Ready to get that book into the world?
When the closures of 2020 forced her to close her business, Natalie took the opportunity to perfect her editing skills. Ever since then, she has been helping others achieve their dreams of becoming published authors.
Now, she offers services such as: copyediting, manuscript critiques, content edits, and even file management.
Manuscript Critiques:
When going through a manuscript for a critique, I am looking for what could help further the career of each individual author. This can include:
Structure
Adding/subtracting content
Plot
Characterization
Voice/tone
Dialogue
Setting/world-building
Stylistic elements
Confusing sentences
Inconsistencies
Overall substance
Content edits:
When doing a content edit, I go through the manuscript and specifically look out for:
Character issues
Plot inconsistencies
Confusing sentences
Areas that need more detail
And more!
Each content edit is adjusted to fit each individual author.
Content Editing Examples
Copyediting:
When doing a copyedit, I take my time going through the manuscript line by line, ensuring it is edited to the standards of The Chicago Manual of Style. This is the step right before formatting and proofreading.
Some of the things I look out for include:
Grammar
Punctuation
Spelling
Star Prince by Patrick Trujillo
Fantasy
“I just finished reading your critiques, and I found everything you wrote to be very helpful.
I always knew that I was inclined to be wordy, but I was not aware how unnecessary some words or phrases read. I believe that you’re right about letting the friends’ personalities speak for themselves through example.
My main takeaway is that I must make it clear that the story taking place in the Prologue is a fairytale being read by Princess Sophia (hence the allusions to wizards and fairy queens that the reader is purposefully not supposed to understand). The Prologue acts as a sort of mirror/foreshadowing of Sophia’s adventure to come (plus an example of her love of reading), but I can’t convey that if the reader is confused whether or not the two princesses are the same. Thank you for bringing that to my attention. ”
Examples in the Manuscript
Finding the repetitive words.
A confusing sentence along with an example of how to fix it.
Finding the things that are unclear during a first read.
Determining what information is necessary.
Examples in the Critique
When possible, I add in links to websites or programs that could help authors with whatever problems they are having.
Each story has one specific thing that could bring it up to the next level.
It’s not all critiques. I do my best to point out exactly what was done well, what I’m jealous of, and what the author should be proud of.
I go through the manuscript multiple times. On the first read through, I function as a beta reader. What is unclear? What confused me? Did my question get answered later?
Just Be by Ronnette Smith
Inspirational
“Now, I am back on track! I owe it to Natalie Griffin’s attention to detail. She helped me realize a draft manuscript was going in too many directions.
Her sentence by sentence editing, word critique and formatting feedback provided clear direction. She also helped me determine I had a few books lumped into one. Her expert advice will help me publish 3 - separate books with clear, concise, and alluring messages.
Natalie was quick to respond to my initial request. She followed up with an easy submission process. Most appreciated perhaps was her honest sharing the manuscript would not be a compelling read in the submitted format. ”
Examples in the Manuscript
Always keeping an eye out for things that a reader will likely skim over.
Making sure everything is clear and easy to follow.
Examples in the Critique
I always try to point out the good things I see. As a writer myself, I know it can be hard hearing the criticism without something good to hold on to.
Whenever I can, I add helpful links to the critique.
When needed, I go into as much detail as I can, pulling from the original manuscript to give examples.
Nothing ruins an author’s confidence as much as one negative critique after the other. We all like to know what we did well!
Hrothgar by Rebekah Byland
Fantasy
“How have you helped me? You’ve identified some things about my writing style that I hadn’t realized before, such as my disposition towards European spellings. Thank you for the resources regarding this as well! You’ve given me a lot to think about in terms of how I start this story. In my head the opening scene made sense, and I thought it was where I wanted to start the story, but hearing your honest perspective on how that scene reads I need to carefully reconsider. You’ve shown me some of the weaknesses in both the story content and grammar and writing style as well. I can’t wait to re-work these first chapters, I think they will be a lot stronger because of you!”
Examples in the Manuscript
Showing options to help the sentence make more of an impact.
Showing rewrite options to keep the sentences clear and easy to understand.
Examples in the Critique
I grab specific locations from the manuscript to show what I’m talking about.
Keeping an eye out for the redundant words that manage to get to each and every once of us.