The Editorial Department is publishing's oldest full-service freelance editorial firm with a longstanding reputation for candor, integrity, and overall excellence. What sets us apart from others in our field is our 30 years in the business, our high rate of success with conventionally published first fiction, our literary agent matchmaking program, and our commitment to candid, respectful, practical feedback from experienced editors with a proven track record of success.

For new clients, our process begins with careful consideration of which of our editors will be the best match for a project, based on its genre or subject matter. More About Manuscript Assignment

Our first task is generally then to read a manuscript, provide a candid assessment of its literary and commercial potential, and to make specific suggestions to give it the best chance of success in the marketplace. This is usually done with an in-depth editorial memorandum called a manuscript evaluation and follow-up consultation with the reviewing editor. What happens after this depends on the nature and scope of the work that needs to be done and the author's desired level of guidance through the revision process.

We can then provide as much development consultation and editorial support as is needed to make the manuscript as strong as possible in concept, content, and execution. This process can be as simple as our reading and commenting on revisions or in some cases providing more hands-on help via our manuscript development services.

The last step in the editorial process is usually focused on making the writing as strong and engaging as possible and ensuring the manuscript is free of typographical errors, misspellings, and stylistic inconsistencies. We offer three levels of service to this end: Proofreading, Copyediting, and Line Editing. More information: Fiction | Nonfiction

We then help prepare the manuscript for direct publication or work with the author to find a home with the appropriate agent and/or publisher. This process can include helping authors develop quality marketing materials (query, synopsis, etc) or in some cases our referring manuscripts to agents directly via our agent matchmaking program.

• Candid feedback, market-savvy guidance, and support for the career-minded author that's much more insightful and helpful than you'll get from any other source

• Expert support for books of all kinds, whether intended for traditional print publication, e-book, or self/POD publishing

• Constructive advice and highly specific guidance and suggestions wherever possible, not just criticism

• A flexible and customizable approach to editing and manuscript consultation that's as comfortable and efficient as possible for each author.

Option 1: If you have questions about the our services or what kind of help may be appropriate, you can click here to tell us a little bit about your book project and schedule a no charge/no obligation phone appointment with managing editor Ross Browne.

Option 2: Our Introductory Critique costs and examines the all-important first ten pages of a manuscript for overall effectiveness, craft, and market appeal. This critique is a great way to get to know us and to get a feel for the sensibilities of your editor. It usually takes less than one week to complete.

Option 3: Our Manuscript Evaluation provides written in-depth analysis of a full or partial manuscript and explores what's working and what can work better throughout. Evaluations generally take 3-4 weeks and include a session of follow-up consultation with your editor. More information: Fiction | Nonfiction