Welcome
Expert Editorial Services for Writers
Professional editing and coaching to enhance your writing.
About Lisa Dawn Martinez
The Finicky Editor
With years of experience in the editorial service industry, I specialize in crafting compelling narratives. My writing not only engages readers but also drives results for businesses and individuals alike. I can do the same for you. Whether you are an experienced writer looking for a polish on your manuscript, or a novice looking for more robust coaching and a deeper edit, I've got you covered.
Easy reading is damn hard writing.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Finicky Editing Services
Full Edit with Coaching
Fees range on average from .03 to .06 cents per word.
This is a complete editing package, specially designed for the new author who wants that little something extra, or experienced writers that want the publishing house experience. It combines coaching and editing into one process.
An assessment is done on your first draft, then notes and suggestions for improvement are sent back to the author for revisions. Upon completion, and depending on the first assessment, either a second-stage assessment or a line-by-line copy-edit will be performed at this time.
The exact fees for this will be assessed on a project-by-project basis and will take your novel, short story, or non-fiction piece from rough to polished and ready for self-publishing or submission elsewhere.
Estimated timeline for an average full-length novel is around 8 weeks.
Payments are made in increments according to the stage of edit to ease the cost.
Line-By-Line Copy Edit with Final Proofing
Fees range, on average, from .02 to .03 cents per word.
If the Full Edit with Coaching could be considered a full-course gourmet meal, then this service is like takeout from your favorite restaurant: quick, easy, and always reliable.
This service is best suited for the established author who has a track record for producing clean copy. It is thorough and covers all the bases, with edits/revisions being made directly in the MS through use of Track Changes in Word. You still maintain creative control, accepting or declining individual revisions with the click of a button.
I work by CMOS (Chicago Manual of Style) standards unless otherwise requested.
This takes, on average, 4 weeks or more, depending on the length of the manuscript. It includes the following: grammar; punctuation; spelling; capitalization errors; typos; incorrect or awkward word usage; redundancies in word usage; sentence structure and flow; inconsistencies throughout the manuscript, whether in narrative voice, characters or point of view (I am a POV specialist); plus, assessing clarity, sense and the overall structure. Followed by a thorough proofing.
Fact checking and basic formatting can be added to this service for an additional fee.
Substantive Editing or Rewriting
Fees range, on average, from .03 to .06 cents per word.
Choose this if you need a deeper edit to address issues such as juggling multiple/mixed POVs, or you require extensive revisions and rewriting, if you have writer’s block in some areas or you just can’t write the perfect ending. This will have all the above-mentioned elements plus any specific revisions needed to polish your manuscript to a publishing-ready shine.
All changes are made in-line with Track Changes feature enabled. You always have the final say and can accept or decline any changes or edits I make. I always provide an abundance of comments in order to clarify any changes I make and why. Comments also include any questions I may have or items that require author clarification, as well as verbal pats-on-the-back for all those things you do great.
This service can take 4-8 weeks, depending on the word count and required editing/rewriting.
Manuscript Assessment and Writing Coaching
Manuscript Assessment involves a complete read through of your manuscript with edit notes made in-line with text and in comment bubbles, suggestions will be made using Track Changes feature in word.
Writing Coaching can be done on its own or by the chapter with written feedback of your novel as it progresses. Fees and timeline determined on a project-by-project basis.
Ghost Writing
“I wanna write a book someday…”
If I had a dollar for every person I met who said that…well, let’s just say, it happens a lot.
Do you have a great idea or a storied past that you think would make a great book? I can help. If you have the next big novel stuck in your head and you want to get it out, contact me, and let’s talk about it.
Fees assessed on a project-by-project basis.
Client Testimonials
David Tocher
Sara Kay Jordan
David Burnett
"Lisa Martinez has been my editor since 2010. The first story she edited for me, Chelsea
Mourning, was accepted by gothic icon Nancy Kilpatrick—author of the Thrones of Blood
series—and published in her anthology Evolve Two: Vampire Stories of the Future Undead.
That collection featured stories by genre legends such as Kelley Armstrong, John Shirley, Bev
Vincent, and Tanith Lee. I can say without hesitation that without Lisa’s expert editing, that
breakthrough wouldn’t have happened.
Every short story I sold between 2010 and 2023 was edited by Lisa. Her insight, precision, and
deep understanding of narrative structure consistently elevated my work and helped me meet
the high standards of professional publishers.
Most recently, my short story Shadow in the Gully was accepted by New York Times bestselling
author and Stephen King authority Stephen Spignesi for his anthology About That Snowy
Evening—a collection inspired by classic poems and featuring many acclaimed writers,
including Robin Furth (King’s longtime research assistant), Bev Vincent (co-editor with King for
the anthology Flight or Fright), and George Beahm (a noted Stephen King biographer), as well
as Bosch series writer/producer Terrill Lankford. As always, Lisa’s edits were essential to
getting my story to its best form.
In 2024, my novella Spider Seeds was published, with an audiobook edition narrated by iconic
actress Liane Curtis (Sixteen Candles, Critters 2, Girlfriend from Hell). The story is currently in
development discussions for a feature film. Lisa edited this work as well, and her mastery of
language and narrative helped bring the story to life in ways I couldn't have achieved alone. She
has a unique ability to draw out an author’s intent and sharpen both voice and delivery.
Lisa is not only a gifted editor—she's a true collaborator and a trusted friend. Her contributions
have been a cornerstone of my writing career, and I consider her an essential part of my
success."
David Burnett
Sara Kay Jordan
David Burnett
"I thought that The Handfasting was good when I sent it to you. I am in
awe of how much it has improved."
So I wrote when Lisa had completed work on my novel, The Handfasting, the first of ten books
she has edited for me. I could as well have written it after my most recent novel was ready to be
published.
I used to punctuate by sound. If, when I read a sentence, I paused at some point, I inserted a comma.
You can imagine how well that worked! I no longer need to worry if my use of commas, other
punctuation marks, spelling and the mechanics of writing are correct. Lisa assures that they are.
Details are not my strong suit. Lisa assures me that dates and ages are consistent, and she recognizes
my tendency to use names repeatedly, especially for minor characters.
I suppose any editor should catch those problems, but Lisa’s help with plot development and with the
logic of my stories, is outstanding.
She is knowledgeable on a variety of topics. My novels have addressed issues such as Fibonacii
numbers, the development of secret codes, religious mythology. She is easy to work with, and she
stays on schedule (even if I don’t.)
I would recommend her without reservation.
David Burnett author of The Reunion and The Handfasting and many others.
Sara Kay Jordan
Sara Kay Jordan
Sara Kay Jordan
“Lisa your work is superb! Through the entire process your professionalism and hard work were a welcome addition to my own efforts. Your attention to detail turned what I thought was a decent manuscript into something I can truly offer to readers with pride. Your work improved mine while still maintaining my voice and with deference to my intent. Deadlines were met and issues were communicated well, from start to finish it was a pleasurable experience. I am so grateful to have established this relationship and I will definitely be contacting you again as I finish my next installment in my series. Thanks again for a great job!” ~ Sara Kay Jordan author of Love and Genius
Russell Brooks
Debra Burroughs
Sara Kay Jordan
"Lisa Dawn Martinez has been part of my publishing team since 2011. I was referred to her by a fellow author and never regretted my decision. I can always depend on her to provide a thorough copy and content edit of my manuscripts, bringing them up to publication standards. I've referred others to Lisa over the years, and I strongly recommend you hire her."
~ Author Russell Brooks
Debra Burroughs
Debra Burroughs
Debra Burroughs
“Working with Lisa Martinez was a real joy. She is so professional and thorough, and her editing is pure brilliance. I can’t wait to work with her again on my next book.” ~ Debra Burroughs, author of Three Days in Seattle ~ The Scent of Lies ~ The Pursuit of Lies ~ The Chain of Lies ~ The Heart of Lies ~ The Color of Lies ~ The Edge of Lies
Richard Alan
Debra Burroughs
Debra Burroughs
"My editor, Lisa Martinez, provides thoughtful criticism and crucial feedback as she edits my work. Much more than providing grammatical corrections, Lisa has insight into my writing style that helps bring a sense of realism and continuity to the situations that my characters find themselves in. Much of the readability of my novels is due to her input."
~ Author Richard Alan
Cheryl Tardiff
Cheryl Tardiff
Cheryl Tardiff
“Lisa Martinez began editing books for Imajin Books in 2011 and we hope to keep her on for many years to come. She is flexible, easy to work with and has a great eye for detail. I highly recommend her!” ~ Cheryl Tardif, publisher, www.ImajinBooks.com
Ryan Krohn
Cheryl Tardiff
Cheryl Tardiff
“I found Lisa on the World Lit Cafe’s list of possible editors to choose from. Something in my gut told me to contact Lisa and ultimately choose her to edit my MS. I couldn’t have picked a better editor. She was very friendly and genuine during the process. She was able to maintain my author voice throughout the story. She did a phenomenal job and she truly does have a gift. She worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality and I am thoroughly pleased with the finished product.” ~ Ryan Krohn, author of Our Beloved Red: A Son’s Memoir on the Loss of His Mother
Welcome to lisadawnmartinez.com
Professional Editing Services
Professional Editing Services
As an experienced editor, I provide high-quality editing services for all types of written content, from business documents, to novels and short stories.
Content and Copy Editing
Professional Editing Services
I offer content and copy editing services to ensure your content is free of errors and meets the highest standards of quality.
Expert Writing Assistance
As a skilled writer, I can help you create compelling content that engages your audience and achieves your goals.
Affordable Rates
Exceptional Customer Service
I believe that everyone should have access to high-quality editorial services at reasonable prices, which is why I offer extremely competitive rates.
Fast Turnaround Times
Exceptional Customer Service
Exceptional Customer Service
I understand that time is of the essence, which is why I offer fast turnaround times to meet your deadlines, never sacrificing quality over time.
Exceptional Customer Service
Exceptional Customer Service
Exceptional Customer Service
I pride myself on providing exceptional customer service and support to ensure that you are completely satisfied with my services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at mail@lisadawnmartinez.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Copy editing involves checking for errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style, as well as making suggestions for improving clarity and flow. Proofreading involves a final check for errors in spelling, punctuation, and formatting.
Yes, we can provide formatting services for a variety of documents, including books, articles, and short stories. Prices will be quoted at time of query. I have a trusted partner who can do full formatting.
You can make an email inquiry, and when an editing time has been booked, you will submit your manuscript via email. No unsolicited manuscripts at this time. Please visit our Contact page for more information.
I do offer basic proofreading services on finished and fully edited manuscripts; however, I only do this for manuscripts I have edited if the author makes any major revisions post-editing. The reason I do this is that I simply can’t ignore bigger issues, and, honestly, I have worked on manuscripts that were previously “professionally edited” by others and I have yet to come across a manuscript that didn’t require more than a basic spelling or grammar check.
If you feel your writing is near-perfect, feel free to reach out and I can assess the level of help needed.
For consistency, fees will be quoted in US dollars.
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Contact Us
Submissions and Inquiries
Feel free to reach out with any questions or to book a time slot to get your project publishing ready.
mail@lisadawnmartinez.com
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