Everything Editorial

Improve the odds that publishers and agents will seriously consider your hard work with the right editorial partner.

Will the smooth, clean flow of your writing communicate your message clearly? Will your readers be immediately captured and remain engaged even after the last page has been read?

Publishers value experience, professionalism, outstanding work ethic, and expertise. Since 1998, I've been a freelance editorial partner for 175+ books, fiction and non-fiction, including one NYT Notable Book (2000, fiction), multiple NYT bestsellers, iUniverse Publisher's Choice award recipients, and house bestsellers, as well as numerous featured and main selections of Equestrian's Edge Book Club, 2 American Horse Publications books of the year (2006, 2008) and one 2nd place AHP book (2006).

I have also edited three dozen self-published titles, one a finalist for the 2009 Next Generation Indie Books Awards (Mother Mary's Resurrection, Spiritual category) and several honored as Editor's Choice or Publisher's Choice selections.

Traditional and independent publishing houses have been repeat customers for many years, and new clients are welcome. Clients rely on my proven editorial services to provide:

* Genuine respect for the author’s voice
* Syntactic and stylistic expertise (CMS a specialty)
* A talent for resolving unintentional ambiguity
* A keen eye for consistency and detail
* Perfect punctuation
* Organizational solutions

Authors who plan to self-publish can count on my broad editorial experience to support them through the process and help make their books the best they can be. Mike Mosiman, self-published co-author of The Smarter Preschooler, says, "When Sue edits your text, your worries are over. She will deliver your book free of grammatical errors while preserving your voice and clarifying your intent." On the Acknowledgments page of his charming memoir Loose Screws (iUniverse, 2009), author Gerry Tortorelli wrote: "A big thank you to Sue Ducharme, who edited my manuscript with style and a human touch, while keeping it true to my voice."

If I'm the right editorial match for your project, you can rely on me to work independently or as closely with the author or house staff as desired--conscientiously and at the desired editorial level. I meet or beat deadlines within your budget, without exception, to your satisfaction.

Steven D. Price, editor and author: "... copy editor [Sue Ducharme] ... is the best ... in the business with regard to horse books. I've long admired the work Sue did on books I've edited (and, for that matter, written); no wonder she's in such great demand."

Kaylea May, author Elo'esh: Ms. Ducharme, I just wanted to thank you personally for your work on the content edit of my manuscript. As a rookie, I found your input invaluable and have learned a great deal from it. If all goes well, I will be writing a sequel and would love to have your input on that as well. You're a gem. My sincere thanks.

Fred Emil Katz, author Our Quest for Effective Living: How We Cope in Social Space: "It was a joy working with Sue Ducharme. She really listened to me and, in response, improved the flow and focus of the writing. She did not, as some editors might, try to get me to say what she thought I ought to say, but showed great sensitivity to what I was trying to say and took it from there. I am grateful to her."

Suzanne Brue, in The 8 Colors of Fitness: "Sue Ducharme ... carried the book across the finish line. Her skillful proofreading and helpful editorial comments were just what were needed to prepare it for publication."

Deborah Burns, editor, Storey Books: “Among Sue’s strengths is her ability to handle difficult projects and make them publishable.”

Kathy Hirsh-Pasek et al., in Einstein Never Used Flashcards: "... Sue Ducharme understood what we were trying to do and gave us the freedom and feedback that facilitated its accomplishment."

Dan Kennedy, in Little People: "…Sue Ducharme expertly handled the copyediting."

Thom Forbes, in Webworks: “My undying gratitude to … Sue Ducharme, whose copyediting made the words read the way I wished I’d originally written them.”

Linda Benedik, in Yoga for Equestrians: “Thank you to our copyeditor, Sue Ducharme, for your keen eye and ability to draw out the essence of our ideas.”

Cheryl Kimball, in What to Do When the Doctor Says It’s Endometriosis: “…my appreciation to Sue Ducharme, who helped with the research and writing of several chapters. This is a woman who knows the value of deadlines. No wonder she is in demand as a freelance editor.”

Skyhorse Publishing, Rodale, The Lyons Press, iUniverse, American Management Association (AMACOM), Storey Books, The Experiment

Strong Waters, Scott Mansfield. In press, The Experiment.
How the Best Leaders Lead, Brian Tracy. In press, AMACOM.
Exceptional Service, Exceptional Profit, L. Inghilleri & M. Solomon. 2009, AMACOM.
The Big Book of Small Equines, J. Robb & J. Westmark. 2009, Skyhorse.
The Tide Always Comes Back, Jean Carnahan. 2009, Skyhorse.
Whole Heart, Whole Horse, Mark Rashid. 2009, Skyhorse.
The Green Guide for Horse Owners and Riders, Heather Cook. 2009, Storey.
The 8 Colors of Fitness, Suzanne Brue. 2008, Oakledge Press.
Clintonomics: How Bill Clinton Reengineered the Reagan Revolution, Jack Godwin. 2008, AMACOM.
Breakfast at Sally's, Richard LeMieux. 2008, Skyhorse.

Skyhorse Publishing, Matt Hoover's Guide to Life, Love, and Losing Weight. Matt Hoover: 2008
The Lyons Press, Choosing the President 2008. League of Women Voters: 2007
Storey Publishing, Ride the Right Horse. Yvonne Barteau: 2007 (AHP 1st place, 2008)
The Lyons Press, Dressage Masters. David Collins: 2006
Rodale, People We Know, Horses They Love. Wendy Wilkinson and Linda Solomon: 2004
Rodale, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, 3rd Ed. Richard H. Pitcairn, Susan Hubble Pitcairn: 2005
Rodale, Abs Diet: Get fit, stay fit. David Zinczenko: 2006
Rodale, The Big O: My life, my times, my game. Oscar Robertson: 2003
Trafalgar Square, Yoga for Equestrians. L. Benedik & V. Wirth: 2000
Delphinium Books, Modern Art. Evelyn Toynton: 2000 (NYT Notable Book, fiction)

Phi Beta Kappa, Editorial Freelance Association, Basic Indexing workshop, NASCAR Indexing workshop, supported self-publishing.