Non-fiction book editing and proofreading
For experts writing non-fiction books
A book is a long piece of writing that you’ve created over months or years. By the time it’s finished, it can be hard to read your own work with fresh eyes. I copy edit and proofread the whole thing so it reads clearly and consistently, from the first page to the last. It comes back in your voice, and I’ll catch and correct the slips and inconsistencies that can creep into any large manuscript.
“25+ years editing non-fiction across hundreds of subjects. Every book is edited by me, personally.”
Topics I have edited
I edit books and manuscripts across a wide range of subjects.
Who you’re working with
I’m Tara, and as a former managing editor, I held whole publications to a single standard. A long book asks for that same standard, chapter after chapter. I know how much of you goes into writing a manuscript. That’s why I edit your book myself, from the first read to the last.
If you’d like to know more about me and the work I do, you can read about my background and experience.
What’s included
Here’s what you can expect when I edit your book:
Both copy editing and proofreading, on every project
Two full reads of your manuscript
Comments and practical advice in the document
A tracked-changes version and a clean final version
Editing to Chicago style, your own style sheet, or a publisher’s house style
Aftercare: when you’ve made your changes, I’ll re-edit them at no extra cost
I edit and proofread work you’ve already written. I’m not a ghostwriter, and I don’t write or create content from scratch.
See how my editing process works.
Your expertise stays yours
You’re the expert on your subject, so everything I do starts from that. My job is to make your writing as clear and readable as it can be. I’ll make sure your argument and your ideas come through and land well, in your own voice. I don’t write your book or check your facts, because that’s yours to stand behind. If an edit might change your meaning, I’ll flag it and check with you first. Every edit is done by me, personally, so when your manuscript comes back it still sounds like you, just clearer and ready for your readers.
What my clients say and examples of my work
“Tara clearly took the time to not only read my work, but to understand it, and where I was coming from. I was hoping this was more than a simple grammar and punctuation check, and I was not disappointed.”
“Proofreading is not just about spellchecks and punctuations. It is about the tone and the message that you are trying to convey. Excellent work.”
Finance and investing books
Personal-finance and investing books for professional and general readers, including a guide to financial independence for doctors and a strategy guide for individual investors.
Business and marketing books
Books and guides on building and growing a business, from leadership and marketing to the everyday work of running a company.
How-to and practical guides
Instructional how-to books that take a reader through a subject step by step, from professional skills to project management.
Workbooks and training materials
Workbooks, training manuals, and course materials that teach a skill or a qualification, written for learners and the people who train them.
Literary and cultural books
Privately printed books and volumes, including proofreading for a private book society, alongside other literary and cultural writing.
What it costs
Pricing is simple and all-inclusive, with no add-ons or surprises.
Questions people often ask
Do you do developmental editing, or copy editing and proofreading?
I copy edit and proofread. I work through your manuscript line by line, sharpening how it reads and correcting every error along the way. I’m not a developmental editor, so I won’t restructure your book or reshape your argument. If the shape of the book is still settling, it’s worth doing that bigger-picture work first, then bringing it to me for the polish.
Can I get a sample edit before committing to my whole book?
Yes. I offer a short, paid sample edit so you can see how I work on your own writing before you commit to the full book. You’ll get a few edited pages back, with the same tracked changes and comments you’d get on the whole manuscript. It’s the easiest way to know we’re a good fit. Get in touch and we’ll sort out a sample.
Do you check whether the facts in my book are correct?
No. You’re the expert on your subject, so I don’t verify your facts or check your sources. If something looks inconsistent, I’ll flag it for you to look at. The accuracy of your book stays with you.
Can you edit my book to Chicago style, or to my publisher’s style?
Yes. Most non-fiction books follow Chicago style, and that’s my default. If you have your own style sheet, or a publisher’s house style, send it over and I’ll work to it. I’ll keep your styling and references consistent all the way through.
Do you work with self-publishing authors, or only authors with a publisher?
Both. Whether you’re self-publishing or working with a publisher, I’ll edit your manuscript so it’s ready for the next step. Plenty of the authors I work with are still deciding which route to take, and that’s fine too.
English isn’t my first language. Can you help, and does it cost more?
Yes. I often edit books by authors writing in English as an additional language, at the same flat rate, with no surcharge. If your manuscript needs more than a standard edit, I’ll talk it through with you before we begin.
Is my manuscript kept confidential?
Yes. Your manuscript, and the fact that you’ve worked with me, stays private unless you tell me otherwise. I edit every book myself, so your work never leaves my hands. If you’d like a non-disclosure agreement, I’m glad to sign one.
Ready when you are
You’ve put real expertise into this book, and the writing should do it justice. I’ll give your manuscript a final, careful read so it’s ready to publish. Whenever you’re ready, I’d be glad to hear what you’re working on.
If your work is a thesis or dissertation rather than a book, see my academic editing. For a journal article or research report, see my research and journal article editing.