The Purple Ninja Editorial Philosophy?

Edit or Regret It.

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About

"You write to communicate to the hearts and minds of others what's burning inside you. And we edit to let the fire show through the smoke."
—Arthur Plotnik

Purple Ninja Editorial provides a range of editing and consulting services, including developmental editing, copyediting, line editing, and proofreading for fiction books; copyediting, line editing, and proofreading for nonfiction books; style guide creation; and cover design and formatting for print and ebooks through trusted partners.

Hiring an editor can be an intimidating process. You’ve spent hours, days, weeks, maybe even years pouring your heart and soul into your manuscript, and the thought of handing your baby over to someone you may have never met is understandably a bit nerve-racking. Take heart! An editor’s job is to take your work and make it the very best it can be, not to rip it to shreds. It’s important that your editor get a feel for your style and help you fine-tune it so you’re presented in the very best light and your readers can’t put your book down! 

As an editor, I take a collaborative approach with my authors. Relationships are important to me, and while I do love my red pen, every mark is made with love. Need a little hand-holding? No problem! I’m always here to bounce ideas back and forth and to help you think of new ways of saying something when you just can’t quite find the words. My promise to you is that I’ll always be honest. If I can help, wonderful! If you need something I can’t provide, I’ll tell you and do my best to find a colleague who can. 

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Who's the Ninja Behind Purple Ninja Editorial?

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Melissa Stevens
Editor | Head Ninja

Well, since you asked . . . it’s me! I’m Melissa Stevens, the founder of Purple Ninja Editorial. I gave up my corporate heels for a laptop and purple Converse (and purple hair) about ten years ago and never looked back. I am passionate about editing, writing, and design. In fact, I break out my red pen on everything I can get my hands on (sometimes even when I’m not asked).

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a journalism minor from Lipscomb University and a Certificate in Editing from the University of Washington. I’m a proud member of the Editorial Freelancers Association, ACES: The Society for Editing, the National Association for Independent Writers and Editors, and an approved partner member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. I have twenty years of professional writing, editing, and marketing experience. I’ve worked with a variety of industries, including nonprofits; corporate communications departments; niche market publishers; digital marketing and branding agencies; entrepreneurs; and my personal favorite—indie authors.

No matter my job title over the years, I’ve always found a way to incorporate editing into my life. When I decided it was time to dedicate my work-life to the thing that fulfilled me the most, it only made sense that editing would be the focus.  That’s how Purple Ninja Editorial was born.

I’m a voracious reader, which every great writer knows is essential for flexing those creative muscles. Right now, I’m devouring an excellent crime series, but I also enjoy historical fiction, a good supernatural thriller, and even a bit of romance. When I’m not helping authors or chauffeuring my mini ninja to school, mountain bike races, and everywhere in between, I like to take a walk on the creative side and do a little fiction writing of my own. No peeking—it’s mostly just for me!

When I close my laptop at the end of the day, I spend my time screaming on the sidelines as my son shreds the trails with his mountain bike team (I’m a proud mom, so don’t judge); soaking up all the cuddles my two rescue pitties, Buffy and Axl, can give; and dreaming of the sounds of OBX ocean waves.

Meet the Rest of the Ninjas

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Trevor
My Not So Mini Ninja
& Head Tech Ninja

Everyone needs a raison d’etre, and for me, this amazing kid is it. He’s crazy smart, rocks it out on his electric guitar, and tears it up on the trails. He definitely keeps things lively and is always willing to lend a hand when the old people can’t figure out a tech problem. It is an honor to be his mom, and I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes.

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Buffy
Head Security Ninja

Buffy never falls asleep on the job. Ok, maybe sometimes, but she springs into action at the slightest sound of an intruder in her domain. The UPS man delivering a package, the giggles of the toddler next door, and even the faint clicks of the neighbor dog walking past on the sidewalk all require investigation.

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Axl
Head Cuddle Ninja

Axl has a truly unique ability to detect when his humans need a brain break. He’s always ready to lend a paw. Sometimes that means a gentle paw placed on my keyboard and sometimes a more forceful nose bump on my arm.  Cuddle breaks are essential for this hard-working editor, and Axl isn’t afraid to demand them when necessary.

Services

"Writing without revising is the literary equivalent of waltzing gaily out of the house in your underwear."
—Patricia Fuller

Woman hand writing on notepad with a pen in the office.
Developmental Editing

Also known as structural editing or substantive editing, developmental editing is the most in depth form of editing.

For fiction manuscripts, this type of editing involves looking at overall plot, character development, pacing and tense (voice, tone, etc.), and dialogue.

Developmental editing may also require rewriting entire paragraphs or chapters, adding, removing or reorganizing scenes as well as revising sentence structure.

For nonfiction manuscripts, this type of editing involves working with the author on the table contents, chapter organization, ensuring the tone is correct for the intended audience, assessing whether or not any important information has been left out, and even helping with a writing schedule and research plan. 

Developmental editing  should be the first stage of editing and is so, so important. Do not skip this step! It takes the most time, and let’s be honest, it’s the most draining. But when it’s done properly, I promise it’s worth it. 

Rates for developmental editing for book-length fiction start at 6 cents ($0.06) per word.

Please note: I am not currently  accepting nonfiction developmental editing clients, but will happily refer to you trusted colleagues.

Designer at work
copyediting & Line Editing

Copyediting and line editing  are generally done as the second stage in the editing process after all of the big picture and structural issues are resolved. The copyediting process focuses on revising individual sentences line by line, hence the term line editing. Copyediting can be separated from line editing or combined. Every editor (and author) has their preference. This type of editing requires evaluating the structure of each sentence to ensure it flows, replacing weak or repetitive words as well as correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation.  

At this stage, the goal is to fix sentences that may cause your reader to get tripped up. This is also the last opportunity to pick up on any holes that may have been missed during the developmental edit before the manuscript moves to the proofreading phase and finally to the publication phase.

Copyediting is vital for both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts as well as writing for marketing or business purposes. The last thing you want is silly errors keeping you from presenting your work in its best light.

Rates for copyediting and line editing for book-length fiction and nontechnical nonfiction start at 4 cents ($0.04) per word and include two complete passes of the manuscript.

Rates for copyediting and line editing for technical nonfiction start at 6 cents ($0.06) per word and include two complete passes of the manuscript.

Every project receives an individual evaluation to determine what level of editing is recommended.

hand working on paper for proofreading
proofreading
Proofreading is the lightest form of editing and should be the last step in the process before your manuscript or other content is approved for publication. The proofreading stage is where you look for any issues that have managed to slip through previous rounds of editing and formatting undetected. Think of the proofread as the quality control step where you go line by line and fix any remaining red flags that could trip up the readers. Proofreading is typically completed after your manuscript has been designed and formatted, and the focus will be on the following:
  • Consistency in design of text and image elements
  • Consistency of hyphenation and capitalization
  • Proper punctuation
  • Homophones and homonyms
  • Errors in pagination and chapter sequencing
  • Correct paragraph and section breaks
  • Identifying extraneous letter and line spaces
  • Standard and consistent spelling and grammar
  • Standard paragraph indentation
  • Widows, orphans, and short lines

Rates for proofreading for book-length fiction and nonfiction start at 2 cents ($0.02) per word and include two passes of the manuscript—one complete pass and one pass to ensure errors have been corrected.

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copywriting
You have to write effectively to market effectively. If you’ve ever locked eyes with a blank page while your deadline draws closer and closer, you know what I’m talking about.

Copywriting is both an art and a science. It lays the foundation for every single piece of your brand presence including your content marketing, web and print design, advertising strategy and everything in between. It’s important that your copy is carefully crafted and meets the needs of your audience. Your marketing copy should explain what you do and how you do it, but more than that the copy used on your marketing and communications materials should be a tool that helps move your prospects over the line. Please don’t settle for copy that’s bogged down with grammatical errors and typos. Hiring  inexperienced writers from Fiverr and site like it will likely only cost you more in the long run. Make the investment in a writer that listens, asks the appropriate  questions and works to understand your business, your audience, and your long and short-term goals. You’ll thank me later.

Rates for copywriting projects for businesses and agencies start at $100 per hour.

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style guide creation

Building a style guide is important for authors, agencies, and entrepreneurs alike. Think of a style guide as a roadmap for you, your editor, and the rest of your team.

For fiction authors, a style sheet lays out information about big picture elements like a list of characters, locations, and timelines as well as the micro elements including preference for spelling, punctuation, rules about the way your fictional world works, and how you treat paragraphs, headings, narrative, and even speech and thoughts.

For nonfiction authors, the style sheet lays out details about everything above minus the need for story-based info. It also makes note of what, if any, professional style guide your book will follow. Think Chicago Manual of Style, Associated Press Stylebook, MLA Handbook, Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, etc.

And, finally for businesses and agencies, a style or brand guide establishes everything from brand colors, logo options, font choices, tone and language to client avatars and your company vision and mission. It’s an invaluable resource for both internal and external team members.

Please note: All authors receive a style sheet as part of the service with copyediting, line editing, and proofreading projects. There is no additional fee.

Rates for style guide creation for businesses and agencies start at $100 per hour.

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BOOK formatting
& Cover design

Need help formatting your book interior or nailing the perfect cover design? Perhaps you’re feeling a bit lost in the weeds trying to navigate the ins and outs of self-publishing? 

We’re happy to refer you to our industry partners to guide you through the process. You can learn more about everything involved with formatting and self-publishing your manuscript from our trusted partner and friend Becky Bayne, owner of Becky’s Graphic Design.

Testimonials

What's it like to work with Purple Ninja Editorial?
Have a look at what some of my clients have to say.

"Melissa is an incredible editor, cheerleader, and support system. She immediately understood my project and helped get the version of the story that was so vibrant in my head to come alive on the page. Melissa has a way of writing her comments that feels truly respectful, like she's journeying with you on the story as opposed to being the expert who knows what's best. The paradox is that she's got an eagle eye, and her insights were what was best for the story. She has a way of pulling your story along to a better spot while making you feel like she is right there beside you. Melissa is kind, consistent, respectful of my vision, and a joy to work with. I will definitely be working with her again."
TALIA CAMOZZI
TALIA CAMOZZIIndependent Fiction Author
"Melissa Stevens from Purple Ninja Editorial proved invaluable when editing my novel Give it Another Go. Throughout the process, she looked for consistency with the characters’ voices and speech patterns. No detail seemed too small. For example, Melissa questioned it when a poised, society lady parroted the bad grammar of a buffoonish detective. In addition, she lent help with grammar, particularly hyphens, en, and em dashes. I highly recommend her services."
NICOLE CONTOSTA
NICOLE CONTOSTAFiction Author
"Working with Melissa was a fantastic experience! Her gentle, thoughtful comments inspired me to completely revamp what I had written into a stronger, more emotionally impactful story. She gave specific, detailed feedback that broke through my writer’s block and pushed me to create something I was proud to publish. The difference between Melissa and other editors I have worked with is that Melissa identifies opportunities for improvement and expansion in addition to identifying flaws and mistakes. Melissa not only caught the errors I no longer saw in my own writing, but also helped me identify several opportunities to improve the plot, world, and characters of my story while clearly deferring to my creative license as the author. This mindset makes her a joy to work with. I highly recommend Melissa to any writer looking to improve their writing and get re-inspired!"
STEPHANIE HELLECKSON
STEPHANIE HELLECKSONIndependent Fiction Author
"I would highly recommend working with Melissa on editorial support. As a first-time author, she was tremendously helpful in the edits of my science fiction novel The Genesis 6 Project. I learned a lot about scene placement and character development from Melissa's expertise. I am already thinking of a second novel and plan to work with Melissa again in the future."
MICHAEL FERGUSONIndependent Fiction Author
"It was a real pleasure working with Melissa Stevens of Purple Ninja Editorial on my book. The service was professional, thorough, insightful, and quick. Melissa made great suggestions to improve my text and, in the end, made me sound like an English scholar. I am now working on a second book and will definitely use Melissa as my editor. If you are looking for an editor, you cannot find a better one than Melissa Stevens and Purple Ninja Editorial."
DR. JOHN J. KING
DR. JOHN J. KINGIndependent Nonfiction Author
“After writing the manuscript for my book, I made the wise decision of hiring an editor. Upon reviewing a seemingly endless list of editorial services, I narrowed it down to Purple Ninja Editorial. Melissa was fantastic to work with, and her attention to detail was incredible! If I had any questions, she immediately addressed them. She was instrumental in ensuring that my manuscript was crafted into a beautifully finished product. Melissa kept me updated every step of the way. I absolutely recommend Purple Ninja Editorial if you are in the market for an editor.”
KURT GEISINGER
KURT GEISINGERIndependent Nonfiction Author
“I am not known as a compliant personality, but when Melissa and I began to work on my book, Carving Nature at Its Joints, I found the perfect partner. She kept my voice; she was scrupulous with my quotes and a blizzard of citations. It has been a remarkable treat for me.”
DR. THEODORE GRAND
DR. THEODORE GRANDIndependent Nonfiction Author
"Upon writing the book that I was born to write, I am so grateful that I was referred to Melissa and Purple Ninja Editorial. With Melissa as a major part of my editorial team, I could rest easy knowing that my work was going to be ready to transform lives as I envisioned. Melissa was thoughtful, prompt, highly communicative during the entire process, and a true expert at understanding Chicago Manual Style editing as required by my publisher. I highly recommend her and cannot wait to have her edit my next book, DESERVE: How to Learn, Live, Love and Lead with a Mindset for Millions."
DR. DARNYELLE JERVEY HARMON
DR. DARNYELLE JERVEY HARMONBest-Selling Nonfiction Author
"The formal editing process can be mysterious and anxiety-producing for authors, especially new authors. I was fortunate to work with Melissa Stevens of Purple Ninja Editorial, who immediately demystified the process. Melissa combines a deep understanding of technical editorial and style protocols with creativity and attention to detail to dramatically improve both the readability and look of your manuscript. She is thorough, thoughtful, and patient, and has a wonderful sense of humor. She expertly navigates the fine line between recommending important editorial changes and preserving the author’s voice and the flow of the story. I learned a ton about writing from her and enthusiastically recommend her editorial services."
DONALD DEHAYES
DONALD DEHAYESNonfiction Author
"I'm always happy to recommend authors to Melissa as I know she will make my work as a book designer easier because she is just so thorough. Her knowledge of general editing and the Chicago Manual of Style continue to impress me as we work together consistently. The fact that I know she'll take care of my clients well and deliver a better manuscript—and do it all with a dose of humor included—makes her indispensable! Thank you Melissa, you're the best!"
BECKY BAYNE
BECKY BAYNEBook Designer, Becky's Graphic Design
"Melissa was everything—and more—that we were looking for as a proofreader for my new book, Business Builders. She was extremely thorough, finding literally hundreds of upgrades to make—in both the print and Kindle versions of the book. Beyond this, she was an absolute delight to work with: pleasant, kind, and patient in dealing with someone who obviously needed her help!"
DAN ADAMS
DAN ADAMSIndependent Nonfiction Author
"As an author and agency coach, it’s extremely important that the books I self-publish are well-planned, informative, and free from errors. Melissa was meticulous, but careful to maintain my voice throughout. She turned my manuscript around in record time and was incredibly easy to work with. I felt confident sending my book out into the world after Melissa’s edits."
MICHAL KOIZEL​
MICHAL KOIZEL​Independent Nonfiction Author
Michal Koizel Consulting​
"I have known Melissa for about three years now and worked closely with her for almost a year. In business, relationship always comes first (for me anyways) and Melissa is so easy to work with because she feels and embodies the same. She's one of the easiest people to work with and is so detail oriented—nothing slips by her! She has a unique gift for creativity and writing, and she is very innovative. She's also goal oriented and results driven. I don't think there's anything else you could ask for when it comes to working with others, she covers it all! I've also learned so much from her. Thank you Melissa, for being so amazing. You are such a gift."
ELIZABETH STOVER
ELIZABETH STOVERFreelance Facebook Ads Consultant
"As the Vice-President of Operations for ASMBA, I manage the daily operations of the organization, and I also work with a team of people outside the company in a variety of areas. One of those ‘team’ members is Melissa Stevens. As my responsibilities increased over time, I found I no longer had the time, (and I was also running out of ideas!) to come up with copy for the many mailings, email blasts, and promotional materials we send to our members and prospective members. It was a lucky day for me when Melissa’s information came across my desk. At our initial meeting, Melissa took the time to get to know me and our organization, and I recognized from the first draft she gave us that she did her homework. Melissa asks the questions she needs to in order to deliver a great product. Not only is she professional and timely in her work, but I know I can always count on her to send me top-notch creative and engaging pieces that represent our association in the best possible manner!"
CHERYL STONE​
CHERYL STONE​ASMBA & Overwatch Alliance​
"Melissa is an extremely talented editor. She has a unique ability to take the words out of my head and help me make them make sense on the page. I've been reaching out to Melissa for help editing sales pages, Facebook ads, and website copy for about three years, and I have always been happy with the improvements she provides."
MARCO HERNANDEZ DALY​
MARCO HERNANDEZ DALY​Bullseye Agency
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