It's a Team Effort
Authors, you write the words and set the mood. I'll be your clean-up crew.
Don't let your book run too long. 75,000 words should be enough to relate the story you have in mind. I will work with projects of any size up to 120,000 words. If the book is longer, consider splitting the story into two or more books. Length matters: overly florid stories bore the reader. Use as many words as you need to tell the story with efficiency.
When submitting a project for a sample edit, I may ask for the middle or last 5 pages of the work. The first 5 pages are usually well-reviewed because you've read them a few dozen times when considering submissions to agents and publishers. The middle pages give a more accurate image of what level of editing needs to be achieved.
You don't have to make all of the suggested changes when it comes to content editing. I don't want to rewrite your book for you, but I'm here to make suggestions to improve the flow and readability so your readers don't lose interest. If you want to know why I suggested it, just ask.
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Methods & Tools
There are a lot of tools built for word processing programs that look for spelling and grammar mistakes.
Grammarly, a popular tool available in both free and paid versions, works well for straightforward business and academic work. When it comes to fiction, the algorithm struggles with the nuances of the language. Grammarly will help you find easily overlooked typos, and it will suggest rewording of verbose passages and the removal of redundancies. Grammarly won't understand the voice of the author and the freedom to break the rules to create mood and tone. It is a tool, but it isn't human.
Using Read Aloud or other reading accessibility programs allows you to hear how the words sound together. In turn, you may find misplaced or missing words and confusing passages that need clarification.
Reading each paragraph separately from the end of the book to the beginning allows your brain to separate the story from the words, helping you capture wording mistakes.
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AI is the latest technology, and there will be a lot to say about it as it continues to evolve. Already, we are seeing it used to write content and new rules are being put in place across the industry to differentiate AI content from human content.
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Use Your Library
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The combination of libraries and authors should be a no-brainer, but often people ignore the services libraries offer besides holding books. Need the internet? Go to the library. Need to catch up on the latest feature films? Go to the library. Want to join a writers' group? Go to the library!
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Some libraries may offer writing programs or have groups that meet regularly in the meeting rooms. And it is easy on your budget because it is free. Ask the library staff. If there isn't a program or group, make the suggestion. Libraries want to meet the needs of their communities, and they only know if you ask. Just by walking in the door, you are showing your library and its funding source that you support free access to information and services. Your library may even put your finished book on its shelf.