Writing Services Editing • Collaborative Writing • Manuscript Critique
Marti Pieper combines her writing and editing skills to help authors strengthen, develop, and shape their nonfiction manuscripts. Her experience also includes work for Christian nonprofits and magazines, both print and digital; editing for both traditional publishers and independent projects; and an ongoing role as editorial director for the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida.
Marti assists authors by helping them take their written or spoken messages from good to great. Her goal is not simply to improve the words on the page, but to help each author communicate clearly while preserving the message, meaning, and voice behind the work.
Editorial Services
Marti offers two primary types of editing services for nonfiction manuscripts. Any developmental edit also includes copyediting.
Copyediting & Line Editing
This is the picky, detail-oriented work. Marti corrects grammatical and spelling errors, fixes punctuation mistakes, and addresses problems such as the overuse of certain expressions or clichés.
She also works at the sentence level to help make the writing clearer, stronger, and more effective while preserving the author’s voice.
Developmental Editing
This is the big-picture edit. Marti looks at content and logical flow to make sure the author’s words say what they intend in the best way possible.
At times, this may include moving chapters, illustrations, or other elements within a chapter so the manuscript better reflects its true meaning.
Manuscript Critique Services
A manuscript critique provides an author with professional feedback before moving into a more extensive editing process.
Marti reads the manuscript and makes comments in the margins as she reads. She also provides a review letter summarizing her findings.
Some clients use a manuscript critique as a way to decide whether or not to continue with Marti’s editorial services.
If a client chooses to continue as an editing or collaborative writing client, Marti applies the critique fee toward the services that follow.
Collaborative Writing
For manuscripts that need more extensive development, Marti also offers collaborative and ghostwriting services.
A collaborative project allows Marti to work closely with an author’s existing message, teaching, research, interviews, and other materials to develop them into a cohesive manuscript while preserving the author’s voice, central ideas, and story.
The Collaborative Writing Process
1. Gather Information
Marti interviews the author and reads, studies, watches, or listens to portions of the author’s message and teaching in various forms. She creates questions and thoroughly researches the topic.
She also gathers information about marketing, promotion, competing and complementary books, and discusses brand development with a view toward incorporating it into the proposal.
2. Develop the Book Proposal
Using the information gathered and her knowledge of the industry, Marti develops a thorough, competitive book proposal.
The proposal may include a chapter outline, general and chapter summaries, marketing and promotional plans, special features, author and writer bios, and two or three sample chapters.
Marti also helps identify the book’s unique selling point, interacts with the author and agent as needed, and edits or rewrites material at an agent’s or acquisitions editor’s request.
3. Write the Manuscript
Marti uses the author’s printed, online, and recorded information, along with interviews, to develop the teaching into a cohesive, comprehensive manuscript.
She adds content as necessary to organize and develop the material, creates chapter titles and subheads, and develops questions, sidebars, and other elements as needed.
Marti also suggests titles and subtitles, works with the author, agent, and publisher to refine them, produces a manuscript of the appropriate word count, and meets agreed-upon deadlines.
4. Interact with the Publisher
Marti communicates on the author’s behalf with editors at all levels to make corrections for content, style, grammar, and punctuation, including during the galley stage.
She reviews cover and publicity materials, including press releases and interview questions, to help ensure they accurately reflect the book, rewriting or making suggestions when necessary.
Throughout the publishing process, Marti works with the author as appropriate and advocates for the author’s brand, central ideas, and story.
Ready to Talk About Your Project?
If you’re considering editing, manuscript critique, or collaborative writing, contact Marti to start the conversation.
