Charles Davidson

Charles Davidson – Editor

Five decades of writing and editing non-fiction — biography, memoir, history, philosophy, psychology, theology, and religion

Overview

"CRAFTING YOUR STORY, YOUR BOOK" (SM)

EDITORIAL ASSESSMENT — DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING — COPY EDITING —COMPOSITIONAL RE-WRITING


As an editor I devote my analytical, evaluative, developmental, and compositional skills to assist you with crafting your book-length manuscript or article. From beginning to end, I maintain an open channel of communication with you as a valued client whose writing is of great importance to me as your editor. I bring to your project five decades of experience as a published author and editor.


FROM CLIENTS

“When things began to get a bit tangled in my mind, and I felt I was unsure of a clear perspective in evaluating the manuscript draft of my project, Charlie was able to show how it needed to be pulled together and reset in clear, revealing ideas and examples. He seems to be able to do this with ease. He has got it in him to provide editing that opens up all kinds of new, coherent, explicit language and structure, and his personal and professional support was critical for me in the successful completion of the book. I highly recommend him.” —Douglas Heidt, The Love That Will Not Let You Go: Being Christian Is Not What You Think


“Approachable, excellent writer, good listener; gets to the ‘kernel’ of the matter quickly; the glass is always half full, not half empty. When I had a writing project, he was one to whom I turned for editorial advice. I found his suggestions most helpful and encouraging.” — Walter Smith, Learning to Forgive: A Memoir of Doubt and Faith


THE PROCESS

(1) We first get acquainted via a Zoom interview to assess whether we are a good fit for one another. I may ask you to submit additional material for review. (2) Once we agree upon the nature and scope of the project, you receive a formal offer based upon the type of editing you require, the timeframe, and my fee schedule. (3) After contract acceptance, I proceed with editing and send you chapters as they are completed. (4) You offer your feedback and I make final edits. (5) You receive the finished manuscript and we conclude with an optional Zoom conversation to discuss your manuscript and the publication of your work. (6) I remain available to you throughout the publication process to answer your questions.


PUBLICATIONS (complete list upon request)

Author of Foster's Pie Pan: Stories of Grace Abounding in a Fallen World (Parson's Porch Books, 2023); Editor, with biographical introduction to George Buttrick’s Guide to Preaching the Gospel (Abingdon Press, August 2020); Author of Bone Dead, and Rising: Vincent van Gogh and the Self Before God (Cascade Books, 2011); articles, biblical commentary, curricula, essays, and poetry in various professional and academic journals.


Retired Presbyterian Church (USA) minister and psychotherapist, Charles was the undergraduate professor of history and the Darrel Rollins graduate professor of pastoral theology, care, and counseling at Virginia University of Lynchburg.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Christian Non-Fiction History Philosophy Psychology
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2016 — Present

Five decades of experience writing, publishing, and editing as a minister, psychotherapist, and professor.

Presbyterian Church (USA)

Jul, 1970 — May, 2016 (almost 46 years)

See publications section

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
The Humor, Horror, and the Heart of the Badge

Schultz, Chris

Copy Editing Proofreading
Foster's Pie Pan

Davidson, Charles

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment

Charles has 5 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

andrea S.

andrea S.

Jan, 2023

Charles was a dynamic editor and extremely helpful throughout the entire process. He answered my questions and challenged me to become a better writer. His suggestions on the modifications to my manuscript made it compelling and thoughtful. If you are looking for a flexible and adaptable editor, I highly recommend Charles.
Charles D.
Thank you, Andrea. You were superb to work with, and I shall be always grateful for having had the privilege of editing your powerful memoir. I wish you much success with it. Many will be the bene...
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Chris S.

Chris S.

Sep, 2022

It has been a pleasure working with Charles. His wisdom and insight has been invaluable in completing my project. Throughout the project he has been very easy to work with. He is readily available to contact and is thorough and prompt. i could. not have asked for a better person to collaborate with and will forevermore be in his debt.
Charles D.
Chris, thank you for your generous words. It was such a great pleasure for me to work with you. I will always remember you with fondness as I think of how much I have learned from you and the story...
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Lumi N.

Lumi N.

Nov, 2021

Working with Charlie has been a joy. From the start, he showed incredible interest in my manuscript. His edits were clear and his investment in my work was beyond expectation. It would be a pleasure to work with him again on my next project. I highly recommend Charlie to anyone seeking a premier editor.
Charles D.
Thank you for your kind words, Lumi. I am glad that my work proved satisfactory for you. Indeed, I would welcome working with you again anytime. It has been an extraordinary pleasure and privilege....
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Conrad K.

Conrad K.

Aug, 2021

Charles was terrific to work with and understands not only editing but also the publishing business. He helped to launch me into a new season of writing. He guided me through the selection of a publisher. He stayed in touch with me through the process to insure that I was satisfied with his editorial decisions. I am very grateful for Charles' assistance.
Charles D.
Thank you, Conrad, for the great privilege of working with you. Your generous spirit remains an inspiration. I wish you blessings for many years to come, and much success in future endeavors.
Abraham R.

Abraham R.

Feb, 2021

Charles is a very pleasant, competent, and great fellow to work with. He not only doesn't beat around the bush with what he thinks, but is also willing to provide extra help to upcoming authors. He edited my work exceptionally quickly, and with stellar proficiency. I would recommend Charles to anyone who wants to get their manuscript edited right.
Charles D.
Thank you, Abraham. It was a great pleasure to work with you. You possess exceptional talent and creativity, to say the least. And you are so very personable. Don't hesitate to be in touch again if...
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