Bethany Davis

Bethany Davis – Editor

Helping entrepreneurs, coaches, artists, and memoirists publish their world-changing projects. First-time author? I'm here to help!

Overview

As an editor, I understand that some authors see their manuscripts as their babies...while others see them as busted junk heaps they have to coax into taking them just a few more miles. Whichever camp you fall into, I meet you where you are. Consider me the reliable backup you've been looking for; I'm here to help transform your manuscript into something you can be proud of, whatever your starting point may be.

I take a "your book, but better" approach to my edits, valuing preserving each author's voice while leveling it up. I'm the impartial set of eyes you need, swooping in to help you slay your typos and kill your darlings (literary quote reference to show you I know my stuff!). If you want your book to be the best it can be, that's truly the honored job of an editor, and I'm here to make that difference for you.

I have a decade of experience in the traditional and indie publishing worlds, working with everything from academic monographs to niche erotica titles. My particular passions include personal growth/self-help titles, memoir, sexuality education, books with a feminist or social justice focus, and those representing diverse experiences. That said, I'm glad to consider projects across the board!

NOTE: I know how intimidating it can be to reach out for editing services, especially if you're a first-time author. If you need help figuring out what service is right for you, feel free to mention that in your request! I am always glad to talk through where you are, where you're going, and what editing services will get you there.
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Health & Wellbeing New Age Religion & Spirituality Self-Help & Self-Improvement Sex & Relationships
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • Specialized Certificate in Copyediting (UCSD)
  • "Becoming a Proofreader" Pass with Distinction (Knowadays)

Work experience

The Author Incubator

Feb, 2018 — Dec, 2020 (almost 3 years)

Guided and supported new authors from book conception through publication under the Difference Press imprint. With my assistance, authors (most of whom have never taken on a comparable project) developed a book idea, outlined, planned, and wrote their manuscripts, and then polished the manuscript to publication-ready status.

Self-employed

Jun, 2016 — Present

Provide high-quality editing services including copyedits, proofreads, and publishing services to individual clients on a contract basis, specializing in work with indie clients.

Rowman & Littlefield

Sep, 2015 — Feb, 2018 (over 2 years)

Worked with several imprints, including Rowman and Littlefield (sports, literature, film, and teen titles), Lexington Books (sociology and religion titles), and Hamilton Books/University Press of America (memoir), supporting authors from the acquisition of their project through editing, formatting, and publication.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching

Bethany has 41 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Gerald B.

Gerald B.

Jan, 2024

This is my third round with Bethany and I would certainly return anytime I need help. Here comments have always been exactly what I needed to take my manuscript to the next level. She has my strongest recommendation!
Britany R.

Britany R.

Jul, 2023

Bethany was an absolute pleasure to work with! I am so happy Bethany took on my project, as a first time author, I was nervous about the process and what to expect - I could not have asked for a better person to collaborate with. Bethany is full of valuable information. Her work is meticulous, I was amazed at the amount of feedback and quality. Sure I paid for the service, but sometimes you do ...
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Chip H.

Chip H.

Sep, 2022

Bethany is an extraordinary collaborator. She is articulate and insightful. She has a keen eye, is detail oriented and amazingly prompt with her responses. She kept me on my toes and inspired me to perform better with every exchange. Without a doubt she enabled me to take my first novel to a level well above my expectation or hopes. I look forward to working with Bethany again soon.
Sharon Y.

Sharon Y.

Jun, 2022

Bethany is an amazing copy editor. The editing was straight forward and very easy to follow. Very insightful and her attention to detail with clear and concise notations were impeccable . She took the time to research the material, which was totally unexpected. Bethany helped to shape the manuscript.
Gerald B.

Gerald B.

May, 2022

Bethany is the absolute best. This is the second of mine project she has worked on, and I have unquestionably become a stronger and more thoughtful writer with her as an editor. I was blown away by how she was able to strengthen every aspect of my manuscript and help turn it into a story I am excited to share with the public. She will be the first person I turn to when working on future project...
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