Kathleen Cook – Editor

After ten years as a production editor in New York, at Macmillan and Penguin Random House imprints, I moved back home to North Carolina. I'm now a full-time freelance copy editor and proofreader. I've worked on everything from prizewinning poetry collections, to paranormal romance, to historical nonfiction, to celebrated debut novels.

A few things to note:
* I copyedit using Microsoft Word Track Changes or Google Docs.
* I prefer to proofread on paper, but am experienced using Adobe's editing tools.
* I will accept copyediting projects ONLY AFTER your project has been edited. Developmental editing is a special skill that I cannot provide.
* If your project requires extensive fact-checking, please note that in your request. Extra costs may be incurred.
* I prefer to complete EITHER the copyedit OR the proofread of your project. That's what works best for my schedule, and most important, I believe it provides a better final product for you. Fresh eyes at each stage are best!

Depending on the complexity and/or length of the project, I usually require 4–6 weeks to copyedit. In copyediting, I will:
* fix typos and punctuation errors;
* fix or suggest changes for unwieldy or awkward sentences or word usage;
* do basic fact-checking;
* query character, narrative, and timeline inconsistencies;
* provide a basic style sheet that you can pass on to a proofreader;
* if appropriate, provide a basic timeline summary that you can pass on to a proofreader.

Depending on the complexity and/or length of the project, I usually require 3–4 weeks to proofread. In proofreading, I will:
* fix any lingering typos and punctuation errors;
* suggest changes for especially unwieldy or awkward sentences or word usage;
* double-check character, narrative, and timeline consistency;
* ensure that spelling, punctuation use, and general style is consistent;
* if your book is being printed, check page layouts to ensure they adhere to basic publishing standards.

When I'm not working, I'm usually off walking in the woods with my dog, working on a puzzle, or visiting one of North Carolina's many microbreweries. I look forward to learning about your project!