Beth Partin - Editor
Collaborating with authors to polish their novels is something I love to do.
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Overview
Currently I'm editing genre fiction here and enjoying it very much, after copyediting nonfiction for more than twenty years. (I just couldn't slog through any more endnotes.) For several years, I edited commercial fiction for Berkley Books.
I'm experienced in polishing prose and fixing grammar, spelling, and punctuation in mysteries, romance novels, fantasy, and memoirs (including travel), but what gives me the most satisfaction is catching inconsistencies in setting, characters' appearance or behavior, and the timeline.
Both authors and editors at publishing houses have praised me for my thoroughness and politeness.
Most of the books I edit have already been accepted for publication. When I am working with an unpublished author, I want to make sure the manuscript is ready for copyediting, one of the last steps in the production process. I do a sample edit of several chapters, depending on length, and return the electronic file to the author. If the author and I agree on what the manuscript needs, I will proceed with a copyedit, correcting grammar and spelling, calling attention to pet words and phrases, removing repetition (unless it's done for effect), and querying actions, situations, or arguments that seem out of sync with similar elements in the manuscript.
I edit manuscripts on the computer only (currently, Word for the Mac). In general, I use the Chicago Manual of Style as a guide, but I am comfortable conforming to publishing house style or to the author's preference. My goal is to improve clarity and flow and consistency in the author's manuscript, not to rewrite it.
I'm experienced in polishing prose and fixing grammar, spelling, and punctuation in mysteries, romance novels, fantasy, and memoirs (including travel), but what gives me the most satisfaction is catching inconsistencies in setting, characters' appearance or behavior, and the timeline.
Both authors and editors at publishing houses have praised me for my thoroughness and politeness.
Most of the books I edit have already been accepted for publication. When I am working with an unpublished author, I want to make sure the manuscript is ready for copyediting, one of the last steps in the production process. I do a sample edit of several chapters, depending on length, and return the electronic file to the author. If the author and I agree on what the manuscript needs, I will proceed with a copyedit, correcting grammar and spelling, calling attention to pet words and phrases, removing repetition (unless it's done for effect), and querying actions, situations, or arguments that seem out of sync with similar elements in the manuscript.
I edit manuscripts on the computer only (currently, Word for the Mac). In general, I use the Chicago Manual of Style as a guide, but I am comfortable conforming to publishing house style or to the author's preference. My goal is to improve clarity and flow and consistency in the author's manuscript, not to rewrite it.
Services
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Travel
Fiction
Cozy Mysteries
Fantasy
Romantic Comedy
Work experience
Freelance editor and proofreader
Self-employed
June, 1995
–
Present
(almost 28 years)
I have been copyediting fiction and popular nonfiction (memoirs, travel) since 2001 for Berkley Books, Seal Press, Counterpoint, Alyson Books, and Skyhorse. I started out editing academic nonfiction for local presses in Colorado.
Publications Coordinator
Fiction Collective 2
February, 1989
–
December, 1993
(almost 5 years)
Selected manuscripts for consideration by FC2 directors; reduced manuscript backlog.
Managed production of 30 Fiction Collective 2 dust jackets.
Portfolio (14 selected works)
Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail
Ashley Herring Blake
An interior designer who is never without the perfect plan learns to renovate her love life without one in this new romantic comedy by Ashley Herring Blake, author of Delilah Green Doesn’t Care. For Astrid Parker, failure is unacceptable. Ever since she broke up with her fiancé a year ago, she’s been focused on her career—her friends might say she’s obsessed, but she knows she’s just driven. W... read more
Spirits and Sourdough
Bailey Cates
Baker Katie Lightfoot needs a sprinkle of magic to solve a haunting mystery in the newest book in this New York Times bestselling series. Hedgewitch Katie Lightfoot works at the Honeybee Bakery in Savannah, and she's always up for investigating her adopted home's rich supernatural history. That's why she's taking a ghost tour for the very first time. But when the psychic tour guide tells Katie... read more
The League of Gentlewomen Witches
India Holton
“As much fun as the English language will permit.”—New York Times Book Review on The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the teahouse. . . .Miss Charlotte Pettifer belongs to a secret league of women skilled in the subtle arts. That is to say—although it must never be said—witchcraft. The League of Gentlewomen Witches strives to improve the wor... read more
Power Slide (The Darcy Lott Mysteries Book 4)
Susan Dunlap
“An entertaining outing” in the series featuring a tough San Francisco stuntwoman by an Anthony Award-winning author (Booklist). Stunt double Darcy Lott is on location at the Port of Oakland, positioned for a power slide—a dangerous trick in which she falls off a bike and skids under an eighteen-wheeler. But things go awry when her stunt driver—and on-again, off-again boyfriend—Damon has a tru... read more
Nameless Dame: Murder on the Russian River
Bart Schneider
The Russian River Valleylaid-back, marijuana-steeped, and off-the-gridis the backdrop for Bart Schneider’s new mystery featuring the tough and dogged detective Augie Boyer.Augie takes a break from the bite of another Minnesota winter by visiting the California homestead of his longtime friend Bobby Sabbatini, who is celebrating the opening of his poetry-infused tavern, Ginsberg’s Galley. But... read more
A reporter chases the biggest story of her lifeher husband’s descent into mental illness.Even as a reporter, Sheila Hamilton missed the signs as her husband David’s mental illness unfolded before her. By the time she had pieced together the puzzle, it was too late. Her once brilliant, intense, and passionate partner was dead within six weeks of a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, leaving his nin... read more
A funny and heartwarming story of one woman's attempt to walk off a lifetime of fear--with a soulmate, bad shoes, and lots of wine. Torre DeRoche is at rock bottom following a breakup and her father's death when she crosses paths with the goofy and spirited Masha, who is pusuing her dream of walking the world. When Masha invites Torre to join her pilgrimage through Tuscany--drinking wine, fora... read more
All Over the Place: Adventures in Travel, True Love, and Petty Theft
Geraldine DeRuiter
Some people are meant to travel the globe, to unwrap its secrets and share them with the world. And some people have no sense of direction, are terrified of pigeons, and get motion sickness from tying their shoes. These people are meant to stay home and eat nachos.Geraldine DeRuiter is the latter. But she won't let that stop her.Hilarious, irreverent, and heartfelt, All Over the Place chronicl... read more
No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black and Free in America
Darnell L Moore
From a leading journalist and activist comes a brave, beautifully wrought memoir.When Darnell Moore was fourteen, three boys from his neighborhood tried to set him on fire. They cornered him while he was walking home from school, harassed him because they thought he was gay, and poured a jug of gasoline on him. He escaped, but just barely. It wasn't the last time he would face death.Three deca... read more
Dial A for Aunties
Jesse Q. Sutanto
"Sutanto brilliantly infuses comedy and culture into the unpredictable rom-com/murder mystery mashup as Meddy navigates familial duty, possible arrest and a groomzilla. I laughed out loud and you will too.”—USA Today (four-star review) “A hilarious, heartfelt romp of a novel about—what else?—accidental murder and the bond of family. This book had me laughing aloud within its first five pages… ... read more
Four Aunties and a Wedding
Jesse Q. Sutanto
The aunties are back, fiercer than ever and ready to handle any catastrophe—even the mafia—in this delightful and hilarious sequel by Jesse Q. Sutanto, author of Dial A for Aunties.Meddy Chan has been to countless weddings, but she never imagined how her own would turn out. Now the day has arrived, and she can't wait to marry her college sweetheart, Nathan. Instead of having Ma and the aunts c... read more
Station Eternity
Mur Lafferty
Amateur detective Mallory Viridian’s talent for solving murders ruined her life on Earth and drove her to live on an alien space station, but her problems still follow her in this witty, self-aware novel that puts a speculative spin on murder mysteries, from the Hugo-nominated author of Six Wakes.From idyllic small towns to claustrophobic urban landscapes, Mallory Viridian is constantly embroi... read more
Beth has 11 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Once again, Beth has saved me with a thorough and thoughtful proofread. I'm humbled by her ability to make my writing professional, concise, and effective. She is always on time, able to find what no author can find in their own work, and I hope to be able to work with Beth on my next novel as well.
I can't recommend Beth Partin highly enough.
Mark Piper, August 2022
Beth is an outstanding editor. Her comments were spot on, extremely constructive and sensitive. Throughout our collaboration, she was professional, timely, and considerate. I would definitely hire her again for my future editing needs!
Heidi Harrison, June 2022
This is the second collaboration I've had with Beth and she exceeded my expectations again. Beth has such attention to detail and is extremely professional. Her style sheet is thorough and easy to understand. My manuscript is much stronger because of Beth's input.
Maureen Wise, January 2022
Beth has been wonderful to work with. Her suggestions and errors found were spot on and her professionalism was amazing. My work is so much better because she was involved!
Maureen Wise, January 2022
Excellent feedback and reporting. Appreciated her insight and professionalism. Excellent editor. I highly recommend her.
Cheryl Wilson, September 2021
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