SERVICES
My Approach
I want to be your coach, helping you improve your technique while cheering you on. This is your story to tell, I’m just here to help you find the most efficient way to do it (and provide emotional support along the way). Through track changes, phone discussions, email check-ins, or video chats, I want to make sure we are always on the same page about expectations, feedback, and next steps. I can’t promise an agent request or a book deal, but I can ensure your work will be in a better place than when you started.
WRITING COACH
MANUSCRIPT EDITING
CORPORATE COPYEDITING
Free Initial Consultation
Before any editing takes place, I offer an initial 30-minute phone consultation at no cost or obligation, so that you can tell me more about your company, book project, and the kind of help you’re looking for. During that conversation, I will also answer any questions you may have about the process, budget, invoices, contracts, etc.
For a free phone consultation, please contact me at cbyousso@gmail.com or fill out the form on the Contact page.
WRITING COACH
Maybe you want to write a book but don’t know where to start. Maybe you know what to do but you keep getting overwhelmed by the process. As your writing coach, I will guide you through the book writing process, supporting you as a project manager as well as a morale booster. Every writer is different, so my coaching will be tailored to your specific needs. We’ll figure out your writing goals then determine what will work best for you.
Example of services – Making a writing schedule with regular check-ins. Creating timelines, outlines, chapter rubrics, and scene beats. Deconstructing chapters to check for balance, such as color-coding character development, dialogue, exposition, tension, etc. Creating character, setting, or world-building breakdown sheets. Brainstorming plot points. Building an agent query list, etc.
MANUSCRIPT SERVICES
DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING
If you have written a draft of a manuscript and would like some big-picture feedback and direction on next steps, you may want to choose a developmental edit. I will carefully read your essay, chapter, or full manuscript and send you a detailed letter that points out strengths and areas for improvement as well as a marked-up manuscript. This feedback will be more overarching, focusing on character development, plot structure, tense, point of view, pace, and consistency (rather than grammar and word choice). For full manuscripts, I can also provide chapter-by-chapter suggestions for the next draft, which might include reorganization, areas that need to be expanded or tightened, and some tips on writing style.
LINE EDITING
Once you’ve revised your draft and have a tight narrative, you’ll be ready for line editing. These edits center on the book’s writing style to ensure your piece flows coherently. I will examine word choice, transitions, paragraph organization, etc. to make sure your voice is clear and consistent throughout your work.
PROOFREADING
As the final editing stage, the goal of these edits is to make your work ready for submission to a publication, agent, or editor. I will look at your manuscript with a fine-tooth comb, checking spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting.
CORPORATE SERVICES
COPYEDITING
Proficient in: Invision, Miro, Figma, Celtra, InCopy, Google Workspace, and Adobe Creative Cloud
I can support the copyediting needs across all channels, including site, social, print, brand, internal, and storefront. While copywriters own the content, I can be a thought partner and check for coherency of concept, organization of information, consistency of voice, word choice, sensitivity, and transitions, as well as check grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting as noted by your style guide.
STYLE GUIDE + WORKSHOPS
Proficient in: AP Style and CMS
I can also help create or expand your in-house style guide, such as creating punctuation, grammar, typography, fine print, sensitivity, and formatting guidance – as well as maintaining a company-specific term list. I am also available to facilitate style, editing, or copy in design workshops to help your teams be more consistent across the board.