Editing Services | By The By Editing

Hi! I'm Sarah McGuire, a freelance fiction editor based out of Summerville, SC.

I specialize in the early part of the editing journey, developmental and line editing. I'm familiar with most genres, but focus primarily on historical fiction, fantasy, and romance.

I only work on one manuscript at a time, which allows me to give each story my full attention.

As a lover of love stories, romance is my jam! Contemporary, fantasy, historical, or paranormal . . . I love them all!

Sweet or spicy, bring it on!

Sarah

Front page

About Me

I have a BA in English from Kansas State University and a MA in English Literature from College of Charleston. I used my degrees to teach English 101 and 102 at a local technical college for six years, but stopped ten years ago to focus on raising my three boys and volunteering at their school. With all the kids in school full-time, I’ve shifted my career to editing fiction.

I started training with a certificate program through the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, The Keys to Effective Editing. I've also received a certificate from Editorial Arts Academy for completing the Copyediting Fiction and Nonfiction Trade Books practicum, as well as the Developmental Editing for Fiction course.

Locally, I've been fortunate to help at the Joggling Board Press, as well as assisting several authors from the Main Street Writes writing group.

When I'm not editing, I'm usually momming or reading, though I admit I'm slightly addicted to putting together LEGO sets!

Line Edit

Line editing examines writing style and language use on a line-by-line level, focusing on tightening and smoothing out any confusing passages, as well as looking out for any other style issues.

Includes:

Style sheet

Brief reader report

Thirty-minute consultation

Heavy Edit - Dev + Line

A heavy edit starts with a developmental edit, which focuses on issues such as plot, structure, and character development. After revisions, there is a second round for line edits.

Includes:

Style sheet

Editorial Letter

Thirty-minute consultation

Manuscript Critique

A manuscript critique is great for an in-depth look at your manuscript's bigger picture (plot and character development).

Includes:

Marginal comments

Editorial letter

Thirty-minute consultation

Testimonials

Christina Sinisi, Author of Why They Call It Falling

As the author of four published novels and a number of short stories, I have worked with many editors and none have been more thorough than Sarah McGuire. Her insight and attention to detail encourage me as I now search for an agent!

Andrew W. Bennett, Author of Dextera Domini

Sarah at By the By Editing takes your work and evolves it to the next level. She edits with the writer in mind and gives you the advice and critical eye you need for your piece to shine. Sarah is quick, efficient, skilled, and respectful of your work. I highly recommend Sarah and will be using her services for my future projects.

Dennis Snider, Author of Anasazi

Sarah just completed editing my manuscript Anasazi, a new work of fiction I’m planning to publish early next year. I’m happy to say her work was outstanding. She line edited the entire book and provided suggestions for alternate text perfectly. She was great, and I would highly recommend By the By Editing to anyone.

bythebyediting@gmail.com

Serving the greater Charleston, SC area!