here to help
Resources for authors
Sometimes you just need a little help, or have some questions about the editing process.
I know how daunting it can all be. Writing’s just the start of the road to publication.
Whether you’re working on your business documents, your website, self-publishing, or going down the traditional publishing route, sooner or later you’re going to need help.
Here you’ll find some resources to help you.
First things first
What type of edit do you need?
Let’s take the mystery out of the different types of editing.
Knowing what to ask for
means you’ll get what you need
Learning the terminology will make you more confident.
YOU’ll communicate better with your editor
Give yourself a head start to say what you really need.
The next step
What to expect from the editorial process
Let’s take the mystery out of working with an editor.
understand how we work with you
Steps along the way towards publication.
YOU’ll become comfortable with the process
No more wondering what’s going to happen.
Ten small things to make your document ready
The small things count
You’ve researched editors in your genre, you’ve sorted out your budget so it’s realistic and you have your manuscript in a Word document (or ten).
After approaching a couple of editors you’ve found one you’d like to work with.
What next?
Getting your manuscript into shape is a breeze with these ten things that will make it easier for your editor to work with your book.
Need a few shortcuts?
50 Easy shortcuts for working in word
Speed up your workflow.
take what you need
Use the ones you need most frequently.
learn to use others when you need them
Soon you’ll be using shortcuts every time you write.
A handy checklist
Helps you figure out what your editor needs
Helps you communicate better then working with an editor.
gets you organised
It can help you make sure you have everything that’s needed.
A simple way to ask for what you need
No more wondering if you’d asked for the right thing.
I know just how to help.
As a business owner sometimes you’ll need to outsource. You can’t do it all yourself or you’d never get your work done. My services, tailored around your needs, include professional editing services (copyediting, developmental editing, document assessments and website assessments), proofreading, writing, historical research and maintaining consistency in your brand through editorial style guides and brand books. Basically I’m your go-to consistency consultant.
As an author you know that to look your best you sometimes need help. Pop on over to my author services page to see how I can help you. My editing services for authors include copyediting, proofreading and manuscript assessments. I specialise in historical fiction and non-fiction.
Author services
Editing and proofreading make your writing the best it can be.
Business services
Don’t struggle with your written content. My editing and writing services are just what you need.
Brand guides
Don’t rely on post-it notes. I’ll get you organised so you stay consistent.
Historical services
Got an interesting story to tell? I can research your building’s history or write your business story for you.
What people say …
“Sara has been a great resource for our business.”
– Martin Murray, Dunnet Bay Distillers
“Sara Donaldson’s edit was thorough, professional, and illuminating. … Honestly, I couldn’t be happier.”
– Mysti Berry, technical writer and award-winning author
READY TO
CONNECT?
Not sure what you need? Don’t worry!
Talk to me and we can figure it out.
My business services can save you time and money. Let’s take the stress out of your business writing.
I’m a professionally trained, Advanced Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), I adhere to their code of practice. I’m also a Pro Member of ProCopywriters (the alliance of commercial writers). I’m a Certified Direct-Response Copywriting Specialist, Search Marketing Specialist and Graduate of the Andy Maslen Copywriting Academy, with a first-class degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.