Developmental editing is big-picture editing. It’s a zoomed-out view of your writing that focuses on structure, argument, clarity, style, and flow. So, developmental editing means we’ll be working closely together, with lots of back and forth.

Sometimes I’ll play the architect, moving sections around until the final result has strong bones and elegant lines. Sometimes I’ll channel Marie Kondo, pointing to what’s weighing down your work. Sometimes I’m a counselor, helping you untangle ideas. Sometimes I’m just a cheerleader, encouraging you to keep the good stuff coming.

All of that is normal. We’ll work on it together.

Fair warning, dear writer: developmental editing can be tough. That’s because it takes a lot of brain work from you…and even a bit of emotional work. I can’t just fix your writing for you, like I can later in the process. You have decisions to make. You might end up re-writing bits or even letting go of sentences you love dearly. Ooof, it’s hard!

But clients often say at some point in this stage of editing, “Oh right! There it is. That’s what I meant to say.”  Developmental editing is where good writing becomes great writing.  It’s worth the hard work.

Copyediting is detail editing. It’s a zoomed-in view of your writing, and every tidbit gets a close look. But the one doing the looking is mostly me–your share of the hard work was done during writing and developmental editing.

The goal of copyediting is to polish your writing, make it an easy read for your audience, and ensure they remember your ideas, rather than that one confusing sentence or awkward transition. (You know the one.)

Good news, writer: copyedits are generally easy fixes. By this point in the writing process, your argument is strong, your structure serves your argument, and your style is relatively consistent.

So instead of big-picture questions and comments from me that require you to make significant decisions, you’ll see notes about language consistency, transitions, and grammar. It’s mostly cut-and-dry, but it really matters to the quality of your final product.

Proofreading is clean-up editing. It’s an under-the-microscope view of your writing. The goal is the catch any final errors before your writing goes out in the world to do its job.

In some ways it involves shifting gears: I’ll no longer focus on improving your writing and will instead focus on fixing tiny mistakes we might have missed or introduced during previous rounds of editing.

Put your feet up, writer: my eagle eyes have got this. I’ll deliver a clean copy, and you and your writing can hit the ground running.

Oh man, I’ve been there! Feeling stuck on a writing project is frustrating and stressful, especially if a deadline is looming. But it’s also really normal. Everybody who’s ever been tasked with writing has felt what you’re feeling right now.

Let’s get you past it, yes?

I can help you get out of your own way so you can get down to business. In the role of writing consultant, I’ll be part coach, part cheerleader, and part fellow writer who’s been in your shoes. I help get you unstuck and give you strategies you can keep in your writing toolbelt for the future.

Start by sending me an email. See? You’re already making progress!

Typically, grad students, professors, and researchers hire me to edit journal articles, book chapters, grant applications, and curriculum.

Occasionally, nonprofits hire me to edit newsletters, donor correspondence, curriculum, grant applications, and digital content.

If you’ve got something different brewing, though, I’m game. Other projects to come across my desk have included high-stakes emails, job packets, letters-to-the-editor, picture book manuscripts, and once even a love letter!

Quick reminder: no matter what you ask me to edit, the final product is yours. I’m behind the scenes, helping you make your words the best they can be.

I sure do. I love these ongoing relationships, because I get to know your voice and writing style really well over time.

There are many benefits to pre-booking a slice of my time every month. But it really boils down to this: retainers ensure you get stuff done.

A retainer serves as a built-in deadline to get that grant application or article draft or donor newsletter off your to-do list and onto my desk for editing. Sometimes a “deadline before the deadline” is just what it takes to maintain momentum!

Currently, retainer clients book between 1-3 hours a month.

Nope. Editing is sometimes called “the invisible art.” We editors are behind the scenes, and we like it that way.

If you are a professor or PhD student at NC State paying through your department, please use my official NCSU vendor number: 0000264555.

For international wire transfers, I can provide my SWIFT code.

Venmo: @susanna-klingenberg
PayPal: Susanna Klingenberg
Check: My address will be on your invoice.

I love interdisciplinary projects!  If you’re a scientist, doctor, religious leader, parent, classroom teacher, engineer, or someone else writing in the environmental space, let’s talk.

I don’t, but I’m happy to read your content for errors and/or tweak the language to make it pop. In other words, I’ll edit your social media content, but I don’t create it.

If you find yourself scrambling for social media content, consider a larger piece (like a blog post or online article) on your website that social media can point readers toward. Interviews, especially, create lots of good social media fodder! I’m happy to help you brainstorm.

I sure do! But first, check to make sure your idea falls in my areas of interest. I love writing about outdoor adventures, nonprofits, history, and the arts. I’m also endlessly interested in ways that people create community and a sense of place.

If your idea falls loosely in one of those categories, shoot me a note! I can’t wait to hear what you’ve got brewing.