Coaching
"The difference between the almost right word and the right word is . . . the difference between the lightning bug and the lightening."
–Mark Twain
Book Editing
Although Mark is a full-time Professional Writing professor, he is available to edit fiction and nonfiction book manuscripts during the summer months.
His 16+ years within the Christian publishing industry—particularly behind the editor's desk—have equipped him with the expertise to refine manuscripts so that they resonate with audiences.
However, fair warning: Mark's editorial pen isn't for the faint-hearted. If you're looking primarily for words of praise, then this isn't the service for you. But if you're ready to courageously tackle disjointed structure, lack of focus, weak characters, fragmented plots, and stilted dialogue, then Mark is ready to help.
The process begins with a free consultation and manuscript evaluation. You'll complete an author questionnaire that will help Mark analyze your current status within the editorial and publishing process.
Mark specializes in the following editorial services:
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developmental editing
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copy editing
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proofreading
After the personal consultation, Mark will provide a quote for his editorial services. If you agree to the quoted price, Mark will then perform a complimentary sample edit before any contract is signed.
During the editing process, you'll discover that Mark is much more than simply an outstanding editor. He's a teacher and mentor who will guide you toward understanding how to improve your own writing and editing skills. You'll appreciate his insightful questions, astute analysis, and comprehensive feedback.
Throughout the process, Mark will maintain your personal voice and even guide you in knowing how to best prepare your manuscript for agent or publisher submission.
Author Coaching
If you don't yet have a completed manuscript, Mark can still provide coaching support.
In fact, Mark has often given some of his best advice to those who are just beginning their manuscript. Why? Because at this stage, authors are best positioned to structure their outlines to meet reader expectations and publisher objectives.
Too often, authors have a great story to tell or information to share. Yet, tragically, they ignore their target audience, fail to connect emotionally with readers, neglect genre expectations, misunderstand publisher requirements, and disregard other elements of powerful communication.
You'll find in Mark a servant's heart that sincerely wants you to influence others through your words. To accomplish this, Mark will provide a free personal consultation to assess where you're at in the writing process.
Together, you and Mark will create a plan to achieve specific and measurable outcomes toward your stated goals. And when life gets in the way of your progress, Mark will be there to provide accountability and encouragement to keep you on track.
Publishing Guidance
If your manuscript is complete, congratulations! Your dream of publication may finally become a reality. With the writing and editing phase behind you, you might think you can now coast through the remainder of the publishing process. Unfortunately, that's not the case.
Most authors don't understand how to properly and professionally submit their manuscript to a literary agent or publisher. Remember—you only get one chance to make a first impression.
The key to helping an editor recognize the value of your manuscript is developing an effective book proposal. Based on Mark's experience leading editorial departments, most authors fail to properly structure the necessary components of a book proposal. As a result, these authors' manuscripts are quickly rejected.
But that doesn't have to be you.
Contact Mark for publishing guidance. He will help you develop a thorough book proposal that exceeds publisher expectations. Remember, publishers—even Christian publishers—must generate revenue through book sales. By helping publishers see the value of your manuscript, you maximize your chances of signing a book contract.