HOW BOOK EDITING WORKS

Every book project begins with understanding the manuscript, its goals, and its stage of development. Whether you’re shaping an early draft, preparing a manuscript for submission, or refining a nearly finished book, I offer clear, experience-driven editorial guidance tailored to your work—focused on helping you make informed revision decisions at each stage.

BOOK EDITING SERVICES OFFERED

Manuscript Evaluation

A big-picture editorial review of your manuscript, delivered as a detailed editorial letter outlining strengths, areas for development, and clear recommendations for next steps. One follow-up consultation is included to discuss the feedback and answer questions.

Developmental Editing

An in-depth developmental review focused on structure, narrative arc, pacing, character development, and clarity. You’ll receive a comprehensive editorial letter along with targeted, line-level comments in the manuscript, plus follow-up consultations to discuss revisions and implementation.

Line Editing

A line-by-line edit focused on clarity, flow, tone, and consistency, refining the language while preserving your voice and style.

Copyediting

A detailed review for grammar, punctuation, usage, and internal consistency once revisions are complete, ensuring the manuscript reads cleanly and professionally.

Proofreading

A final pass to identify and correct remaining typographical, formatting, or layout errors after copyediting and layout have already been completed, prior to publication.

Book Coaching

One-on-one coaching sessions for writers who want focused guidance, feedback, or strategic discussion without committing to a full editorial service. Coaching is ideal for working through questions, planning revisions, or getting unstuck at any stage of a project.

David Lombardino, Editor & Consultant

Editorial Judgment Built on Experience

I work with fiction and nonfiction writers at every stage of their careers—from first-time authors shaping an early draft to experienced writers preparing manuscripts for submission, publication, or relaunch.

I’ve edited books that have gone on to traditional publication as well as projects developed for self-publishing. In every case, my role is the same: to bring clear, experienced editorial judgment to the manuscript and help guide focused, well-considered revision.

If you’re ready to begin, you can start a new book editing project below.

Start a New Project

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NEW TO WORKING WITH AN EDITOR?

If you’d like to get a sense of my editing approach before committing, you’re welcome to request a free sample edit. I’ll review the first 5–10 pages of your book and return them with tracked changes and brief comments.

To request a sample edit, email me the first 5–10 pages of your book in Word format along with the service you are interested in.

WORKING TOWARD AGENT SUBMISSION?

I also offer focused editing for query letters and synopses to help clarify your pitch, structure key information, and present your book effectively to agents.

View query letter and synopsis services.

HAVE A PARTICULAR APPROACH IN MIND?

If there’s a specific focus, concern, or approach you’d like me to be aware of—such as voice, structure, or submission goals—you’re welcome to share that context before starting.

You can reach me by email, or include notes when submitting a project through the order form.

Genres I Work In

I regularly work across a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres, including literary and commercial fiction, memoir and biography, history, business, and narrative nonfiction.

If you don’t see your genre reflected here, you’re welcome to reach out to confirm whether your project is a good fit.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

I support and promote the work of the following professional organizations:

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP WITH YOUR MANUSCRIPT?

If you’re considering editorial guidance and would like to talk through your project, I’d be glad to hear more about what you’re working on and how I might help.

If you have questions before getting started, you’re welcome to reach out by email.

GET STARTED
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