Professional Book Editor

You've finished your novel. You've done everything in your power to get it ready for print, but you wonder what's the next step?

Maybe an evaluation by an editor to give you a big-picture view of what works and what doesn't? Or maybe have a copyeditor make sure it reads well? Perhaps just a proofread to make sure it's as clean as it can be? Or maybe it's time to dive right into the book proposal?

Whatever stage you may be at, John David Kudrick, MA in Journalism (Professional Writing: Fiction), is ready to serve you as a fiction editor who wants to make your story the best that it can be.

John David has had stories on the brain since he was a boy and his father and grandparents filled his head with tales of biblical heroes and heroines, rugged mountain men, courageous frontierswomen, daring gunfighters, and brave soldiers and sailors. Since those boyhood days, John David has turned his love of fiction into an opportunity to serve others who are equally as passionate about telling a good story.

With more than a decade of editorial experience, a bachelor's degree in theology, and a master's degree focused on fiction, John David is ready to partner with you in crafting the very best story you can write – whether it be helping you with a manuscript diagnostic, developmental editing, substantive editing, copyediting, proofreading, or book proposal development.

While he enjoys working on most every genre of fiction you may write, John David considers his main specialties to be action / military, historical fiction, science fiction (sci-fi), contemporary / mainstream, and Christian fiction (all genres – for both adults and young adults).

Thus far in his career, John David has had the opportunity to serve as senior editor at Whitaker House, a faith-based publisher located outside Pittsburgh . While there, he was privileged to lead the roll-out of the company's first fiction line, which included James Byron Huggins' Nightbringer, a book that John David personally edited and that Library Journal named one of the top five Christian novels for 2004.

As a freelance editor, John David has been privileged to work with some of the best publishers of fiction in the nation, including David C. Cook, NavPress, Realms Fiction, and Marcher Lord Press.

When he's not helping authors fine-tune their stories, John David spends as much time as possible with his wife, Sheila, and their three kids in western Pennsylvania where they make their home. He also enjoys attending and volunteering as a writer / editor for their home church.

"I confess… did a lot of investigation over the Internet… from half way around the world… received a many sample edits / quotes from different editors (~12!). My choice was perfect. On a scale of 1-to10 I rate John a solid (plus) 10! First and foremost for the English… past tense-present tense… grammer —use of the em dash… POV… the whole nine yards. Perfect.And next – for him getting into the story… making very good Commentsand suggestions all throughout. This includes checking things on the Internet… noting that the coca cola slogan – "The Real Thing" did not come out in the time period that I mentioned it… and many other excellent comments!" Michael Weiss

Services:

Manuscript Diagnostic – Get a big-picture look at your novel's strengths and weaknesses, with a general evaluation sheet and a list of recommended action steps to take your story from good to great.
Developmental Editing – With a detailed evaluation document and page-by-page comments / suggestions throughout your novel, find out exactly how you can make your good story even better.
Substantive Editing – Receive guidance and hands-on editorial help from John David in reorganizing and revising your story to take care of style, structure, content, plotting, character, story flow, and point-of-view issues. Also includes copyediting and proofreading.
Copyediting – Got the big-picture stuff down already? Then let John David take care of grammar, word usage, tone, format, and more with a copyedit that will add a shine to your story. Also includes proofreading.
Proofreading – Don't let your story get tossed aside because of a misspelled word or misplaced punctuation. Get your novel as clean as can be by allowing John David to read through it and fix typos, inconsistencies, misspellings, and punctuation problems.
Book Proposal Development – Novel ready for submission? Then you're ready to develop your book proposal. Together, you and John David will create a compelling, well-crafted document that's a necessity in getting published.

Genre Specialties:

Christian Fiction (all genres – for both adults and young adults)
Action / Military
Historical Fiction
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi) / Fantasy
Contemporary / Mainstream

To submit a manuscript to John David, cut and paste the submission questions below into an email.
Send answers and sample to:
JDKudrick@Book-Editing.com

EDITORIAL WORK ON PUBLISHED NOVELS

	Nightbringer by James Byron Huggins (Whitaker House) One of the Top Five Christian Novels in 2004 (Library Journal) Editorial Role: Developmental Editor / Copyeditor
	Knuckle Sandwich by Adam Palmer (NavPress) Editorial Role: Copyeditor / Proofreader
	Godiva by David Rose (Whitaker House) Editorial Role: Developmental Editor
	Black Box by Larry Jones (Whitaker House) Editorial Role: Developmental Editor

Additional Editorial Work on Published Novels (Editing / Proofreading)

A Beautiful Fall by Chris Coppernoll (David C. Cook)

A Bigger Life by Annette Smith (NavPress)

A Portrait for Marguerite by Kate Lloyd (David C. Cook)

As Young as We Feel by Melody Carlson (David C. Cook)

Crime Scene Jerusalem by Alton Gansky (David C. Cook)

From Bad to Worse by Todd & Jedd Hafer (NavPress)

Going for Broke by Melanie Dobson (David C. Cook)

Heading Home by Renee Riva (David C. Cook)

Informed Consent by Sandra Glahn (David C. Cook)

Mooch by Adam Palmer (NavPress)

O Little Town by Don Reid (David C. Cook)

Night Rain by Joe Hilley (David C. Cook)

Safe at Home by Richard Doster (David C. Cook)

Scared by Tom Davis (David C. Cook)

Shepherd’s Son by Terry W. Burns (David C. Cook)

Stolen Lives by Brian Reaves (David C. Cook)

Stretch Marks by Kimberly Stewart (David C. Cook)

Taking Tuscany by Renee Riva (David C. Cook)

Talking to the Dead by Bonnie Grove (David C. Cook)

The Blue Umbrella by Mike Mason (David C. Cook)

The Deposition by Joe Hilley (David C. Cook)

The Devil’s Apprentice by John Wallen (Virtualbookworm)

The Gathering Place by Becca Anderson (David C. Cook)

The Latest Mrs. Furst by Susan Martins Miller (David C. Cook)

The Micah Judgment by Jim Kraus (David C. Cook)

The Peacemakers by Jack Cavanaugh (David C. Cook)

The Real Enemy by Kathy Herman (David C. Cook)

The Reluctant Journey of David Connors by Don Locke (NavPress)

The Renewal by Terri Kraus (David C. Cook)

The Renovation by Terri Kraus (David C. Cook)

The Restorer by Sharon Hinck (NavPress)

The Restorer’s Journey by Sharon Hinck (NavPress)

The Restorer’s Son by Sharon Hinck (NavPress)

The Summer the Wind Whispered My Name by Don Locke (NavPress)

The Unfortunate Karma of Breone Baine by Deidre Havrelock (David C. Cook)

Three Weddings and a Bar Mitzvah by Melody Carlson (David C. Cook)

To Dance in the Desert by Kathleen Popa (David C. Cook)

Winterflight by Joseph Bayly (David C. Cook)

Feedback

“Working with John not only made my story much better, it made be a much better writer too.” - Craig Halloran, Writer, Two-Ten Book Press "John David Kudrick provided an outstanding experience throughout every stage of editing! He was professional, communicated in a timely manner, gave sound and expert advice, and was most of all— a good coach and willing to go the extra mile to ensure what went to print was a quality product. JDK did a great job of helping me keep the story on track (killing my darlings) and providing that delicate balance by adding just the right amount of external influence to make it a polished and professional product, but still keeping it my own. This project was too important not to have been done right, JDK exceeded my expectations.” - Bobby Colella "John David was very quick to respond to my inquiry and also took care of my project ahead of schedule. I’m very pleased with his work." - Melissa Taylor "I am a repeat client, so that should be a testimony of how extremely happy and satisfied I was working with John David Kudrick. He’s very professional, yet very warm and friendly, and very helpful. He’s so easy to work with, and I feel that he did over and above the job than what was contracted. My experience with your network and with your editor is par excellent! " - Ave Gozar "John David is actually an angel sent from above to help grammarless, struggling, fledging, fetching (whoops, new puppy in the house), pathetic writers, just like me, untangle wrods, just like that there! Seriously, it is a God thing that I found him on the internet! He is a cool dude and one ‘hec of a disco dancer (white suit)! Seriously, I’m real happy with his work!" - Kent L. Muntz, author, Obvious God "John David Kudrick is a wonderful and passionate editor. He showed attention to detail and genuine interest with my novel. I am extremely pleased with the results of his contributions." - AJ Vega "He did a superb job; I couldn't have hoped for anyone better. So, again, thank you for your services!" (Contact information on request) "Mr. John David Kudrick did a terrific job with his developmental edit of my manuscript---a total professional with keen insight. Not only did he do a wonderful job, but he provided the deliverable way ahead of schedule. I would highly recommend both him, and this service to anyone." - Andrew Vega "All the way to the end result, this experience was worth it, and I ended up with a friend and a wonderful result. Grammar, paragraphs and plot structure, and the here-and-there things, all were taken care of. And John was very prompt in replying back. I made the right choice." - Mohamed Ar "My editor did a superb job and, I believe, knew exactly what I was looking for. I couldn't have hoped for anyone better. So, again, thank you for your services!" (Contact information on request.) "I can't find anything that went wrong... all the way to the end results this experience was worth it and ended up with having a friend and a wonderful result... grammar, paragraphs and plot structure, and the here-and-there things, all were looked at and taken care of with care... and - most important - John was very prompt in replying back and that literally made me know I have made the right choice...rating John would be a hard thing for me to do, and with no doubt, I would come back again with my future work." - Mohammad AR
	"You have a true talent, John David, something God-given. All the learning in the world can't give it to you, and nothing can take it away. You comprehend on several levels far beneath the story itself, a rare thing in literature these days. You can have my back anytime." – James Byron Huggins, Author of A Wolf Story, The Reckoning, Leviathan, Cain, Hunter, Rora, Nightbringer, The Scam, Sorcerer
	"I highly recommend John David Kudrick. As an editor for Whitaker House, his strong leadership and management skills became very evident and he was soon promoted to senior editor. John was instrumental in Whitaker House's expansion into Christian fiction." – Robert Whitaker, Jr., Vice President, Whitaker House Publishers
	"John David Kudrick's copyediting and proofreading skills have been a great benefit for NavPress. John's attention to detail and knowledge of language give him the foundation that every good copyeditor needs. He has the skills to spot errors and refine writing, resulting in a clean, polished manuscript. And his responsible and professional manner means you can depend on him to follow through on deadlines." – Darla Hightower, Production Director, NavPress
	"I have worked as a copy editor/project coordinator at David C. Cook publishing for four years now. One of my responsibilities is to send our trade-book manuscripts out to freelance proofreaders. It has been my pleasure to work with John David Kudrick, one of our A-list freelancers, during this period. John David is a magnificent proofreader, as he has done stellar work for our publishing company. He not only catches all of the little details by adhering to The Chicago Manual of Style rules, but he also queries questionable content when he thinks something is off (for instance, a timeline discrepancy in a fiction book). In addition, John David has never missed a deadline. In fact, a good amount of his projects have even come in a few days early. These extra miles separate him from our average proofreaders, who simply follow the rules and do not care about the content or the quality of the book nearly as much. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with John David. He's a joy to visit with and a wonderful professional to work with. I could not give a freelancer a higher recommendation." – Jack Campbell, Copyeditor / Project Coordinator, David C. Cook
	"As a copy editor and project coordinator at David C. Cook, I have a long list of freelance proofreaders to choose from for each project. John David Kudrick is at the top of that list as a thorough, dependable proofreader. He consistently turns in excellent work, catching the tiny details as well as finding discrepancies in the overarching stories and themes of the books. He is willing to complete rushed projects, and I know I can count on him for high-pressure jobs. I thoroughly recommend him for any project." – Jaci Schneider, Copyeditor / Project Coordinator, David C. Cook

"Your network was a lifesaver after numerous previous disappointments and delays with indifferent/inexperienced editors. The consultant you provided did excellent work within the agreed upon timeframe and allocated fee. I am extremely satisfied and would recommend John David to anyone in need of a pressing and challenging editing service." Tino Randall, VP/Business Development, DevTec Global

"John communicated quickly and with great helpfulness going far beyond what I honestly expected for what I paid. He was gracious and honest at the same time and provided me both with very useful comments as well as some very helpful material. I feel he was a very effective 'coach' for me at this stage of my writing. Thanks very much." —Martin Bennett, Hungry Kitty LLC

"John did a highly proficient job of editing, and followed my instructions to the letter. His comments made it clear that he had thoroughly read and carefully thought about the text." —John Wallen

"I'm very happy that I found Book Editing Associates." —Lydia Klismith

"The network was very useful in helping me source a Christian editor. I was impressed with John David’s previous editing credentials and the testimonials from his past clients. The feedback he gave me was very positive but also constructive. He was very thorough in terms of showing me the weaknesses in my writing and where I need to do more work." Lianne Blanch

Submission

Cut and paste the questions and answers into an e-mail:

EditMyBook@Gmail.com

Alternates
2012@Book-Editing.com
Help2012@Airmail.net
Contact@Editing-Writing.com

You may send your initial submission to all addresses to make sure it's received.

Required:
Submit the first 50 pages of your manuscript (Word/DOC or RTF attachment preferred). Large files should be zipped. Attachment not required if writing has not started (e.g., because you're looking for a ghostwriter).

A sample is required to receive an estimate
for editing services

Along with a sample, the following information is required. Ignore questions that do not apply to your project (e.g., footnotes).

(01) Word count of complete project (under "Tools" in MS Word):

(02) Put your 100-word (approx) synopsis/description here (or attach):

(03) Describe your genre and topic (e.g., nonfiction/self-help, science fiction, horror, romance, mystery, Western, young adult, children, poetry, Christian, creative nonfiction, literary):

(04) Deadline date, if any, for return of complete project. (Please be realistic. Remember that professional editors usually have a project in process.):

(05) If you have no immediate deadline, when do you want to start the editing process?: (For instance: within 30 days, within 60 days, within 90 days, 4-12 months)

(06) Level of editing desired/expected --

Copyediting / Proofreading / Line Editing (e.g., English corrections, typos, paragraph and sentence structure, word use)
Developmental (e.g., help with the big picture, such as flow/pacing, telling the story, characterization, structure, style)
Rewriting / Ghostwriting
Critique / Evaluation

(07) Number of charts/tables/pictures (if any):

(08) Writing style/format manual (e.g., Chicago Manual, APA, MLA), if applicable:

(09) Number of footnotes/references:

(10) Do you have a contract with an agent or publisher?:

(11) Do you plan to self-publish?:

(12) What is your budget for the entire project?
$ ________________
(Note: The editors will quote their regular rates, but having an idea of your budget allows the editors to tell you what services they can provide to stay within that budget.)

(13) Your name:

(14) E-mail addresses:

(15) Day/evening phone numbers (required -- in case the response to your e-mail bounces or the editors need clarification regarding the scope of service needed, deadline, etc.):

(16) City, State, Country (or time zone):

(17) The name(s) of the editor(s)/writer(s) you'd like to contact.
(If no names are selected, your e-mail will be sent to several consultants chosen by the coordinator):

(18) Do you want the coordinator to reroute your submission if you requested editors/writers who (a) are not available by your deadline date, (b) do not handle the type of material you submitted, and/or (c) do not perform the service(s) you want?

(19) How did you learn about our service?:

(20) Attach the first 50 pages of your manuscript (include prologue/preface, proposal, query)

Notes:

No hidden charges
We won't quote you one price and charge you another. When possible, we'll provide you with a per-word or per-page rate so you'll know up front exactly how much your project will cost. (Of course, we ask that you fairly represent the scope of your project.)

To learn more about the rates charged by professional editors, please see: Editorial Freelancers Association

It is a mistaken notion that freelance editors work "on spec" (speculation) with no payment to the editor. It is basically asking the editor to work for free. There's no guarantee that a book will see a profit (or even be published). The editors posted here do not work on spec.

LIVE AGENT

Note: Questions about price and turnaround times cannot be given over the phone or via chat.
To obtain a price quote please follow the procedures listed on our quotes page.

Contact live support if you do not receive a response within three hours (M-F, 9a-7p central). Expect longer response times if you submitted after U.S. business hours or on weekends.

You may also send your submission to our alternate e-mail addresses if you do not receive a response within three hours M-F:

Help2012 at Airmail.net
editingnetwork at gmail.com
contact at editing-writing.com

You may also leave voice mail for the network coordinator: 469-789-3030. This number is for verification of e-mail submissions only.

Please be as complete as possible in representing your project's scope and size so you will receive the most accurate estimate.

Disclaimer: Your agreement, whether oral or written, is with your editor or publishing consultant, not with the editing network as a whole or its coordinator.