Memoir editing is important! You are working hard on your memoir, but is it ready to distribute?

Is your message clear?

Have you included enough variety?

Do your sentences flow smoothly?

Is there writing you need to revise?

Is it finished?

We help writers at all stages of development. Our specialty is making sure your ideas are clear and your style is appropriate for your readers. Our editing services range from final proofreading and copyediting, to extensive reworking, reviewing, critiquing, and coaching.

Editing at All Stages of Memoir Writing

Memoir Proofreading Medium Copyediting Heavy Copyediting Memoir Review Personal Coaching

Proofreading — includes: correcting faulty spelling, grammar, punctuation, misplaced modifiers, changes in tense, and use inappropriate language for your target readers.

Medium Copyediting — includes all tasks for proofreading, plus: identifying inappropriate figures of speech, changing passive voice to active voice, and ensuring consistent style and tone.

Heavy Copyediting — includes all tasks for medium copyediting, plus: attending to the structural flow, organization, concept or character development, and dialogue; ensuring an appropriate pace, uniform tone, and clear focus; eliminating wordiness, triteness, and inappropriate jargon; smoothing transitions; and moving sentences to improve readability.

Memoir Checkup and Review — If you completed your material, we critique it as a whole for the theme, style, character development voice, structure, logic, and accuracy. Then we provide a plan to work with you on resolving the weaknesses in the writing. We can make the revisions for you or you can decide to do it yourself. the memoir checkup.

Coaching. If your material is not yet in manuscript form, we establish a collaborative relationship to help you shape your material. As you write and rewrite, we provide feedback and guidance. In essence, we become your writing coach. More about coaching.

Expect from us:

prompt and courteous service
a firm fixed fee for service
an understanding of your goals for your material
a focus on critical readability issues
a clearer and more compelling memoir that retains your voice
personal attention to maintain the integrity of your work

Tell us your editing needs

Please feel free to submit the first ten double-spaced pages of your work and some basic information.

the working title
the stage you’ve reached in your memoir project, i.e. first, second, third draft
the total number of words (Hint: open the document in MS Word, click TOOLS, WORD COUNT)
any concerns you have about your material
anything else we should know about your memoir project

We offer general feedback on your writing, along with the proposed fee and schedule. There is no cost to you for this first feedback.

E-mail us

Clients praise our editing services …

I am impressed. You did a grand job of editing my manuscript, Down to a Soundless Sea. Your insights are brilliant. Your attention to detail is astonishing. I adore your dedication to perfection. Your sensitivity to my voice and style was exemplary. The manuscript is set for publication and you helped make it possible. I consider you a diamond polisher of the highest caliber.

Thomas Steinbeck (son of John Steinbeck), Oxnard, CA, Author of Down to a Soundless Sea, Ballantine Books

Wow. I went over your edits to my story this weekend. I am extremely happy with the editing you have done. It does have much more punch and gusto now. Working with you has been like taking an intense class on story mechanics. I’ve really enjoyed the one-on-one working relationship — especially the convenience of the Internet and e-mail. I honestly thank God I read about you in the San Diego Union-Tribune. I have taken numerous creative writing classes at local colleges and I’ve attended a couple of writing workshops and I can honestly say I have never received such professional help on any of my work as you have provided. Thanks a million.

James Wray, San DiegoAuthor of award-winning "Dark Toast" published in the West Wind Review.

I have authored ten books and for each book I have had a different editor. But none of the editors had your writing skills, speedy turnaround time, attention to detail, and creativity.Trish, you are a gifted, true professional and a joy to work with.

William Cormier, Ph.D., Annapolis, MD Author/co-author of more than 40 books, chapters, research articles, and theoretical papers

I reviewed my book and it looks great! Your editing elevated the text to something easily readable and eloquent. Thank you so much for all your help!

Denise Coates, Los Angeles, CAAuthor of Feel It Real, Executive Publishers International.

I am very happy with the way you edited my story and I would like to thank you for that. I am especially pleased you found and helped me fix the logic holes and other inconsistencies. Once again, thank you for your expertise. I look forward to working with you on my next story.

Hans Arnold, London

Wow! It’s 6:00 AM and I’ve just finished rereading my manuscript. I’m blown away. It sounds so much more professional.Your streamlining and revision made it so much more emotional and heart-rending. When I read the final scene I was blithering like a baby. I can’t say enough about it. Your help and insights are an invaluable commodity. I can’t imagine trusting anyone else to edit the sequel.

PP, Marmora, Canada

Thank you for the fabulous job in helping me redraft my manuscript. I knew there were serious problems with some of the chapters, but I needed you to tell me. In this respect alone, you have more than earned your fee. I am so much happier with the manuscript now. I take great personal pleasure in being able to heap praise on you for doing such good work.

WW, New Brunswick, NJ

The scenes you’ve re-written are GREAT! It amazes me that the information portrayed is essentially the same as my version but, it’s so much better written. That makes all the difference! You can put the emotion and the drama into the writing that I can’t do.

Gerry Budd, MD, Jacksonville, FL

Trish, you take concepts, ideas, and disjointed thoughts and make them sing. Thank you for clarifying the complex psychological and emotional issues of retirement to ensure the readability of my book. I am deeply grateful for your support.

Douglas Fletcher, New Port Beach, CAAuthor of Life After Work: Redefining Retirement

Trish, working with you was like taking a step out of the 21st century business world. You got back to me promptly, did the work on time, and were beyond what I could call efficient. Your prices were so affordable compared to the competition yet you provided such expertise. Your query materials landed me a publisher who realized the power of my book. Not only did you help me with all that, but your editing of my web site bio and resume will help me sell my books. You are an absolute diamond and I will use you over and over again. Thanks Trish for everything.

Christa Jan Ryan, NYAuthor of Silent Screams From the Hamptons and From the Depth of This Woman’s Soul

E-mail us