Hello, fellow writer! Here's some information on the Editing Services I provide...

Congratulations on completing your story, essay, or manuscript—and on all the laborious, probably sometimes painful revisions and edits you’ve already done!

All writers need editors. Even editors need editors. No matter how skilled we are with language, it’s impossible to catch every typo and notice every tangle in our own work. We’re too close to it; we know it too well. Before self-publishing or submitting your piece to a publisher or agent, you need to make sure it will receive the respect and attention it deserves by honing and smoothing it into professional form.

With respect for the integrity and individual spirit of your writing voice, I will help you perfect your piece according to grammatical standards. I will also make suggestions for consistency, organization, and flow, and for improving and tightening your language so that the meaning, mood, and impact of each chapter, paragraph, and sentence shine through more clearly. The more seamlessly your language flows, without awkwardness or confusion, the more powerfully your writing will impact your readers.


What makes me unique as an editor?

• I come to editing with the understanding of an author who has been through the process of revising and receiving critique herself. I love language and deeply understand what makes a piece of writing work. I know the vulnerability of showing your piece to someone else for the first, or even the second or tenth, time--and I am respectful of that. 
  
• My background as a teacher, writing tutor, and counselor lends me understanding, kindness, clear communication skills and the ability to identify and draw out the strength and beauty in any expression.
  

What it costs and how it works

My current rate is $30/ hour. If you provide me with a sample of the work you want edited, I can give you an estimate for how much time it would take me--depending on the level of editing you're looking for and what kinds of improvements are needed. 

I prefer to edit using the Suggestions tool in GoogleDocs, but am open to other formats as well. We can discuss your needs and come up with a plan that suits you.
 
As I read, I’ll be clear about which of my changes are addressing definite errors, and which are just suggestions for you to consider. I’m not pushy about my feedback, and as an author myself, I know that we the writers ultimately decide what feels right for our intentions and style. Though much of my work is technical in nature, I’ll also be attending to the beauty of what you’ve written and honoring the sensitivity of this final revision stage before birthing your creation into the world.


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Testimonials

So far Mindi has edited two of my books. She’s quick and detailed. I trust her grammatical talents. She can keep you on your toes. Plus she’s not judgmental about chronic mistakes you just can’t get rid of… I look forward to her general impression of my work. And somehow she makes you feel that all mistakes can be corrected with a little effort on your part.
— Rachael Bliss, author of The Goddess of Promised Land series

Mindi is a patient and thorough editor. She was able to greatly improve both a novel and short story collection for me without detracting from my voice as a writer. Mindi is insightful and, as an author herself, has a great sense of narrative. She's also very easy to work with. Highly recommended.
-- Alli Marshall, author of How to Talk to Rockstars

Mindi Meltz’s editorial work has been detailed, accurate and on schedule. She understands all aspects of editing: from grammar and structure to story and character. She helped my book tremendously, both in content clarity and catching typos.
-- Steve Crimi, author of Katabatic Wind