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Memoir and Manuscript Editing Services W r i t i n g |
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WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU 95 GOULD ROAD #11, LISBON FALLS, ME 04252 | 207-353-5454 fax: 207-353-7570 | e-mail: edit@turningmemories.com --OTHER RESOURCES ON THIS SITE-- Soleil Home | Bookstore | Editing Tips / Exercise | Train to Teach |
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| Lifestories are our speciality. We work with first-time writers, one-time writers, experienced writers. We also edit poetry, fiction in any genre, and non-fiction. |
| Our Specialty: Editing and Publishing Services for First-Time & One-Time Authors We have worked with many writers who concieve the ambition to write a book. Some are amazed that after a lifetime of not writing, they produce so much or have the desire to do so. Their accomplishment, in its quantity, is most impressive. Of course, most people want to be known not just for the quantity of their work but for its quality. That's where an editor can provide essential help to writers. Even professional writers often get too close to their texts. After a while you no longer see problems that are glaring to another reader or to your intended audience. You know your story so well and have read it so many times that you can no longer distinguish between what you mean to convey and what your text really says. Professional singers like Pavarotti and Callas work with singing coaches--throughout their careers. Why then would a writer--much less a beginner who has never written before--attempt to produce an entire book without investing in edititorial advice and feedback?! I never write a book or long article without getting substantial, professional editorial help and feedback--and I am a professional writer! This same professional help is available to you--the Editorial Services of the Soleil Lifestory Network. We have edited all kinds of manuscripts--memoirs, novels, poetry collections, non-fiction how-to books on many subjects. Whether you are a first-time, a one-time, or a many-time writer, we can work with you to make the text of your story the best it can be. We also provide the design and publication services to transform your manuscript, long or short, into a lovely collection or book for you and your family to be proud of for generations to come. We'd love to hear from you. Why not call (207-353-5454 M-F, 9-5, ET) or e-mail me right now to discuss your writing project? |
We have edited manuscripts with topics as varied as financial planning, local contemporary history, personal spiritual journeys.
"My book might never have become a reality if I hadn't had the services provided by Soleil Lifestory Network. "Through the guidance of Denis Ledoux and Martha Blowen, my manuscript became a polished book of 416 pages with over 120 pictures. "I couldn't have produced the same book without them.
"Many of the pictures published in my book were much clearer and more distinct than the originals, thanks to Martha's hard work with her Photoshop program.
"Denis taught me to stick with the "chronologically correct" organization of my subject's lifestory by using a timeline and adhering to it.
"He also taught me how to make effective transitions from one chapter to the next and how to "hook" the reader by using flow techniques like foreshadowing.
"As the publishers of my book, they have guided me to heights in the world of literature I never dreamed of.
"Working with the Soleil Lifestory Network has been a truly exhilarating experience."
--J. Emily Foster Working with an editor can renew your enthusiasm for your lifestory or book project when you feel bogged down or run dry. |
The Memoir Editing Process
Planning: Together we discuss appropriate timelines, projected schedule, and your goals for your book-- (who will be your readers? what sort of finished product are you working toward?). Denis Ledoux, our editor-in-chief, or an experienced memoirs editor working directly under his supervision, becomes your coach, creative consultant, and technical advisor--your editor.
You send a duplicate of your manuscript or segment (never the original or only copy). Your editor responds. Whenever you have questions or concerns, you contact us. The Product: The Best Writing You Can Produce The returned manuscript: The manuscript or sections you submitted are thoroughly annotated and returned to you. Suggestions for re-working may include changes in organization, style, tone, point of view, unity of voice, grammatical usgae, or new approaches to shaping, creating effective transitions between sections, expanding or tightening up your manuscript. Your editor may suggest that you read, or journal, or work on specific techniques, not just chanage this word for that one.
After you have received the returned manuscript, you may want to consult about either specific or general notes you've read or heard on cassette (returned with the annotated segment). Telephone for an appointment at your convenience. Often, a second revision brings you to a new level of reshaping your manuscript. Your editor may recommend changes on text you've already changed! That's because as you re-work a particular section, earlier or later bits need to incorporate those changes, too. Setting the pace of the project and determining when it's "done" is up to you-- with encouragement and support from your editor, whose job is always to push a little! That's because the editor's coaching job includes holding you to the goals you've articulated, or helping you to make revisethem.
If you've been working on your own, you'll be amazed at how this accountability and encouragement will effect your output.
The First Step: Are we "a fit?" We find it works well to begin with an exploratory 2-hour committment.
You send a sample of your manuscript (20 to 30 double-spaced, typed pages). Your editor reads and responds exactly as s/he will if you contract for the full project.
The charge for this introductory editing is $140. After all, we want to be sure we give you the writing help you need to write the very best manuscript you can.
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"I needed specifics and Denis gave me those." "Before you read my first two chapters, I had no idea how jumbled my images and metaphors were. Now I find an example in every chapter! It wasn't difficult to unify them once you pointed it out to me. It's amazing how much stronger my story is from paying attention to that one tip."
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"Mother so wanted to pass on her family's stories for her grandkids. Frankly, we thought it was too much at her age. But she proved us wrong. With your help it was possible. I can't tell you how grateful we are. It's a real accomplishment for her, and a treasure for us all."
"Thank you for your respect and patience for me and for my writing."
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Fees Our basic charge for all editorial services is $70/hour for all manuscript and copy editing, consultation by cassette tape or telephone. We always bill by the minute. It's to your advantage -- you will be charged ONLY for the time actually spent on your manuscript, since we measure in such small increments. There is no charge for an initial consultation by phone, for the cassette tapes used by your editor, for first-class postage on your return manuscript. Terms Deposit With your first submitted manuscript segment, you make an initial deposit of $140 to open your account. Pre-payment is expected. Subsequently, if you wish to be billed at the time of each returned manuscript segment, we ask that you file your credit card with us. It will only be used with your permission and knowledge when you request it or should you neglect to keep your account current.
Further editing can only be undertaken when your account is up to date.
Denis Ledoux is the author of Turning Memories Into Memoirs, A Handbook for Writing Lifestories, and originator of the Turning Memories® Workshops. He is director of the international Soleil Lifestory Network, presenting Leader Training and Certification programs for personal historians which are an outgrowth of his lifewriting workshops. He has worked with thousands of first-time and experienced writers through his workshops and as a private writing consultant and editor. Ledoux holds a Master's Degree in Education from Catholic University of America. He has taught English, Creative Writing, French, and Latin at both the high school and university levels. He especially enjoys the challenges of working with adult learners who prize his method and materials that turn life experience into well-written family histories. What Became of Them and Other Stories from Franco-America, and Mountain Dance, his short fiction collections, have won a variety of literary prizes. Ledoux is a frequent speaker and lecturer both regionally and at colleges and universities across the U.S. and Canada on the subjects of cultural diversity and the history and heritage of Franco North-Americans. Denis Ledoux lives and works in his native Maine.
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We will establish a supportive and professional editorial relationship with you,
working with you to set appropriate goals for your manuscript in progress and for its future.
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The Next Step is . . .contact us: Call 207-353-5454 (during business hours, Eastern Time) for your free introductory consultation with chief editor Denis Ledoux. Or-- e-mail us at edit@turningmemories.com We look forward to hearing from you!
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