NON-FICTION
The flow of non-fiction editing.
Non-fiction editors can be working with an author or business from the chaotic idea stage until typesetting and sending to the printer. Each stage in a manuscript's development is accompanied by a particular kind of editing. For the new writer who just wants to have their book improved, the array of processes offered can be utterly confusing, as can working out what your manuscript needs. Part of my editorial service is to help you to get the right editing for your creative project.
THE MAIN STAGES IN PRODUCING A NON-FICTION WORK
MENTORING (SOMETIMES CALLED BOOK COACHING)
Mentoring is one-to-one help to get you to wherever you need to be with your writing. It might mean
regular meetings and strict deadlines or gentle, encouraging writing sessions to help you get your words down.
More details here.
DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING
This edit looks at your manuscript as a whole, paying attention to the intended concept of the book and what has been written as well as how well it communicates with the prospective audience. I offer two types of developmental edit: a full developmental edit and a manuscript critique.
More details here.
COPY-EDITING
This edit works on the details of your writing looking at clarity and punctuation and carrying out a basic fact check.
More details here.
PROOFREADING
This is the final check where those tiny errors that have slipped past the eyes at all the other levels of editing. It also looks at page layout. I do not offer this service, but can point you towards a professional who does.
NON-FICTION SPECIALISMS
To give you the best service possible, I prefer to work in areas that I know. This is most important in mentoring and developmental editing. I have good knowledge in the following areas but am happy to consider areas close to these.
Business, well-being and work–life balance
Humanities, especially literature, philosophy, feminism, and religion
Bodywork fields such as yoga, Feldenkrais, and shiatsu
Human rights, animal rights, and environmentalism
Academic works in feminism and religion
Narrative non-fiction and memoir
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
I have a BA(Hons) in Philosophy from the University of London and an MA in Religious Studies from the University of Lancaster.
In 1999 I moved to Japan and became involved with a number of groups in the areas of feminism, theology, ecumenicalism, women’s rights and social justice. I edited the English language proceedings of the Center for Feminism and Ministry in Japan from 2009 to 2019, working closely with its founders Dr Satoko Yamaguchi and Dr Hisako Kinukawa. I founded and facilitated the Feminist Theology Circle which sought to bring together Japanese and English-speaking feminists and theologians, hosting meetings with Leonard Swidler, Carol Meyers, and Kwok Pui-Lan.
I set up Just Trade, a company formed to promote Fair Trade products in Japan, through talks and articles. I spoke in several major universities including Sophia University and the International Christian University and wrote for a number of publications including Japan Student Times.
I have practiced yoga since the age of 15 and in 2007 began teaching it at Shizen Yoga Studio. I also taught classes for Kalakasan, a charity who work with migrant women in Japan, and at the Women’s Conference, an annual religious conference held just outside Tokyo.
I work with business book publishers and people in business to help them promote their work through articles and books.
WHAT NEXT?
For all the practical aspects, such as costs and timescales, and to be taken through the process of hiring me as a non-fiction editor, please see The practicals.