Refined Voice Editing & Proofreading

Refined Voice Editing & Proofreading

Freelance editor and proofreader for indie fiction authors.

30/08/2021

LOL

Visit us at stevefmvirginia.com!

05/06/2021
02/03/2021

For us Southerners! 😂

03/02/2021

For some reason, this isn't showing on my reviews page, so wanted to share here! Elizabeth Knight's words are so sweet and I want to be able to see them! And I'd be remiss not to mention that this lovely lady has a new release out today :)

17/12/2020

2021 Availability as of 12/16/20

Availability Calendar 30/11/2020

Hi all! I've gotten a lot of questions regarding my availability lately, so here goes!

I'm already booked for the remainder of 2020, and the first quarter of 2021 is nearly booked as well! I'll periodically add an updated calendar to the "Availability Calendar" photo album so that you can stay up to date!

To reserve your date, just send me a message with the timeframe you'd like and the amount of words in your book (an estimate is ok) so that I can be sure to set enough time aside to give your manuscript the love it deserves! A 50% deposit of the estimated total is required to reserve your date, with the remainder due upon completion of the project.

As always, don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

~Dara

Mobile uploads 13/11/2020

Punctuation matters!

Here is another Christmas funny for you today. :) LOL personally I am a big drinker but I only drink 3 types of drink usually. Water, Sprite Zero and Sierra Mist Zero. :) When I want to really get crazy at Christmas I drink diet Cranberry Ginger ale. :) LOL

09/10/2020

In case anyone is wondering what I'm doing during Hurricane Delta... just replace number 6 on the "Louisiana" list with "Curl up with a blanket and read/edit!"

To Claim A Fae: Fantasy Romance (Winter's Thorn Book 3) 25/09/2020

Another new release from Mila Young - that lady kept me BUSY this month!

To Claim A Fae: Fantasy Romance (Winter's Thorn Book 3) To Claim A Fae: Fantasy Romance (Winter's Thorn Book 3)

Time for Sensibility: Only Time Will Tell (Women of Time Collection Book 12) 29/08/2020

I'm a day late, but congrats to M Sinclair Author on a successful release day! #1 new release in gothic romance!

Time for Sensibility: Only Time Will Tell (Women of Time Collection Book 12) Time for Sensibility: Only Time Will Tell (Women of Time Collection Book 12)

Descendant of Sin 16/07/2020

Happy release day M Sinclair!

Descendant of Sin Descendant of Sin

Princess of Frost: A Snow Queen Retelling 28/06/2020

Happy release day Mila Young!

Princess of Frost: A Snow Queen Retelling Princess of Frost: A Snow Queen Retelling

08/06/2020

Did you know I provide a sample edit of one chapter so you can see if my style is a good fit for you? Just send me a message to get it scheduled!

~Dara

04/06/2020

Thank you Mila!!! 🥰

01/06/2020

Thank you for considering Refined Voice for your editing and proofreading needs!

Readers want to be swept into the worlds you create, but that can be difficult when grammatical errors and plot inconsistencies are present. As your editor, it's my goal and privilege to help refine your work while maintaining your unique voice as an author, helping you to create the best version of your book possible.

WHO I AM
I'm an avid reader, mostly of romance, paranormal romance, fantasy, and sci-fi novels. While I do not possess formal training as an editor, I do hold a degree in elementary education, which is where I honed my penchant for good spelling and grammar. I also have several years' experience writing, editing, and proofing public reports in the government healthcare sector (which are not nearly as much fun as novels!).

On a personal level, I'm the mom of a crazy little boy and can often be found outside getting burned to a crisp in the south Louisiana sun while tending my flower beds.

WHAT I DO
As alluded to previously, I'm a card-carrying member of the "grammar police" and will identify and suggest corrections for errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. However, I won't let perfect grammar or punctuation get in the way of your writing style - some rules are made to be broken! (We just want to make sure they're broken with purpose.) I'll also make suggestions to help your prose flow more logically and smoothly (ex. add a transition, invert your sentence so that structures are varied, etc.).

In addition to the technical suggestions, I'll also comment on the believability and consistency of the story. Examples of this include but are not limited to:
- Character personality and speech patterns: Is the described action/behavior/thought typical of the character? Is this something the character would say, or would he/she use a different word?
- Scene analysis: Where are the characters placed within the setting? Did the characters get from point A to point B in a logical manner?
- World-building and plot holes: Does this match the "rules" of your world, both those that were expressly stated and those that were implied?
This type of work is my FAVORITE since I get to do a deep-dive into the culture and lore you've created.

For more information, including rates, please visit the "Services" section of this page.

AVAILABILITY
My current availability can be found by viewing the latest calendar in the Availability Calendar photo album.

CONTACT ME
Please contact me at [email protected] with any questions!

~Dara

Website