Dennis Kouba

Dennis Kouba – Editor

Manuscript Editor and Proofreader. Your partner for a book that is clear, compelling, and a pleasure to read.

Overview

About Me: Seasoned editor and communications professional (four decades of experience). Full-time freelance editor and writer for the past 15 years. Manuscript line editor, copyeditor, and proofreader for publishers, self-publishing independent authors, academic authors, and consulting firms. Published ghostwriter of a business advice book.

What to Expect When You Work with Me: Your book should carry your message, in your words, in your style. If my editing intrudes upon that mission, then I’ve failed. My role is to help you make your message clear, make sure there is nothing confusing or that could be misunderstood in your book, clear up any language that could make a reader stumble (or worse, stop reading!), and eliminate each and every little issue.

When I tackle your manuscript, everything about it will get my experienced attention. Every line. Every paragraph. Every page. I want to help you publish a book that is clear, compelling, easy to read, and free of mistakes.

Here are a few comments about my work:

“A fabulous editor! His suggestions were very thorough and easy to follow, and he was quick to respond when I had questions. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a professional editor.”

“A thank you to Dennis K. Though I’ve gotten much, much better over the last few years, I’m far from perfect. Thank you for keeping me honest, helping me to look better, and for making sure all my commas are in the right place.”

“Very professional. He gave me a window to ask questions after the work was complete and responded in a timely manner when I needed him. He also delivered his work on time. I would recommend Dennis and I hope to use him again in the future!”

About Me:

· Accomplished line editor, copyeditor, and proofreader.

· Forty years of experience in communications, writing, editing, proofreading, publications production.

· I work primarily on nonfiction – self-help, how-to, business, memoir, instructional, social and political discussions, academic, but I have edited and proofed many fiction manuscripts.

· Adept at “punching up” and perfecting a wide range of materials and subjects … web content, blogs, articles, case studies, eBooks, newsletters, news releases, thought pieces, and well, you name it.

· Past editor of a weekly periodical. Past executive editor of a multi-title newsletter publisher.

· Published ghostwriter of a business how-to book. Very experienced writer of news, information, marketing, and public relations material.

· Unflappable. Feeling ultra-nervous about someone editing your manuscript? Won’t bother me. Whatever you need in terms of regular communication and check-ins, I’ll be there for you.

Last Words:

You can be confident that I’ll apply all of my editing and writing experience to make your writing the best it can be.

Let’s connect today and see if we’re a good match!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Inspirational Political Science & Current Affairs Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2009 — Present
• Line edit, copyedit, and proofread manuscripts for publishers and independent authors. 

 • Copyedit, proofread, and format management consulting reports.

 • Copyedit international market research reports.

National Academy for State Health Policy

Jun, 2006 — Dec, 2008 (over 2 years)
• Edited more than 40 reports, books, and white papers a year. Managed print and electronic publishing.

 • Write content for multiple websites; wrote and produced a weekly e-newsletter.

(Self-employed)

Jul, 2002 — May, 2006 (almost 4 years)
• Contract editor and writer for a nonprofit organization and a university music department.

 • Freelance editor and writer for publishers, businesses, and independent authors.

Public Entity Risk Institute

Jul, 1997 — Jun, 2002 (almost 5 years)
• Wrote, edited, and managed print and electronic production of a monthly publication, reports, white papers, seminar presentations, annual reports, and marketing and public relations materials.

 • Compiled and edited books from seminar presentations.

 • Wrote and edited all informational and educational material for websites.

American Public Transportation Association

Oct, 1989 — Jun, 1997 (over 7 years)
• Editor of a weekly trade newspaper. Managed content; edited articles; and wrote news articles, features, and commentary.

DataTrends Publications

Jun, 1987 — Sep, 1989 (over 2 years)
• Managed editorial operations for a multi-title newsletter publishing company. 

 • Managed editorial coverage, edited all articles written by staff of seven writers.

Dennis has 11 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Val D.

Val D.

Nov, 2025

Dennis was wonderful to work with. I am extremely pleased with the work he put into refining my manuscript. His professional editing has resulted in a book that I am extra-proud to release to the world in the months to come. I would recommend Dennis to anyone looking for a top-notch editor. T...
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Kateryna L.

Kateryna L.

Oct, 2025

Dennis is the rare editor who can improve every page without leaving fingerprints. He kept the architecture intact, made gentle but impactful corrections, and enhanced clarity throughout. A joy to work with!
Helen A.

Helen A.

Sep, 2025

Grateful for Denis’s thorough and professional work—he made the process easy and polished.
Lane D.

Lane D.

Sep, 2025

Dennis did an outstanding job, making my book read better. He was very easy to work with and made suggestions to help the overall flow of the book. I would recommend him to anyone.
David G.

David G.

Sep, 2024

Dennis did a terrific job editing a manuscript I sent him, and went above and beyond to address some of the structural issues in the manuscript itself. The result was a more engaging and readable book. I wholeheartedly recommend Dennis.

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