Preditors and Editors ™
A guide to publishers and publishing services for serious writers
Editing, Copywriting, Ghostwriting, Indexing, & Software - A
An editing service company generally offers anything from copyediting a writer's written work to rewriting and ghost-writing. Most editing services do not claim, rightly so, that their efforts will result in a publishing contract. Reputable companies will tell you that up front and sell you only what you bargain for. Well-known and respected editor, Gordon Van Gelder, once stated at a convention panel concerning scams that using an editing service results in "slightly less unpublishable manuscripts."
Unfortunately, scam artists are often involved in this activity. Be careful in your dealings. Consult a writer's organization when in doubt.
Individuals considering a job with an editing service should be aware that some editing businesses test applicants using standard tests, but some use actual work submitted to them for which the applicant may not be paid. Likewise, some require applicants to purchase their own reference resources. These are issues that should be clarified before signing on.
For lack of a better place to place them, story and screenwriting software are included in this category as those are meant to assist writers in a way not too dissimilar from editing services.
Ratings criteria for all sections of P&E are listed on the P&E's Rating Criteria page.
A-1 Complete Writing and Editing: "offers the following services to individual writers and corporations:
- proofreading
- line editing
- substantive/content editing
- manuscript critique
- book doctoring
- research
- writing on any topic (business, academic, nonfiction)
- ghostwriting in any genre (poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction)
- writing and publishing consulting (our consultants can help you find your way into print)
A-1 Editing Service, LLC: Not recommended. An editing service.
A+ English: Editor of fiction and nonfiction, mainstream and genre. Serving writers, agents,
and publishers since 1976. References are posted on website. Free sample edit
provided for manuscripts under consideration.
From basic copyediting to tightening/trimming the fat. All manuscripts are
checked for punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, subject and verb
agreement, proper word use, clarity, point of view, redundancies,
inconsistencies, believability, dialogue, flow, and format. Provides an ongoing
critique throughout the editing process.
Additional services include:
** composition of book proposals, query letters, and synopses
** writing assistance / content development
** assistance with literary agent selection
** publishing / self-publishing guidance
** public relations / book marketing
** indexing
** typesetting
Lynda Lotman is also the hub of an international network of professional editors
and published writers.
Member, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.
A. B. Roper's Writing and Editing: an editing service.
ABC Iowa Writing and Editing Services: "Offering award-winning writing, editing, and ghostwriting services. Whatever your words might need to make them shine, you've got a friend in the Heartland."
ABS Editing Service: an editing agency along with other services. Editor's note: Manuscripts edited by this company have actually been published. 5/2/05: P&E is currently reviewing the rating for this company.
Absolute Perfection Ghostwriting Services: ghostwriting, collaborating, editing, critiques, reports, and advertising copy.
Academic Writing: thesis/dissertation writing, rewriting, editing.
Accentuate Services: "works with individual authors, editing everything from school papers to novel manuscripts, eBooks, fiction, non-fiction, and any genre except poetry. We provide book critiques, comprehensive edits (see site for details), proofreading, manuscript formatting and more. We have several editing credits for published books to our portfolio, through traditional and small publishing houses, as well as having worked with several POD and self-published authors. Every project receives a FREE quote via a Scope of Work contract, which details the exact cost for the editing services and the exact services that will be performed, BEFORE the author agrees to utilize Accentuate's editing services."
ACI Writing Assistance Center: most types of writing, editing and research.
AccuWrite Professionals: editing and critique services and fiction correspondence courses.
ACT
3 Editing by Gerald W. Mills: "Before you worry about submission, make certain your manuscript is the best it can be. Check my web site for more, plus testimonials."
Aleuromancy: Highly recommended. An editing service.
All Editorial Services Online for Publishers (AESOP): editorial services (inc. editing, proofreading, indexing, novelization) are for any kind of text designed for electronic or paper publishing.
All Info-About Freelance Writing: "A place for freelance professionals and keen
hobbyists to stay up to date with current news, views and trends, seek practical assistance and browse market resources."
Alphabetix, Editing and Writing Services: An editing service.
Altair Editing: No longer offered. Editing service owned by a literary agency.
Angel Publications: Writing, editing and
proofreading services. The site also contains editing humor and information on self-publishing.
Arbor Books Inc.: "Offers self-publishing information and services for writers, and ghostwriters."
Archer Editorial Services: Offers professional copyediting (traditional and online), proofreading, and developing. We enjoy working with authors, especially on nonfiction book projects.
Artichoke Editing & Print Design: "A resource for authors, self-publishers, and small presses, Artichoke Editing & Print Design delivers plenty of useful writing and publishing tips as well as comprehensive desktop publishing and copyediting services."
Author Assist: "comprehensive services for writers, including editing, manuscript reviews, proposal development, query materials, agent search/strategy, memoir writing, and coaching."
AUTHORS TEAM, THE: Not recommended. Ghostwriting, editing and coaching, publishing and distribution, and publicity are featured. In our opinion, prices are outrageously high.
AutoCrit: Software for analyzing writing.
Awordsmith: "Meticulous, experienced editor who respects the author’s vision. Among the hundred or so books I’ve edited are Neale Donald Walsch’s The Wedding Vows from Conversations with God (this author’s Conversations with God occupied the New York Times Bestseller List for more than two and one-half years) and T. J. MacGregor’s Your Cosmic Kids (she won the Edgar Award in 2002)."
"Have worked with many published authors but also have special understanding of the needs of first-time authors."
"Experienced in fiction and many forms of nonfiction. Will consider anything but poetry."
"Services offered include:
- Manuscript evaluation. Full report reviews structure, content, style, mechanics, and genre.
- Copyediting. Detailed review of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and facts.
- Content editing. Copyediting plus detailed review of structure and content.
- Book doctoring. Extensive review and rewriting of your existing manuscript."
