Word Nerd Editorial Services
"If you want to take your writing to the next level, my advice is to give Diane at Word Nerd a call. You won’t be sorry."
--Michael A. Black, author of over 50 books, including Where Legends Lie, Legends of the West, and Retribution Trail
Developmental Editing
This is the big-picture stuff—story structure, character arcs, theme, point of view, tone and pacing. What kind of story are you telling, and are all the major pieces working together to serve that story well? Will your novel meet, and delight, your readers’ expectations? A developmental edit is a deep read of your manuscript, tracking all the elements and analyzing what works and what doesn’t (yet). At the end of the process, you’ll get detailed notes and comments showcasing your story’s strengths, highlighting potential problems, and suggesting pathways for revision.
A line edit happens at the sentence level. It focuses on the flow of language and thought through word choice and sentence and paragraph structure. A well-done line edit polishes your prose for maximum reader engagement while staying true to the author’s “voice” and intent.
Line editing
This is the fine-detail stage—grammar, punctuation, typos, minor fact-checking as needed (accuracy of place names, foreign words if used, and so on), and internal consistency (making sure the same character isn’t described as short in Chapter 5 and tall in Chapter 10, for example).
Copy editing
This is similar to developmental editing, but less of a deep dive. Rather than focusing on all the big-picture elements, a critique analyzes your manuscript at more of a bird’s-eye level: Does the plot hang together? Are the characters compelling to read about? What held my attention and what took me out of the story? A less in-depth but still useful analysis of what your book is, what stands out and what needs work, and different options to explore when revising.
Manuscript Critiques
What Authors and Publishers Say...
No matter where the publishing industry goes, writers always need to show their best work. Drawing on 30+ years' experience, I can give your book the attention it needs to catch the eye of publishers, reviewers and readers.
Services offered:
"If you’re looking for a fabulous professional editor, you can’t go wrong with Diane Piron-Gelman of Word Nerd. I’ve worked with her on several of my books and each time she’s helped improve my writing. She edits quickly and has the unique ability to handle multiple genres, and catches things that many writers overlook. If you want to take your writing to the next level, my advice is to give Diane a call. You won’t be sorry."
--Michael A. Black, author of over 50 books, including Where Legends Lie, Legends of the West, and Retribution Trail
"I was referred to Word Nerd by a friend to have my manuscript edited. The manuscript I got back was so well done that I promptly arranged to send my remaining books to Word Nerd as soon as possible. Diane is professional, efficient and just a pleasure to work with. To say I was satisfied is an understatement. I highly recommend her and look forward to using her services again and again."
--Dave Case, author of Out of Cabrini and Stand for the Dead
"As an acquisition editor of twenty-five years, bringing writers and editors together on projects, Diane Piron-Gelman’s editing expertise was invaluable. Her attention to detail and insightful suggestions significantly improved manuscripts. She caught so many details and helped authors polish their manuscripts into award-winning novels. Her professional manner, clear communication and timely responses made the editing process easy for all the authors she worked with. Diane Piron-Gelman is highly recommended to any writer."
--Tiffany Schofield, Sr. Acquisition Editor, Five Star Publishing
"Diane Piron-Gelman edited my two self-published novels and I couldn’t be happier. Her work is expert and professional, thorough and detailed. She will give you a sample edit, along with a quote, based on an opening chapter or so of your book. She returns two copies of your manuscript, one with the edits and suggestions in the document, the other stripped of corrections and submission-ready, which is extremely helpful. Since Diane does edits at all levels (development, line, copy, and proof) there is no need to pay for multiple editors. I highly recommend her services."
--Patricia Camalliere, author of Miracle at Assisi Hill and Last Call at Smokey Row
"Diane served as the outside proofreader for many of the books published by Allium Press of Chicago. I was always very impressed by her meticulous attention to detail, quick turnaround time, and high level of professionalism. She is a true pleasure to work with."
--Emily Victorson, Publisher, Allium Press of Chicago
"When a publisher without in-house editors required vetting of my novel by a freelance editor, they referred me to Diane Piron-Gelman. This was a first for me in 40+ years as a writer, and I didn't know what to expect. Luckily, Diane is not only thorough and professional, but also pleasant, punctual and easy to work with. It helps that she's an experienced writer herself, so she knows both sides of the creative process. I'd happily work with her again."
--Howard Weinstein, author of Galloway’s Gamble, Galloway’s Gamble 2: Lucifer and the Great Baltimore Brawl, and 7 novels from the Star Trek universe
"I have had the pleasure of working with Diane on three of my manuscripts. She is both professional and personable. Diane's skill as an editor is evident in her attention to detail and her eye for accuracy. Her notes and suggestions are clear and she is always willing to discuss her feedback. She provides a workable turnaround time and a reasonable price. Under her guidance, I was highly confident my manuscripts were ready for publication."
--A. F. Whitehouse, author of the Dana Demeter mystery series