Let’s Tell Your Story
Editing Services
What I Offer
Every text is different, and here are some of the services I offer to improve and perfect your manuscript.
Beta Reading
If you have a final draft that you would like some unbiased feedback on without any editing, Beta Reading is what you’re looking for. I can provide constructive and respectful feedback, identify plot holes, offer suggestions, and take a look at the ins and outs of your characters.
Editing
Whether line editing or copyediting, this service is all about readability. Line editing looks at prose and flow, while copyediting checks grammar, spelling, coherence, consistency, and correctness. As your editor, I play the part of your desired reader and let you know how you can best tell the story you want to tell, in your voice, in the most clear way.
Web Content
If you have a blog, website, YouTube, or podcast that regularly needs content, I can help with that! I can revise, rewrite, and even format your articles so they are their best for the average web reader. I can’t build your website or do any back-end SEO work, but I can make sure your content is easy to read, entertaining or informative, and filled with keywords that your prospective readers (or listeners) are searching for.
About me
My name is Kelsey Watley—it’s so nice to meet you! I’m a lifelong writer and bibliophile, and if you’re here, you’re probably that as well. I’ve been editing and beta reading for friends and in writers groups since high school, and realized I was doing a lot of editing in a professional capacity as well, so I decided to make it official. I made the switch into the editing world and I adore it. I have a certificate in copyediting from UCSD and get regular continuing education from organizations such as the Editorial Freelance Association so I can constantly add to and sharpen my skills.
In my free time I enjoy being outside, reading, and playing video games. I have two cats—Kato and Yui—which are generally by my side while I’m editing. Don’t ask me about them unless you want full details and pictures!
It’s very important to me that authors view me as a teammate and not an adversary. I want to be the tool you use to tell your story. I keep my own writing to myself (generally in science-fiction and alternative-history projects), but when I’m working with you, it’s all about you! I want to show off your voice and vision, and your amazing story, and help you make it the best it can be.
One thing I am not is the grammar police. In fact, I consider myself more of a word vigilante; I work with the grammar police, but artfully break the laws when the text calls for it. Grammar and language rules matter, but breaking those rules skillfully to put your reader into your world matters more. I can’t wait to get to know you and your ideas!
