Exactly what does the "substantive" in substantive editor specify? Like just about anyone else who claims that title, Words & Company doesn't have one explicit description. But we do hold to one explicit universal: thoroughness. We scour every aspect of the content and structure of every manuscript sent to us for processing. From there, Words & Company's seasoned editors rely on their own sensibilities as much as on formal dictates of linguistics. We'll work as ghostwriters, rewriters, blue-pencilists, and evaluators. We emphasize organization, clarity, impact, and intent. We make sure that dialogue rings true, that sentences strike rhythms. We stress proper grammar and aim for richness of vocabulary. And if we're party to a complex project, we'll even draw up a time line and act as project manager. Relying on our knowledge of and experience with the publishing industry, Words & Company always strives for a publishable outcome.

Some examples of what a Words & Company edit can do for you

• Compile an extensive, formal proposal of your book concept to be sent to potential publishers and/or literary agents. That'll get both parties thinking.
 
• Annotate a manuscript with specific suggestions as to organization, style, grammar, sentence structure, clarity, relevance, and other basic components of a successful piece of writing.

• Rewrite entire passages where needed. A skilled substantive editor can create a lively style and an individual voice from an uninspired draft.

• Ghostwrite an entire book or document, using materials and sources supplied by the nominal author.

Some types of writers who can put a substantive editor to good use

• People who are experts in given subjects and want to write a book about them, but who aren't practiced authors.

• Would-be authors who want to enhance their abilities. A substantive editing session is tantamount to a customized course in the basic tenets of writing.

• It's a rare academic who won't benefit from hiring a professional editor to organize and polish the contents of his or her forthcoming work.

• Company CEOs and other busy sorts who lack the time to smooth out their thoughts before committing complex ideas to print.