Skip to main content

Professional editing services for your written work

Discuss My Project

You want the confidence that your final work is at its absolute best.

But too often, editing your work alone can mean:
  • DIY solutions (and hoping your spellcheck was up to the challenge)
  • Asking a friend who lacks the expertise you need
  • An impersonal, automated service you don’t trust with your nuanced work

And thanks to insufficient editing, your prized piece ends up riddled with mistakes and never finds its intended audience—be it discerning agent, inundated publisher, respected colleagues, or potential employers.

You deserve to work with someone who understands and respects your work.

I know your writing is an essential part of who you are—and with more than a decade in the writing and publishing industry, I understand what it takes to prepare a manuscript for critical eyes. With DeGonia Editing, you will find:
Individualized Expertise

You’ll get the personalized experience you deserve from someone who knows the ins and outs of the publishing industry and stays up to date with changing trends.

No Error Left Behind

You’ve already done the work to create a project that you’re passionate about—so let me double-check the grammar, punctuation, and last-minute details for you!

Customized Service

Whether you need one final review or several rounds of creative edits and proofing, DeGonia Editing can create a unique plan to help you polish your project into the best possible work.

Services

Copy Editing / Mechanical Editing

Nothing detracts from your piece like bad grammar, punctuation errors, and incorrect style formats. From fiction and nonfiction books to academic papers and reports, I’ll review all the miniscule details in your work to help establish credibility. Maintaining your sense of style and voice are always paramount; while copy editing is the light touch to banish any rogue misspellings or egregious faux pas.

Line Editing

At this level you’ll find an editor that meticulously combs through your project, helping you take your writing to the next level. Line editing combines the detailed nature of copy editing (punctuation, grammar, style) with a slightly wider lens. I will look at word choice, the cadence of your sentences, and make suggestions regarding redundancies, intention, and paragraph structure. Of course every edit is merely a suggestion, and you ultimately decide what makes the cut.

Developmental / Substantive Editing

Maybe you’ve finished a first draft and don’t know how to begin revising. Or perhaps you’ve spent so much time staring at your own words that you need a fresh pair of eyes. Whether you want an editorial memo containing broad strokes, or changes advised directly on the page, I will make suggestions regarding reorganization, clarity, and theme throughout. Consider this an in-depth look at the big picture with the option for fine-tuning and line editing after the larger elements are in order.

Ghostwriter / Book Doctor

Whether you need a freelance writer with eye-catching content or a patient wordsmith who can connect your notes and ideas into organized sentences, let’s chat about your project. I’ve worked as a freelance writer since 2007, contributing to book reviews, travel guides, and coffee-table books. 

Beta Reader

You’ve gone through a couple rounds of editing and your manuscript is almost ready—but you’re wondering what your readers might think of the final draft. As a beta reader, I’ll approach your work with the perspective of an attentive audience and approach your topics, themes, and story with fresh eyes.

Indexing

With a keen eye for detail and organization, let me create an exhaustive index for your title that will guarantee a user-friendly experience for any reader. Whether your audience includes the dedicated researcher or one with more casual interest, the index will provide a reliable list for every key term and topic essential to your text.

Ready to perfect your project for the world? Let’s get started!

1. Discuss my project

Book a call, Zoom, or chat with me, and we’ll discuss the details of your project—and how I can help your piece really thrive. 

2. Create a plan

I’ll send you a detailed breakdown of how we can work together, as well as when you can expect the finished project. 

(And don’t worry—as a fellow author, I know that your work is personal, and I’ll maintain the integrity of your work throughout the entire process.)

3. Send you on your way

With a polished piece in hand, you’ll have a finished work that you can confidently send out into the world!

Discuss My Project

I can help with any project:

Fiction
  • Contemporary Fiction
  • Action & Adventure
  • Women’s Fiction
  • Mystery & Crime
  • Young Adult
  • Children’s Books
Non-Fiction
  • Travel
  • Memoir
  • Cookbooks
  • Arts & Photography
  • Architecture
  • How-To
Professional
  • Query Letters
  • Resumes
  • Back Cover
  • Marketing Copy
  • Legal Writing
Academic
  • Journal Articles
  • Research Papers
  • Essays
  • Bibliographies
Digital
  • Blog Posts
  • Articles
  • Marketing E-mails
Fiction
  • Contemporary Fiction
  • Action & Adventure
  • Women’s Fiction
  • Mystery & Crime
  • Young Adult
  • Children’s Books
Digital
  • Blog Posts
  • Articles
  • Marketing E-mails
Academic
  • Journal Articles
  • Research Papers
  • Essays
  • Bibliographies
Non-Fiction
  • Travel
  • Memoir
  • Cookbooks
  • Arts & Photography
  • Architecture
  • How-To
Professional
  • Query Letters
  • Resumes
  • Back Cover
  • Marketing Copy
  • Legal Writing

Experience

With more than a decade of experience within the publishing industry, I’ve edited more than 50 titles, including fantasy, contemporary fiction, romance, business, travel, and children’s books. My previous positions include editor, writer, production manager, editorial and media coordinator, and copy editor.

View My Portfolio

Testimonials

I hired Sara to edit my latest novel, and I'll be seeking her out again when I have another manuscript ready! Sara has great insight into narrative structure and characterization, in addition to the grammar skills needed to finesse a manuscript. (She's also hilarious, which makes the editing process way less tedious!) Highly recommend Sara for any editing needs.

Annie CosbyAuthor of USA Today-recommended Hearts Out of Water series

Working with Sara is lovely, smooth, and reliable. Our publishing house produced two guide books written by Sara, and we are definitely delighted by her professionalism. Locations were chosen with great attention, and I can confirm the job was done perfectly. Sara has a journalistic approach, meaning she researches and double-checks all information. It is also super easy talking with her, and all opinions are discussed in an open-minded environment. We definitely recommend her as an editor and writer.

Giovanni SimeonePublisher of SIME Books and Sunset & Venice

I have had the pleasure of working with Sara over the last twelve years as both a full-time and freelance collaborator on many books. Sara is a consummate wordsmith and perfectionist when it comes to editing, while at the same time, she is also very flexible and accommodating to the needs of our authors and our publishing business. She is truly someone that I highly recommend for any editorial assignments.

Gloria FowlerChronicle Books

Sara is a top freelance editor we have relied upon for many years. She knows what publishers need and always delivers quality work on time. I would highly recommend Sara to anyone looking to improve their manuscript or texts. She is a joy to collaborate with.

Steve CristChronicle Books

We have been working with Sara for many years now, and plan to do so well into the future. She is extremely punctual on responding to inquiries as well as delivering final material, all while providing exceptional attention to detail. As our business has grown, her expertise has too, allowing us to continue working with her not only for copy editing, but also for content creation, indexing, and much more!

Tinti DeyDesign Studio Press
Skip to content