Editing Services

From big picture insights to persnickety catches in phrasing, I help authors take the works they’re passionate about from manuscript to publishing ready.

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Merry is the developmental editor I use exclusively. She has done an amazing job on my clients’ books.

Great proofer, good eye for structure, wise editor. Smart–asks insightful questions in the comments.
Erica Orloff, Award-winning writer and author

Dev Edit

Addressing the bigger issues of story and structure, developmental edits dive deep into pacing, plotting, character development, and more.

Copy/Line edit

Line editing goes beyond grammar and punctuation to call out awkward phrasing, catch clarity issues and inconsistencies, and make sure the work matches style guidelines.

Proofreading

Flagging the typos and errors that can enter a work after numerous edits. This step weeds out small issues and formatting problems and includes minor fact checking.

Your second set of eyes

Every author has their own preferences and style. And editors are much the same.

You need to find the perfect fit partner who offers the kind of feedback that truly helps your process and supports you on your journey. Here’s what I offer:

Developmental editing includes manuscript comments and feedback on character, pacing, plot, and anything that might pull a reader out of the story. I tend to include a lot of notes and suggest possible edits, rather than rewriting things.
The editorial letter gives you an overview of your manuscript strengths and possible areas for improvement.
Copy edit or line edit focuses on grammar, writing mechanics, fact checking, and consistency issues in terms of story and style guide.
Proofreading catches any tiny error that might be left in the manuscript (or accidentally makes its way in during heavy revisions).

don’t just take my word for it …

See what my clients have to say.

powerful memoir

Writing SOCIOMOM: My Story of Terror, Truth, and Triumph was one of the most personal and transformative experiences of my life—and I can say with complete confidence that it would not have become the book it is today without the incredible editorial insight and partnership of Merry Monteleone.

Merry didn’t just edit my words; she helped me find the truest form of my voice. She has that rare ability to see both the structure and the soul of a story—to strengthen the message without ever diluting its emotion. Every chapter of SOCIOMOM required a balance of honesty, vulnerability, and precision, and Merry guided that process with exceptional clarity, compassion, and professionalism.

What stood out most was her emotional intelligence and intuitive understanding of trauma narratives. She treated the material with care and respect, helping transform deeply personal experiences into something universal and healing for readers. Her edits never felt invasive—they felt like an invitation to go deeper, to make the story even more authentic.

If you’re a writer looking for someone who can elevate your work without changing your essence, who can manage the technical while honoring the human, Merry is that person. She’s not just an editor—she’s a creative partner, a truth-teller, and a champion for voices that matter.

Working with her didn’t just improve my book. It made me a better writer.
Kevin hughes, best selling author

industry expertise

Merry is the developmental editor I use exclusively. She has done an amazing job on my clients’ books.

Great proofer, good eye for structure, wise editor. Smart–asks insightful questions in the comments.

erica orloff, Award-winning writer and author

commercial fiction

Working with Merry has been an exceptionally positive experience. As a professional proofreader, she stands among the best in the industry. She has now contributed her expertise to several of my books, and her skill has proven invaluable each time.

On one occasion, we were faced with a particularly tight deadline, and Merry not only met the challenge but did so with grace, understanding, and unwavering professionalism.

She has my highest professional respect, and I recommend her without hesitation.
Peter J. Murgio, amazon best selling author

Writing a book is a labor of love

Whether you’re crafting a business book to impart your wisdom to the next generation, wading through the stories of your life to share the most personal memoir, or giving voice to the characters and adventures that live in your head, the commitment to write a book is monumental.

I’m truly honored to contribute to any part of your publishing journey.

Editing for business

You’ve done the hard work of beating the blank page. let’s make sure your copy’s flawless before pushing “publish.”

There are a million moving parts to your communications, and often many hands. Hiring on an editor gives you a backstop to make sure you’re hitting best practices and adhering to your brand voice and style guide, across all of your channels.

For individual projects or ongoing support, I offer content and copyediting, with experience across style sheets, including:

Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)
Associated Press (AP)
Modern Language Association (MLA)

The world needs more stories…

And yours deserves to be told.