Fiction editing is not always black and white, by the book. You’ve spent months, maybe years, crafting your story, developing characters, building scenes—this is your baby. Now you’re ready to hire a professional editor who understands this as you prepare to send it out into the world. I will polish your writing or elevate your prose without changing your unique style and voice. 

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About Me, Audra Gerber

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Along with my education and experience, being a low-key bookworm makes me an ideal editor. I’m patient and kind, even through constructive comments, because feedback doesn’t have to be harsh to be effective. And rather than give gratuitous praise, I gush when an author strikes literary gold, because I believe it is just as important to understand those brilliant tactics as it is to fix the clunkers.

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But don’t let my laid-back personality overshadow my skills. I have a degree in fiction creative writing from the University of Iowa, where I devoured every relevant course available, from basic grammar to novel writing, including an intense study of religion in ancient and modern literature. And I have edited 185 books and novels for adults and children as a full-time freelance manuscript editor over the past nine years.

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If you want more details, visit my About Me page. In short, this is my second career, and I love working with authors to help make their books amazing before they self-publish or seek representation. I especially enjoy watching people improve their skills with each book.

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Fiction Editing Services

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Maybe you know exactly what you need, and that’s great. But if this is your first book, you probably feel a bit overwhelmed. Below is a basic overview of the types of editing I offer, with links to more information; however, I will be happy to read a writing sample and discuss your specific needs.

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Copy Editing

If you do not plan to make any further content changes, you might be ready for copy editing. Copy editing focuses on grammar and style, not content or creativity, throughout your entire manuscript. I will polish grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and style consistency on your final draft, in your words. And don’t underestimate the power of proper punctuation—the most common fix for unreadable manuscripts.

 

Learn more and see if you’re ready for manuscript copy editing.

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Line Editing

If you want creative help that goes beyond fixing objective errors, without altering your story or structure, line editing might be perfect for you. ​Line editing focuses on creativity and readability at the sentence, paragraph, and scene levels to elevate your prose and find story inconsistencies. I will identify and help fix issues such as overused words and phrases, clunky sentence structure, weak transitions, and “head hopping.”

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Learn more and find out if you need fiction line editing.

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If your schedule or budget allows for only one round of editing before publishing, I highly recommend a copy edit. But unless you are completely satisfied with your final draft, a line edit would be better. Not sure what you need? Send a sample of your writing and ask to see the difference.

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Portfolio and Testimonials

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My fiction work includes novels, novellas, and series for middle-grade children to adults: literary fiction, historical fiction, realistic fiction, religious (Christian) fiction, science fiction, mystery/crime/suspense, and action/adventure. Visit my portfolio for more published titles and reviews.

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“Working with Audra has been amazing.

She is very organized, detailed and systematic

while at the same time being very creative

with suggestions and honest with her feedback.

She took my novel to the next level and

I couldn’t have done it without her.”​

—West W., Novelist

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“A jewel in the mists of the crazy publishing world! I feel very blessed that I found Audra.” 

—Angelica C., Novelist 

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“Excellent book editor with great adherence to deadlines!”

—Matthew H., Children’s Book Author

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