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 6 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

David B.

David B.

Jul, 2024

Dennis was extremely helpful and professional throughout the review process, I'm very happy with the final product. I would definitely recommend Dennis and will ask for his help again in the future.
William M.

William M.

Jul, 2024

He was excellent at correcting punctuation, especially at knowing where commas and semicolons and em-dashes shoud go. He also suggested better word choices to add punch and clarity.
Alexandra N.

Alexandra N.

Sep, 2022

Dennis was 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.
Travis C.

Travis C.

Aug, 2022

Dennis saved us when a previous editor bailed mid-project and left us with a complete, unorganized mess. Dennis managed to clean up our manuscript at an accelerated pace and the final delivery was fantastic. The manuscript ended up reaching #1 for it's category once we published on Amazon and it has stellar reviews. Thank you Dennis!
Ron C.

Ron C.

Jun, 2022

I am very pleased with Dennis! I used Dennis as my final proof editor and he went above and beyond the call of duty. While proofing my work, Dennis also made some suggestions that helped bring a little more clarity and energy to my manuscript. Slight word changes and some sentence restructure here and there improved what I had considered finished. Dennis was very professional. He gave me a w...
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