Editing nonfiction requires a different knowledge base from editing fiction. Although we start by performing the same essential functions in terms of correcting errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and typos, instead of looking at characterization, dialogue, and plot development as we would with fiction, we focus on structure, organization, clarity, and references in nonfiction.
Like fiction editors, we look for repetitious words and recommend synonyms, ferret out inconsistencies and redundancies, and identify any parts of the manuscript that may be unclear. This is particularly useful for people with English as a second language who may have difficulty finding appropriate words or expressing themselves clearly.
We pay special attention to memoirs, which provoke interesting and potentially complicated questions such as, “Does the story of my life really belong to me? Or does it also belong to the other people to whom I refer? To what extent can I talk about what happened to me in my life, if it might hurt someone else, or if they might sue me or never speak to me again?”
We also love working on academic papers or business manuals and have extensive experience copy editing religious, self-help, and inspirational books. We examine quotes and confirm that writers can quote certain lines from someone else’s work or lyrics if they are not in the public domain.
Nonfiction requires an eminently professional approach, and we guarantee that here at Book Magic!
Please inquire about our free sample edits of 500-600 words of text.
