From dissertations to devotionals, websites to musical liner notes, and fiction to nonfiction books, I provide my clients a fresh set of eyes and attention to detail, refining their work to best suit its purpose. My editing services and prompt turnaround allow my clients to present their most polished communications.
Services
Line Editing
Line editing, also known as structural editing, is a thorough examination of a work, checking all details and framework, addressing areas such as phrasing, sentence structure and variety, repetition, best word choice, passive verb elimination, timeline consistency, and any issues specifically requested by the Client as part of its style guide. This edit normally incorporates the review performed in a Copy edit, unless Client requests otherwise.
Copy Editing
Copy editing focuses on proper conventions of sentence mechanics, correcting any errors in spelling, grammar, capitalization, punctuation, word usage, and sentence structure, ensuring logic and consistency. This review provides the perfect polish to the Client’s work!
About Me
Dawn Allen
Editing is my creative outlet and passion. I am adept at meeting the author’s distinct style preferences and enjoy the collaborative process.
I am committed to helping authors and business owners produce their finest written product within a quick timeframe.
Editing areas of interest include:
Functional Medicine – Alzheimer’s Research – Law
Who I Am
Originally from Philadelphia, PA, the Houston, TX, area has been home for almost three decades. My creative energies extend to cooking, fitness, biking, and the outdoors. My volunteer work includes currently serving as Court Visitor of indigent patients for County Court at Law #2 of Montgomery County, Texas. I am an active, 27-year member of a thriving church. I spend considerable time reading and researching health and nutrition issues, particularly as they relate to my own health concerns having celiac disease and MAST cell issues. I consider myself fortunate to live in a time where I have free access to solid information to improve my health, and I seek to share my growing knowledge with others.
I live in the beautiful town of The Woodlands with my husband of 29 years and our silly rescue beagle. We have one grown son, married to his college sweetheart. My editing office is perched just off the tree-lined balcony of our home, allowing me to edit from the treetops and be soothed and energized by the beauties of God’s nature.
Editing Projects Include
- Monthly digital newsletters: design, compose, and edit
- Christian nonfiction
- Fiction romance novels
- Children’s books
- Digital community magazine
- Thesis design proposal for a Doctor of Ministry
- Nonprofit bylaws
- Musician websites
- Musical instrument manufacturer website
- Liner notes for music CDs
- Commercial real estate contracts
Education and Qualifications
- Associates Degree in Specialized Business
- Paralegal Degree
- English Studies at LaSalle University
- Silver Member of The Christian PEN Proofreaders and Editors Network
- Member of The American Copy Editors Society (ACES)
Success Stories
My website copy needs help! What can you do for me?
I’m glad to help. I’ll review your site and copy any sections needing review into a Word document. I’ll provide you with an edited document showing tracked changes, along with an additional document showing my edits “accepted” so you can see the flow of the revisions. We’ll discuss your preferred changes, and the process will continue from there until the site is perfected. With your permission, I’m happy to make your approved changes directly into the back end of your website or blog.
I’ve finished writing my book, and I’m happy with my work. It’s been recommended that I have a professional edit. Will we review your edits so I can decide what I’m comfortable with?
Absolutely. I’ll do a complimentary sample edit of your manuscript prior to our entering into an agreement. I’ll return a Word document showing tracked changes along with a fully-revised sample showing how the revisions affect your work. You’ll decide the level of edits that best suits your writing.
How do you determine my fee?
For industry standard editing rates, I refer to the Editorial Freelancers Association. Once I review your submission, I’ll have an idea if your project is better suited for a copy edit or a line/structural edit. I’ll give you my quote when I return the sample edit.
Do you require a contract and deposit?
Yes. I have a plain English contract which is specific for each client. I require a small deposit of the projected cost of the job which can be paid by credit card, bank transfer, or check. The effective date of our agreement will be the date the deposit is received, and work will then commence.
My editing conforms to the Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition, with preference given to the author’s style guide, and allowance made for subject matter creative license. We will discuss specific items, and I will make a personal style guide for your project.