Editing Services

Now scheduling for the 2023 calendar year. Contact me today to get on the editing schedule.

As an editor who is not a superhuman, when it comes to your manuscript, I move toward excellence, not perfection.

Who do I work with? Other imperfectly perfect humans like you! Sorry, robots.

  • emerging authors, established authors, and publishers
  • screenwriters who need their script proofread or need an editor for their novelized screenplay

My genres include fiction, nonfiction, memoir, select children’s, and novelized screenplays. My services include a diverse range, from evaluating manuscripts and author coaching to book editing and writing marketing back-cover copy. Additionally, I have judged for a variety of premiere writing contests, including American Christian Fiction Writers, Word Weavers International Tapestry Awards and Writer’s Digest Self-Published Awards, print and ebook. I’ve worked with diverse authors with a variety of writing backgrounds across various resilient and redemptive themes and ownvoices categories.

If you’re an author who is

  • curious and self-motivated,

with a resilient, redemptive story or manuscript to share with readers who desire to grow, then I would love to work with you.

Fiction. Coaching, Content, Line Edit
Devotional. Content and Line edit.
Essays. Content and Line edit.

Since 2017 I have judged, evaluated, edited, or proofread over 250 projects and manuscripts, and if you’re curious about the published titles and authors, jump over to view my list of edited titles, published in the following portfolios:

Clients Who Have Placed in Writing Contests

Memoir. Proofread.
Self-help. Coaching, Content, Line edit, back-cover copy. Selah Awards finalist, 2021
Fiction. Content and line edit. Back-cover copy.

While I’ve worked with many great clients—from emerging to best-selling writers, various faith-based groups, and publishers—I’d love to work with you too! As an editor, I value you and your work. You’ve written a book—that’s huge! That’s one perfect step in the right direction!

As a writer, I completely understand your feelings of excitement mixed with dread. Here’s what one client said of my draft development ability, “Tisha did a phenomenal, impressive job on reworking the content for this piece of the book, in particular, into something far better than what the author gave us” (Adam Swiger, Managing Editor, Speak It To Book), so I’ve been there, trembling with each word, unsure how to form the next one.

And perhaps that makes us the perfect team. . .

But out of all the editors out there, why work with me?

Fair question, and I’m glad you asked! Just like every book doesn’t fit on every shelf, every editor may not be a good fit for every writer. I may not be the right editor for you and your project, and that’s okay! If we’re not a great fit, then I’ll help you find an editor who is!

  • A great editor will value and believe in you, your work, and your message.
  • A great editor will work with you.
  • A great editor will deliver first-rate work.
  • A great editor will not sacrifice the manuscript’s value with a quick edit.
  • And because of such care, a great editor is worth the professional investment.

My clients are happy, and seeing their ideas turn into manuscripts and then published books sends me to the clouds with delight.

Christian Living. Death, Grief, Berevement. Foreword written by Cecil Murphey, New York Times bestselling author. Copyedit and back-cover copy.

“I appreciate you so much for helping me write a book I’m proud of. I already know I’ll want you to edit my next book.” — Gwendolyn O. Burton, author of You Don’t Know Just How I Feel: Hope for the Grieving Heart (Redemption Press, 2022)

Some of my client-authors have even won writing contest awards and have been semi-finalists in prestigious writing contests. A word of encouragement from a client,

“Tisha’s expertise in looking at my first five pages was invaluable, and I wish someone had looked at my stuff before! I cannot stress the value of a good critique!” —Cathryn Swallia, semi-finalist for ACFW’s historical romance category and third place in West Coast Christian Writers’ Conference First Page Contest.

Of my former involvement with PENCON, a professional editing conference, Robert Hudson, author of The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style, said,

“I first came to know Tisha when she helped organize a conference at which I spoke. She was my primary contact and proved to be an efficient and talented organizer. So I know firsthand that her organizational skills are unexcelled.”

Dawn Anderson, Senior Editor at Discovery House, said,

“Tisha is a dynamic personality with a passion for all things related to Christian book publishing. Tisha strives for excellence and brought that commitment to her work as PENCON’s assistant director. Any question I had was promptly and cheerfully answered. Whatever she does, Tisha is all in.”

And while I am committed the publishing industry, what I love most is working with a manuscript so that it shines through the smoke, or with companies so their products achieve the best results.

My clients have finaled in children’s, fiction, and nonfiction categories across a wide platform of prestigious writing contests and awards—from Selah Awards to ACFW’s First Impressions to Realm Makers.

Children’s. Back-cover copy.
Memoir. Coaching, rewrite, line edit, back-cover copy.
Children’s. Proofread.

This does not guarantee that your book will win an award or that every book needs to be entered in a contest—but if you are willing to put in the hard work, together we can rise to meet the challenge of what it takes to win. Could your book be next?

Writing a book and getting a book edited is not a quick process. It’s an investment of time, finances, and many hours of love and hard work. And if you’re reading this, I’m glad you’re up for the task!

I believe in developing solid, trustworthy relationships because we’re working as a team to create a beautiful manuscript that will influence your readers. Editing is a gift to you, your manuscript, and your readers, your clients. Let’s work together to bring the gift of your words to your readers, your clients.

Tisha Martin Editorial, LLC Services Offered*

Effective & Robust Manuscript Development Content Edit :: starting at $2821

I’ll read your completed manuscript and present a detailed editorial letter highlighting strengths and growth areas and how you can implement writing techniques designed to make your manuscript gleam. This one’s my favorite because I get to encourage you and your characters directly on the page!!

After receiving the editorial letter and manuscript with comments, let’s about your manuscript’s strengths and growth areas! We can also discuss ways to improve your writing, and what steps you need to take next to achieve your long-term goals. *Any additional or followup conference time will be billed per billable hour.

This content edit ensures the entire work is clearly mapped out, whether it is a work of fiction or nonfiction. Looking at the big picture of your manuscript, I will ensure that these major criterion are met:

  • characters, setting, dialogue, scene, theme, conflict
  • overall message and context of story
  • narrative voice and character voice
  • solid plot from beginning, middle, and end
  • consistency in dialogue and prose and character motivation
  • trajectory of chapter beginnings and endings
  • sensitivity reader suggestions

*This page contains affiliate links with valuable content for writers.

Line Edit :: $0.04 (four) cents per word

In a line-by-line edit, I’ll use my well-loved editing resources (and Merriam-Webster dictionary) to check for overview elements: clarity, consistency, and style.

This is where I dig into the details of the manuscript so your manuscript reads more smoothly. I will use Word’s Track Changes feature and Comments to help guide the flow. Sometimes it may include rearranging sentences or paragraphs for clarity, consistency, and plot trajectory. Sometimes it may include reading for appropriate character motivations and interactions and dialogue that are in line with the wonderful characters created on the page.

I will also create a style sheet to keep track of specific style manual rules, words, names, and spellings used. This is a valuable tool to have as a writer because it elevates professionalism and is used in the traditional publishing industry.

Please understand this service is intense because it takes the most time, and the cost is often sticker shock; however, a solid line-by-line edit is important when working as a team to create a manuscript you can be proud of. Don’t miss out on the value of a thorough line-by-line edit. Your manuscript, agent, publisher, and readers will appreciate you!

Important Note: After the line-by-line edit, I recommend hiring a copyeditor, who can catch the grammar and mechanics of your manuscript. Because my eyes have seen your manuscript too many times in the line editing process, I am not qualified to review it at the copyediting stage.

Final Proofread :: $0.02 (two) cents per word 

A final proofread happens after your manuscript has been professionally copyedited and before it’s off to the contest, agent, or publisher. This can be for a typeset PDF or for a Word file before it’s off to typeset. 

Proofreading is intended to correct potential errors made during typesetting, formatting, or file conversion of the final document and will identify any serious errors not caught during line-by-line copy editing. Proofreading also catches layout/visual issues, ensuring the manuscript is ready for print or ebook.

Book Editing / Writing Services

Fiction / Nonfiction / Memoir Editing Package :: starting at $3578
Back Cover Blurb Packages :: starting at $358
Book Proposal Consultation :: starting at $578
Hourly Consultation/Brainstorming :: starting at $125
Scripts: Proofreading :: starting at $775
Book Marketing & Advertising :: Marketing expert Jason Jones offers affordable customizable package rates.

Writing back-cover book copy and evaluating manuscripts are such fun because I’m able to hear my client’s heart behind their product and help them deliver the best value to their customers. Whether it’s writing copy, editing your manuscript, or giving optimal marketing brainstorming tips, my clients are always pleased. For example, with social media and networking promotion, I was able to, in part, help a client boost their conference attendance 150% from the previous year. How’s that for results?

If working with me sounds like a good fit for you, let’s discuss the possibilities today! Check out my view my list of edited titles published in nonfiction and fiction. And here for a List of completed writing projects.

Are you ready to work with me? Contact me or schedule a Manuscript Fit Call and let’s get the conversation started!

Please note: Not every project is a good fit for every editor. If your manuscript is outside my expertise, I’m happy to refer to you a reputable editing network that will be able to assist you. If you need book formatting or cover design or social media guidance, I can definitely refer you to my experienced colleagues who will shepherd your book through that side of the publishing journey.

Marketing your book. I want to be clear … I’m not a book salesperson, but I know someone who is! If you’re interested in learning from a professional who knows the ropes of marketing and selling your book with ease and affordability, my colleague Jason Jones, former publicist at Thomas Nelson, has got the scoop. Click for more information: Toolkit for Marketing Your Book Like a Pro

Maybe you’re still not sure about getting started. That’s okay! No rush.

See what a few of my clients have to say:

“Tisha is an amazing editor! She brought her knowledge, talent, and excellence, along with her caring nature and listening ear. I never once felt myself or my work discouraged in any way. Tisha encouraged as she improved and polished. She is a professional, but she is also personable. She started as my editor, and now I consider her my friend.” —Jolene Saunders, first-time author, He’s Worth the Wait: The Christian Gal’s Guide to Dating and Waiting, Selah Awards finalist, 2021

“Thanks again for your editing expertise. It certainly made a difference in the quality of my book.” —Dan Lutts, historian, and self-published debut author of YA novel, Charm Wars, https://www.danlutts.com/

“Thank you so much for your support and encouragement throughout this process.  What started well over a year ago as a very pieced together rough draft with way too many words (a large number of them of questionable appropriateness too!) and a rough story arc was modified, rewritten, and refined to a high quality product.  The teamwork has been a wonderful God inspired guiding process where I have needed a push and prod here, a direct message there and mostly the patient and encouraging interaction with very competent editors.  I can confidently present what is, to my knowledge, the only young adult fiction suspense novel with a redemptive theme that involves Deaf characters.” —Peter M. Quint, debut author of Resilient Silence: A Deaf Experience Suspense Novel (Redemption Press, 2020)

“Tisha did a great job. She was quick, accurate, and helped us out in a pinch. I would use her services again, and I would recommend that others consider her for their projects.” —Jason Graham, Director of Product — School Curriculum at Summit Ministries, https://www.summit.org/

“Tisha Martin’s profile says so much about her but not enough, in my opinion. What makes her tick is easily found in her personal disposition to her work and commitment to the success of her clients. I’d recommend her to anyone that desires the services of a professional and at the same time needs one who relates as a friend. I’d always want to work with Tisha.” —Patrick Lumumba Philemon, Author of What Think Ye of Christ? Reflections on The Excellence of Jesus

“Tish did an excellent job with my manuscript. She showed me the strengths and weaknesses of my story and suggested ways to improve it. Her keen editorial eye greatly improved my novel.”  —John M. Cunningham, Jr., Author of The Turfmen and the Prodigal: A Story of Old Mobile

“Not only did Tisha give constructive criticism but she was also positive throughout the feedback given . . . I don’t know if she realizes how much her words have touched me. When I doubt my ability as a writer, it’s words of encouragement like this that really help me so thank you for that. It means a lot.” —Kristena T., fiction contest entrant

How about it? No pressure, yet I’m curious. Are you ready to work with me? Contact me to get the conversation started!

And if you’re still on the fence, please, take your time. Editing is a professional investment.

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