HEART-CENTERED EDITING with Naomi Rose
30+ years in the publications field
ENSURING YOUR BOOK’S JOURNEY FROM MANUSCRIPT TO MASTERPIECE
Why Good Books Need a Good Editor
When you've invested your heart and countless hours in writing a book,
before reaching your readers it deserves expert treatment by
a professional book editor.
You want your book to be error-free, of course. But also to offer your readers a digestible read that honors all that you’ve put into the writing. A good book-manuscript editor can provide this.
And beyond just the mechanics of accuracy, comprehensibility, and clarity, you want what called you to write the book in the first place — the inspiration, the desire to express something in you, of you — to show up on the printed pages.
You want that light, that wisdom, that heart to permeate the pages so your book speaks to your readers’ hearts and souls as well as minds.
The distance between a good manuscript and a great book is often bridged by skilled editing. When readers open your book, they should encounter your ideas, your voice, and your message, without distraction or confusion.
Your writing deserves to:
flow seamlessly,
communicate with clarity and impact,
connect emotionally with readers, and
stand as a professional testament to your vision.
Without proper editing—
whether substantive editing, copyediting, and/or what one might call “spiritually attuned” editing—
even brilliant ideas can get lost in unclear passages or structural inconsistencies.
If you are at the stage of needing an editor, I can be of service. I have over 30 years’ experience as a professional book editor, and have helped hundreds of authors make the successful transition from manuscript to book.
“I cannot imagine another editor on the planet who could step into my shoes and edit esoteric material as beautifully and sincerely as Naomi did. She has been utterly exceptional.”
— Rebecca Field, author, To Choose the Fire of the Cosmos. Foreword by H. H. The Dalai Lama
HOW PROFESSIONAL EDITING
serves your manuscript
1. It elevates your writing to professional standards. Whether you're submitting to traditional publishers or self-publishing, polished writing ensures that your book receives the serious consideration it deserves.
2. It partners with you as an ally, not a critic. My approach is to uncover the jewel within your work and free it from anything that obscures its brilliance. The goal is for you to feel, "This is even more what I intended than I was originally able to express, myself. This speaks well of me and my vision."
3. It protects your credibility and authority. By eliminating errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and structure, good editing ensures that readers remain focused on your message rather than being distracted by inconsistencies that might cause them to undervalue your book’s authority. You want to make sure that your readers can digest what you’ve written without being waylaid by confusion, inaccuracies, and other interferences to absorption.
4. It translates your intention into your reader experience. As your "prototype reader," I identify places where your meaning might be unclear to someone approaching your topic for the first time, and open the door to their full comprehension so your words reach your audience as you intended.
5. It creates an inviting experience for your readers. Beyond words, the visual presentation of your text—whether through strategically placed headings, bullet points, pull quotes, or other tricks of the trade—gives readers breathing room to fully absorb your ideas. I bring my experience as a visual artist to your service in this way, as well.
An example of an edited manuscript page, from the pre-computer, editing-by-hand days.MY APPROACH:
the art & science of editing
As an experienced manuscript editor, I bring over 30 years of editorial expertise to your manuscript, with professional recognition that includes listings in Who's Who and Who's Who of American Women, as well as Thumbtack's “Best Editor” award for the San Francisco Bay Area two years running.
On a Rigorous Intellectual Level:
Whatever your subject, I can bring your writing to a place of clarity and coherence, readability and interest. Of course, I make sure that all the “t’s” are crossed and the “i’s” are dotted, and so on. But beyond this, I also grapple with whatever doesn’t yet flow in the writing — whether the phrasing, the organization, the need for bridges and transitions, the consistency of the author’s voice, etc. — and make sure that it does. I also ensure a professional structure for your book — including standard elements like the “Front Matter” (e.g., Introduction, Preface, Foreword, explaining the difference among them so you can choose what you really intend) and the “Back Matter” (Epilogue, Appendices, References, Bibliography, and more, though you may not need them all). I point out what fits for your book and address these elements in the way they require to put your book forth in a fully professional way.
Meticulous attention to mechanics – grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency.
Structural coherence – ensuring logical flow and organization, as well as bridging materials for reader comprehension.
Professional formatting according to industry standards – Front Matter (Foreword, Preface, Introduction), Text (Table of Contents, parts, chapters, heads and subheads), and Back Matter (Epilogue, Appendices, References, About the Author, etc.).
Clarity and readability – crafting sentences and paragraphs that communicate meaningfully and effectively.
Stylistic consistency – maintaining your unique voice throughout, while ensuring accuracy and clarity.
On a Heart Level:
What distinguishes my editing approach is the integration of technical expertise with a deeper sensitivity to your work:
Our collaboration is based on respect, understanding, and a shared desire to see your book shine.
I begin by seeking to understand who you are as both author and person, and what you envision for your book. My suggestions and changes serve your vision, rather than imposing my own preferences. We work together until your manuscript truly reflects what you wish to communicate to your readers.
I recognize the essence of your work and give my best effort to help it shine.
Every manuscript contains unique insights waiting to be revealed. I approach editing as a process of discovery and refinement—identifying your work's strengths and polishing away anything that diminishes its impact. The result is a book that speaks clearly and powerfully to your readers.
"I just finished going through all the pages you edited. You did a superb job. It was just marvelous to see all the things you caught, when I thought it was in pretty good shape [already] — especially some really good catches of things that were fuzzy. I can’t imagine doing anything that meticulous. The only thing I do that comes close is a 1000-piece puzzle."
— Cindy Spring, co-author, 7 Questions About Life After Life
As a writer, myself, I know what’s involved in transforming a manuscript from a draft into a truly publishable book. And as a Book Developer, I know how to help authors make use of their natural creativity to evolve a manuscript that speaks from their authentic nature. All this infuses my editing. I am not the cheapest, but I am one of the best. Your hard-won manuscript deserves no less.
You have given so much of yourself to birthing a manuscript that matters to you. When you’re ready to take it to the next level, I can help. As your editor, I will honor your intention, collaborate with you, and deliver a manuscript that you can publish with excitement and justifiable pride.
“Naomi took my manuscript and turned it into a book. I cannot begin to thank her enough.”
— Larry R. Decker, PhD, author, The Alchemy of Combat: Transforming Trauma in Combat Veterans. With a Foreword by Karl Malantes, author of Why We Go to War
“I owe the present edition of my book to Naomi Rose, to whom I am indebted. An experienced editor and writing coach helping people find their own depth through self-expression, I trusted that she would be the right person to revise my manuscript. She was moved by its content and not only was grateful for the opportunity to read it but also expressed the wish that she might be of further help in its becoming known to the English-speaking public [through publication]. I like the idea of having my book produced with such maternal care and deep appreciation.”
— Claudio Naranjo, MD, Author, Healing Civilization
NOTE: Healing Civilization is published by Naomi Rose and available for purchase on this site.
Kinds and Levels of Editing
There is more than one kind of editing. A good editor will use one, two, or all three to bring your manuscript up to a professional, publishable level. I offer all three, as needed.
Developmental Editing
Developmental editing addresses the big-picture elements of your manuscript—the foundation upon which everything else is built. At this level, I work with you to assess and strengthen your book's overall structure, organization, and content strategy. Does your book serve its intended audience effectively? Are there gaps in information or redundant sections that need addressing? Is your narrative arc or argument compelling and well-paced? Developmental editing may involve reorganizing entire chapters, identifying missing content that would strengthen your message, or suggesting cuts where material doesn't serve your book's purpose. This is where we ensure that your manuscript has a solid framework before moving to the more detailed levels of editing.
Substantive Editing
Building upon the structural foundation established in developmental editing, substantive editing refines the "substance" of your writing at the section and paragraph level. This includes fine-tuning organization within chapters, enhancing clarity and appropriate wording, and ensuring smooth transitions that make your writing flow seamlessly.
I may rearrange or propose adjustments to paragraphs to maximize clarity and reader engagement, suggest bridging material to connect ideas, and advise where to trim extraneous content or expand underdeveloped concepts. For example, I might identify where evocative illustrations could make your conceptual ideas more relatable and concrete, then suggest possibilities for you to develop further.
Copyediting
Copyediting deals primarily with the mechanics of grammar, spelling, and sentence structure so that your manuscript has the professional-level dignity it deserves. If your written work is in a field that follows a particular style guide (such as The Chicago Manual of Style, or APA format), the copyeditor will make sure your writing follows that style accurately. Footnotes, references, and bibliography (if applicable) also fall under copyediting.
Rewriting
Rewriting takes the material you provide and brings it to a higher level. The editor will reword your writing adeptly, and suggest or add examples, phrases, or structural material, etc., so that in the end you can say, “Yes, that’s it. That’s exactly what I meant to say!”
Rewriting is particularly valuable when you have strong ideas but struggle with expression, when English isn't your first language, or when you're an expert in your field but need help translating technical knowledge into accessible prose. It might involve restructuring complex sentences for clarity; finding more precise or evocative language; adding transitional phrases that create better flow; expanding abbreviated thoughts into full, compelling explanations; or other reworkings that help your writing flow and be easily comprensible to your readers.
Throughout this process, the ideas, insights, and essential voice remain completely yours—I'm simply helping them shine through more effectively. My role is to serve as a skilled translator of your vision, finding the precise words and structures that allow your authentic message to reach readers with clarity and power. You'll recognize your work in the final result, but elevated to express what you truly meant to convey.
Intuitive Editing
Developmental editing, substantive editing, and rewriting all can benefit from the ministrations of an editor who is intuitive as well as intellectually capable. Editing tends to be a largely left-brained occupation (otherwise how could all those pesky details like whether to put the period inside or outside the close parentheses be kept track of, much less applied consistently?). However, when the editor is also proficiently right-brained and intuitive, able to make connections and leaps of interweaving, then your book has the advantage of a whole-brained makeover that can reach your readers’ hearts as well as minds.
A Small Sample of Books I’ve Edited
The New Holistic Health Handbook: Living Well in a New Age / For the Love of God: Handbook for the Spirit / All About Vegetables / All About Roses / Energy-Saving Projects for the Home / High-Level Wellness / Writing, 2nd edition / Cortisol Control and the Beauty Connection / Laser-Eye Surgery / Coping with Change / Healing Civilization / Money Matters: Keeping Your Head Above Water / The Almanac of Investments / The Star-Seer's Prophecy (Book One: Dark Innocence; Book Two: Fierce Blessings; Book Three: Perilous Bliss) / The Alchemy of Combat: Transforming Trauma in Combat Veterans / Essential Speaking: The 7-Step Guide to Finding Your Real Voice / The Moon and You / The Gospel of St. John: Revisiting the Vision of Rudolf Steiner for the 21st Century / Dancing with the Rhythms of Life
A PARTIAL LIST OF PUBLISHERS I HAVE WORKED WITH:
Ten Speed Press / Ortho Books / New World Library / McGraw-Hill / Crittenden Books / Scott Foresman / Stephen Greene / Viking / Intuition Magazine / Massage Magazine / True Inspiration Magazine / & others.
Willyour book join this list?
You've invested countless hours in creating your manuscript.
Professional editing is the crucial next step in bringing your book to its full potential
and preparing it to touch the lives of your readers.
WHO I WORK WITH
I work with authors whose manuscripts have some kind of healing intention.
genres I work with
I am a nonfiction editor, a narrative nonfiction editor, a memoir editor, and an editor of select fiction. (I don’t edit poetry, but I can refer you to an excellent poetry editor who can.)
my process of working with clients
If you've worked with me as your Book Developer, I'll already be familiar with your manuscript, so we can move smoothly into editing.
For new editing clients, we'll start with an initial consultation. If it seems like a good match, you can send me your manuscript for a brief sample edit (compensated) that benefits us both — ensuring that you're happy with my approach and that I understand your manuscript's needs. From there, I'll provide a fee quote (usually hourly, occasionally flat fee) and estimated completion date. Once we agree on the logistics, the editing will begin.
“I have worked with several editors and none can compare to the precise, detailed work Naomi has done. Naomi takes interest in the material that she is working on. She developed a real sense and feel for the material, and treated my [writing] as if it was the most important work. Throughout the process, I was confident, calm, and at ease working with her. I could not have done it without Naomi. I am thankful and blessed to have [had] her as my editor. Naomi is the one.”
— Christina Pillai, PhD
WHEN YOU’RE READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR MANUSCRIPT
INTO THE BOOK IT’S MEANT TO BE,
I’M HERE TO HELP.
Together, we'll honor your intentions, refine your expression,
and create a book that meets publishing-industry standards —
one you can publish with confidence and pride.
Schedule a complimentary book-editing consultation (aka, a “Gift Session”) to discuss
how we can transform your manuscript together.
Naomi Rose, Book Developer & Creative Midwife / Editor
bonus
I can also coordinate the entire self-publishing process for you, once editing is complete, or mentor you to do it — from book design & typesetting through print-on-demand setup. (For my book-development clients only.)
If you're resonating with what you're reading on this page but have questions about the process, check out my FAQ page, where I address common concerns about getting started, working with someone new to book writing, what makes this approach different, and more.
You’ll also find helpful writing resources, writing meditations, and curated healing resources (think flower essences for writers) to support your creative journey. See the “Hidden Treasures” just below.