble spots, leaving you free to concentrate on the creative side of your writing.

Our editorial service has wide experience in the editing and proofreading of both fiction and non-fiction manuscripts, and our service embraces memoirs, biographies, screenplays, poetry, cookbooks, adventure, romance, science fiction, mystery, crime, literary fiction, workbooks and of course, fantasy fiction (in addition to academic papers and business documents). Our editors and proofreaders will thoroughly check your manuscript for grammar as well as correcting punctuation, tense, spelling and typographical errors. We offer help wherever you need it — sentences are strengthened or reworked to heighten the impact, flow and readability of your narrative, and we include invaluable feedback, comments and suggestions as well.

WISE WORDS FROM ISAAC ASIMOV

"You must keep sending work out; you must never let a manuscript do nothing but eat its head off in a drawer. You send that work out again and again, while you're working on another one. If you have talent, you will receive some measure of success - but only if you persist."

AND HELPFUL ADVICE FROM OUR EDITORS

Blend fact and fantasy – blur the boundaries
A prologue is often helpful in establishing location and mood
Characterization and POV (who is telling the story)
Names (very important – think about them carefully)
Draw on mythological, historical, technical and scientific sources
Consider different societies and racial groups
You will need to set up government structure and infrastructure
Create portals to worlds inhabited and uninhabited, and beyond
Visualize and prepare maps and establish locations for events
Plot – crucial elements, major events
Decide the challenges – major and minor that the characters must face
Technology & application; also clothing and special effects
Resolution – permanent (one book) or for the time being (series)
Epilogue —especially useful if there is to be a sequel

PEOPLE - In common with other forms of fiction, science fiction is about people and their human condition. The landscape may be alien, but the reading frame of reference is always people and in this, the writing of science fiction has much in common with not only good fiction writing practices, but that of writing fantasy fiction.

REMEMBER - You do not have to be a technical nerd, possess a degree in quantum physics or nanotechnology (though an interest in these areas can help) but you do need a sense of adventure (see our resource note on adventure novel editing) and a willingness to go way beyond your imagination’s comfort zone (see our resource note on fantasy novel editing).

Do keep in mind that at any point in the writing process you can call on the professional editors at WordsRU to edit what you have done (whether the work is complete or not), and give you helpful feedback, comments and suggestions —if the manuscript is incomplete, then this will be very beneficial as you work towards its completion.

WordsRU edits - you take the credit!

View our book testimonials from published authors.

WordsRU Writer Services:

WordsRU will ensure that your science fiction manuscript is edited and proofread to attract the highest possible quality outcomes.

SUBMIT YOUR REQUEST FOR A COMPLIMENTARY, NO OBLIGATION
ASSESSMENT AND DETAILED QUOTE NOW!

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