Why am I the "holistic" book editor? As with holistic medical doctors, who work with their patients to achieve optimal health, I work with my clients to produce the optimal level of excellence that their book is capable of reaching. I view the "whole system" of what their book requires in order to be "birthed" into the world. I like to think of myself as a midwife to authors. Also similar to good
holistic doctors, I do whatever is needed to bring the project to complete "health." Some examples: With a printed book that was privately published, I offered complete book layout and design to my client and I found an excellent online printer that delivered her books within days. With a cookbook author, I provided structure that was missing, and put the recipes created by four different people into a consistent industry-standard format. With an ebook author, I produced the HTML and converted it into the Amazon Kindle format. On all the above projects, I also offered my image processing and design skills. It all starts with editing. Whatever else is required is handled after the editing is complete. And I do mean complete! Unlike most editors, I do not limit myself to a certain number of "passes." We work on your manuscript until we are BOTH happy and feel that it is the best it can possibly be. During the editing process, whatever else is needed on your unique project will organically emerge as we discuss your goals and objectives. If I see a need, and I have skills to address that need, I will offer my services, often even before you recognize that you need them. And if there is a service that I am unable to provide, I work to find resources for you. I always try to direct clients to what is going to meet their needs in the best possible way. Another analogy to holistic medicine is this: As your editor, I truly CARE about your book and everything that you are trying to achieve by publishing it. Like a midwife, I will guide you, encourage you, help infuse your words with life, and be there for you when your book is delivered to the world! And your "baby" will be very close to perfect! For those who like to see resumes and credentials, I've worked practically my entire life in publishing-related jobs, both corporate and self-employed. I did duty on Silicon Valley software documentation teams, and before that, I was a phototypesetter for many years in graphic design studios and newspapers. More recently, I have spent a few years designing websites. But it is not until the past three years that I have rediscovered and reconnected with my passion for editing. And because of that passion, I'm attracting the best possible clients and enjoying every minute of it! I bring all the related skills I have picked up over the years that have to do with design, image processing, HTML coding, project management, etc. to support my love of working directly with words. If you have written, or are writing, a book, and you are wondering what your next steps are for self publishing, don't hestitate to contact me. I look forward to talking with you!
