Literary Editing/
Reviewing Services
Ediing
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I have my own micro-press, Sixth Floor, and have edited non-fiction and poetry books for publishers and individual writers. When providing this service, I also draw on my long experience as a writer and proofreader, and teacher of college English, my command of grammar and style, extensive vocabulary and general knowledge, and a sense of structure honed by much reading and reviewing.
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There are various levels of service, from my advising on the final sequencing and shaping of a pretty-much-finished poetry manuscript, to the more micro level of helping choose poems, and strengthen the ones chosen. I have a gift for seeing the essential parts of a poem, and suggesting new ways to organize them, and for knowing when to break lines.
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With prose, my talents include making wordy text more concise, reducing repetition, and finding a good balance of sentences in terms of length and complexity. I have edited fiction, reports, essays, etc.
My rates are reasonable, and vary depending on how much of my time will be needed.
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Reviewing
Got a manuscript you've been working on for a while -- poetry, fiction, or non-fiction? Wondering how ready it is to submit for publication?
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I can read either a sample or the whole text, and give you an informed opinion, including suggestions for improvIng your manuscript.
As with editing, rates vary according to how much I have to read, and what level of feedback you want.
Dale Winslow says:
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An accomplished writer and editor, John Oughton draws out the best from you and your work.
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I have had the pleasure of working with John on several projects, and benefitted not only as a writer, but also as an editor. John is methodical, detailed, and patient. He skillfully guides you in the process of separating the wheat from the chaff and empowers you to evolve your craft without fear.
Working with John, you come away with a polished project, an elevated ability as a writer, and matured self-editing skills.
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A sharp, smart, experienced editor, John Oughton taught me how to chop, slice, grade, accept, correct, improve, elevate, and most importantly kill my precious babies. Go ahead, use his exceptional talents, and learn. As a writer, you have everything to gain, and nothing to lose (pause) but your ego.
Stephen Roxborough says:
Margot Wilson says:
John has provided first-class editing services for me: the mark-ups are concise and detailed and are accompanied by helpful advice/guidance. He is a highly experienced and positive editor/tutor and very responsive on the turnaround. He'll do his best to help you meet a tight deadline. I wholeheartedly recommend his work and I intend to work with him long term. Finally, I am based in the UK so the work is entirely by email.
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