Let me share a story with you. In 2000, I began the research for my collective memoir about an incredible generation of women born during World War II. I'd written several books and edited many articles and chapters for others. I figured I didn't need an editor. The first agent who looked at sample chapters called me and said, "I don't think you know what a nonfiction book is."
This was not the beginning I had envisioned. Of course, since I had always written and published nonfiction books and articles, I did know what one was. But I'd become too close, put too much of myself into this project. I kept writing and rewriting and eventually I got an agent and a publisher.
What happened between the first rejection and the book publication? I turned to a professional editor who worked with me to reshape my manuscript. Instead of shutting down the expressive side of the process, the editor brought forth more creative juices than I knew I had.
Without that editor, I never would have been invited to be in the audience when the announcer said, "And the winner is ... Rosie's Daughters: The 'First Woman To' Generation Tells Its Story by Matilda Butler." Yes, my collective memoir won a 2008 IPPY National Book Award.
None of this would have happened without my editor, Kendra Bonnett. Yes, the same woman who is cocoordinator with me for Story Circle Network's Editorial Service. We are experienced editors. More important, we're writers, and we appreciate what an editor can do for a writer.
Working with Story Circle Network, Kendra and I have put together an incredible team of editors that are eager to bring their years of experience to your writing. Together we'll work to make your manuscript achieve its full potential.
Kendra Bonnett
Susan Burneson... likes fine-tuning a manuscript so the true voice of the writer shines through in a clear, compelling way.
Writer's Worry #1: I'm afraid to turn my words over to a stranger. I don't want to lose my voice.
Editors hear this concern all the time. Our editors will allay your fears, as they have for other writers. Here are just a few testimonials our editors have received:
"You possess a quality found in only the most masterful of editors—the ability to nurture a piece of writing into its most eloquent and powerful form without ever attempting to impose your own voice upon it." —Laura D.
"If I had gone over the novel a hundred times I still would not have found everything you have...and now I am a firm believer that professional editing is a mandatory part of the writing process." —B. Kaya
"Without changing my tone or voice or overall direction, you made my manuscript so so much better. You added tremendous value." —Whitney K.
Mary Jo Doig...deep commitment to a positive, respectful relationship with each writer with whom she works.
Molly Dwyer... enjoys bringing the best out of a writing project.
Writer's Worry #2: I want to submit my short story to a writers' contest, but I'm afraid I'll embarrass myself.
It's always difficult to expose yourself to criticism, whether it be contest judges, agents or publishers. A professional editor helps you get your manuscript in shape to withstand even the most critical scrutiny. Here's what two award-winning authors wrote about our editors:
"You are fabulous. Very insightful, very helpful." —D. Fortier, award-winning writer
"You possess an impressive ability to translate theory into accessible terms, thereby ensuring success." —Charlotte G., award-winning author ofBy Way of Water
Writer's Worry #3: Can I find an editor who will respect my work? I've heard some bad things about editors.
Finding the best editor for you can be a problem. That's why Story Circle Network has established:
If you're a writer, you probably don't know an editor. And even if you do, are you sure she is a good editor, the right editor for you? That's why Story Circle Network decided to offer its own Editorial Service (SCN/ES).
SCN is dedicated to helping women share the stories of their lives. To fulfill its mission, SCN offers workshops, story circles, contests, classes and conferences.
Lisa J. Jackson... strives to give a little extra to each project.
Kathleen Kelly... likes gently helping a writer sculpt her story, shape it, strip away the excess
After 12 years of building these resources for women, SCN realized that the missing component was a service designed to help women not only tell their stories but present the most polished work possible.
Before I say more about SCN/ES, let me tell you another story. Kendra is currently editing a book manuscript. The author came to us saying, "I just got this back from an editor, but I'm not sure it's as good as it can be." Kendra figured, "How bad can it be? It has already been edited." She even knew how much the author had paid (a lot for a small manuscript) and was shocked by what she found. She tells me the author wasted several thousand dollars by not knowing what to look for in an editor.
That's where SCN/ES comes in.
We know what to look for in an editor. We've asked the questions that have enabled us to recruit some of the best in the field. Here's what clients are saying about our editors:
"She is a supportive and encouraging editor, always ready to answer questions and explore the possible dimensions of an issue." —Melissa J.J.
"She treated my characters and me with such respect, helping me tell their tale with her expertise and infinite patience." —Ali V.
"Thank you for making me look good! You made my voice stronger, and my stories better, and I love working with you." —G.B.
"I'm grateful that I can count on you every quarter to send me a super selection of very well edited stories." —Jane R.
"You surpassed my expectations on the job you did for my manuscript...and many of the errors you caught I never would have, regardless of how many times I went over the text." —D.R.
"You've done an awesome job—so meticulous. All those small steps, large steps, and everything in between...have added up to a unique and lovely book. Makes me teary with my happiness for you and your incredibly hard work." —Mary Jo D.
"You have been an excellent editor...and a genuine pleasure to work with." —Linda W.
"You have the great gift of being technically and grammatically astute, while still being able to put 'heart' into the written word—a master of economical and elegant language." —Vanita T.
"Impressive. Thorough. Honest. Tough. Productive. You know the craft and the rules that make it viable. You are the reason writers seek out editors." —DP B.
"Thank you for your patience and expertise. Working with you has been both an education and an absolute joy." —Erin D.
Paulette Kinnes... Each author I have worked with has a unique talent and a singular voice all her own.
Dionne Obeso... has an instinct for the written language, supplemented with knowledge of grammar and stylistic rules.
Linda Joy Myers... I respect the author's story, style, and preferences even as I suggest changes.
Education? Did you just say education?
Yes. We want to thank Erin in that previous quote for mentioning that a writer learns from her editor. A good editor, like the ones on the SCN/ES team, will improve both your immediate project and your technical writing skills. And as you hone your writing, you'll derive even more pleasure from your art. Good writers agree. Here's the proof in their own words:
"You pushed me to go further. You asked better questions than I do. You pulled at the strongest work, helping me write as best as I can in a language that is uniquely my own. You helped me recognize the humor, perspective, and grammar that inspire me." —Christy D.
"You helped me iron out problems with an attitude that was so light and easy that it transformed what I saw as problems into opportunities to improve the manuscript. You fostered along a budding manuscript with unique care and oversight, providing me with the emotional and intellectual support that I needed." —Mary Ann F.
"When I worked with you, I got the whole person—writer, editor, and teacher—and a person who is bright, skilled, organized and fun to work with to boot!" —Maggie V.
Kim Pearson... likes finding the creative, exciting, and beautiful ideas or stories that are trapped in word thickets and setting them free.
"A premier resource for women writers looking for editorial assistance"
Tired of rejections? An editor's fresh perspective may identify something that's standing in the way of your success.
Submitting your short story or memoir vignette to a literary journal, anthology or contest? Let a proofreader be your extra set of eyes checking for typos.
Roseanne Rini... loves language, playing with word choices, phrases and sentences so that they most effectively express what is intended.
Preparing a full-length manuscript to go out to agents or publishers? Hire a copyeditor to help polish the final manuscript...make it sparkle.
Want your memoir to stand as your legacy to family and friends? Collaborate with an editor who can help structure your manuscript.
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Choose the editor you want from our experienced editorial team; review their profiles and pick the person you most want to edit your manuscript.
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Know your editorial costs before you get started; avoid open-ended hourly fees.
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Get just the right level of editing for your manuscript; no one-size fits all.
Jane Ross... the essence of my work is creating a connection between authors and readers.
Mary K. Swanson... enjoys making sure that an author's unique voice rings clearly in her story, through expert.and creative.use of the English language.
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Contract for a proofreading from an editor with excellent spelling skills and sharp eyes. Eradicate typos, misspellings, errant commas, and grammatical faux pas.
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Find a copy editor that knows the nuts and bolts of good grammar and can fix those pesky sentences, maintain a strong active voice throughout your manuscript, and perform a comprehensive line edit according to the AP style guide.
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Sign up with a conceptual editor who focuses on the effectiveness of a manuscript's readability at the chapter, paragraph and even the sentence level. This editor reviews your story's flow, clarity, voice, reader appeal, and overall organization.
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Specify a comprehensive edit and your chosen editor will take two separate passes through your manuscript, first performing a conceptual edit and a light copyedit. Once you've made the necessary revisions and changes, the editor will line edit the manuscript for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and general readability.
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Rely on women that are experienced in working with women's manuscripts and will thoroughly enjoy preparing your manuscript for publication. Their passion for your writing comes through.
Kristin Thiel... loves the written word, its playfulness and intricacies.
Dr. Shelley Thrasher... helping women build on their srengths and eliminate their weaknesses as writers.
Our Guarantee
Editing is an art and a craft and no
two editors will suggest exactly the
same changes. However, by
selecting experienced, respected,
and highly qualified editors, we
know you will be satisfied with the
results. We stand behind our work.
We look forward to working with you and preparing your manuscript to the highest standards in order to achieve your goals.
Sincerely,
Matilda and Kendra
P.S. Let me share one more story. In 1978, I was Director of the Women's Educational Equity Communication Network. We had a large publication program with multiple new products per month, ranging from tip sheets and newsletters to major original research documents and resource compilations. My editor was moving to the East Coast and I had to find her replacement. I interviewed a seemingly endless list of potential candidates. One stood out because of her energy, attitude and skills.
But I was concerned about hiring her for two reasons. First, she was young, just out of graduate school. Second, she didn't know much about women's issues. Finally, my associate director said, "Why don't you go ahead and hire her. I think she'll work out." Such wise advice.
I hired Kendra and she turned out to be the best editor I ever hired. Later she moved on and became the founding editor of two magazines, wrote more than 300 articles, authored five books, and ghosted two books for prominent business executives. She was hard to replace when she left. Her name? Kendra Bonnett.
It is with great enthusiasm that we find ourselves working together again and working with Story Circle Network to help women find quality editors to make your stories, your manuscripts all that they can be.
Here's our list of experienced editors. Click on the photos to read more about each woman. When you're ready to submit your work for editing, we'll ask you to provide your first, second, and third choices in editors. We'll try to honor your first choice, but in case she's too busy it's good to have options. Of course, if you are not in a hurry, then you can always wait for her to be available.
