Joelle Yudin Editorial ~ services

I can guide you on your project, no matter where you are in the creative process. Have you written a draft of a manuscript and need a second pair of eyes? Are you bouncing around ideas, unsure of where to start? Do you want an honest take on some pages you've written?

I have two decades of experience doing comprehensive editorial work for publishers, independent authors, agents, and non-profit organizations. I work with writers of all ages and levels and offer thorough—some would say obsessive—editorial consultation on manuscripts, proposals, reports, and websites.

I truly enjoy the collaborative process. I am conscientious, supportive, and upbeat, but am also honest when it comes to a work; I will tell you what I believe needs to be changed, and won't hold back. That said, I understand how important your work is to you, and want to help you make it something you will be proud of.

My services include:

*IN-DEPTH EDIT.

This developmental/substantive edit will aim to improve the work on both macro and micro levels. The In-Depth Edit usually entails my reading the manuscript multiple times—first for general impressions, second for the precise line edit, and a third as I write the editorial letter. As I read through your work, I make extensive notes (via Microsoft Word Tracked Changes comments) about general impressions and write queries and suggestions on how you can perfect the work as a whole. I do an "active read" and consider my notes and comments a conversation with the author. Notes may pertain to word choice; restructuring the work; revising for clarity and detail; expanding, moving, or removing certain sections; or developing character(s) or scenes, etc. These comments, along with the Chapter Outline and Editorial Letter (see below), will guide you as you revise.

I do call out glaring grammatical issues, but I edit more for content and narrative flow. If you are self-publishing, I can recommend a few great copy-editors or proofreaders to work with once you revise.

The In-Depth/Developmental Edit includes:

Edited manuscript with line edits, queries and suggestions marked throughout (Author must provide MS Doc files).
A thorough Editorial Letter that will review in detail the queries and notes marked throughout the text (with examples) and offer suggestions for how to improve the work as a whole.
Chapter Outline detailing plot points and chapter-specific notes.
Approximately two hours of consultation (in person, by phone, or video chat) for Author’s questions and discussion.
I can also advise on marketing, publicity, and social media promotion.

*MANUSCRIPT REVIEW.

I will read through the entire manuscript once and offer suggestions on how you can polish it to perfection (for example, restructuring, revising for clarity and detail, expanding sections, developing character or backstory). This is not an In-Depth Developmental Line-Edit, so I will not mark up each line that can be improved, but I usually write extensive notes (via Tracked Changes comments), suggestions, and questions throughout the manuscript. I do an "active read" and consider my notes and comments a conversation with the author. These comments, along with the Chapter Outline (see below) can guide you as you revise.

The Manuscript Review includes:

Reviewed manuscript with queries and suggestions marked throughout (Author must provide MS Doc files).
Chapter Outline detailing plot points and other chapter-specific notes.
Approximately two hours of consultation (in person, by phone, or video chat) for Author’s questions and discussion.
I can also advise on marketing, publicity, and social media promotion.

*REVISION WORKSHOPS.

Throughout the revision process, Authors usually need a sounding board, someone with whom they can talk through ideas, potential changes, and other matters affecting their manuscript. In these Workshops, the Author will send up to 20 pages, which I will review, marking notes, queries, and suggestions. Following the Author’s review of my comments and notes, we will meet for one hour. Revisions Workshops are not recommended if I have not previously read the complete manuscript.

*PERSONAL ESSAYS.

I am available to work with students of all ages to help them expand personal essays and improve their writing skills. (I have an MA in Secondary English Education and have worked in NYC public schools.)

*PROJECT DEVELOPMENT.

Do you have a story idea but are not sure how to expand it into a full-length piece? I can help you outline and develop plot points, characters, and other elements before you start writing, whether you have initial material (a typed outline, blog post, notes on a bar napkin) or not.

I look forward to hearing about what you're working on and helping you fulfill your vision.

For more information about getting in touch, click here.

Black and white photograph of an edited manuscript