Are you finished with your manuscript, and ready for an editor? Our team of Writing Room coaches based in Detroit and New York are available to edit manuscripts for writers interested in publishing their book! Whether you’re a first-time author or bestselling pro, we’re here to help polish your story so it’s ready to print!
Fill out the form below so we can learn more about your manuscript and suggest a coach to work with.
Each editor sets their own their own rate based on your word count, deadline and desired services such as copyediting, developmental edits, etc. A 50% deposit is due for services to begin. Most editors need at least 3 weeks to complete edits, depending on your word count.
You’ll share your manuscript in an editable format such as a Word doc or Google doc with your editor. You’ll also sign an Editing Services Agreement, which ensures your work stays between you and your coach!
Your editor will reach out if they have any questions while working on the manuscript, but this is a time to take a breath and plan for your next stage: printing your book!
The Detroit Writing Room does not print manuscripts, but we are happy to recommend a local printer if you need one!
Editing for word choice, clarity, repetition, redundancies and sentence structure. A line edit focuses on how your writing conveys the meaning you want.
Editing for grammar, usage, spelling, punctuation and other mechanics of style; checking for consistency of mechanics and facts; and adhering to house style and/or Chicago Manual of Style guidelines.
Offers substantive feedback across a manuscript for content, style and structure. A developmental edit includes detailed analysis of plot, story arc and character development, as well as any other elements that might be relevant to your genre. It may also include some rewriting and reorganization of text.
Detection and correction of any obvious errors in the manuscript (e.g., typos), punctuation errors, grammatical errors and small formatting issues like removal of double spaces, converting straight quotes to curly quotes and conversion of three periods ... to ellipsis …
An analysis of plot, story arc, character development and world-building, depending on your genre. Evaluations typically include a final letter that describes what works well and what could be improved in the manuscript. These comments may cover characters, setting, structure, pacing, paragraph clarity and more. Some Writing Room coaches offer in-manuscript comments or line editing suggestions when a meaning is unclear. Before getting started, your coach will explain their evaluation process!
A substantive reading of your manuscript with emphasis on providing feedback in a particular area of expertise or identity. For example, reading for accurate representation of a biracial character.
Identifies:
Stereotypes and bigotry
Insensitive language
Inaccuracy in portrayal
“I’ve been utilizing the coaching services of The Detroit Writing Room and the results have been terrific. I worked with with Laura Berman, and my project has benefitted significantly from her guidance and editing. Laura is a wonderful resource! I also had the assistance of Amy Nielander on another project and the result was very beneficial, providing insight that changed the path forward, which will much improve the end result. Many thanks to Stephanie Steinberg for wisely picking coaches for me that fit my writing needs. It’s been money very well invested.”
Gerry Boylan
“Working with The Detroit Writing Room was the best choice I could have ever made in selecting an editor. They came highly recommended and didn’t disappoint! I was on a time crunch to get my first book released, and they answered the call with kindness and speed. Coach Justin Brouckaert turned my full book around in less than two weeks and working with Stephanie couldn’t have been more pleasant! I would recommend Detroit Writing Room for anyone looking for a professional and thorough editing service. Thank you again for everything!”
Jacob Brown
