Interview: Editing & Proofreading with Ashlyn Harmon of Moonwake Books LLC

Before we get started, tell us a bit about you:

My business cards declare that I’m “living and breathing” happily ever afters; because it’s true. I love romance novels; I write romance novels, I edit romance novels, and I read romance novels. I tend to gravitate more toward books that have solid plots that allow you to deeply connect to the characters. As a plus-size woman, I also have a fondness for writing women like myself in stories where they get the great love they’ve always imagined simply by being themselves. Growing up, I heard too many stories where the female lead had to go through some great physical transformation to get the attention of a man, and I want to do the exact opposite and help my readers see themselves in my characters. 

In your experience, what qualities make a professional editor versus a beta-reader or critique partner or proofreader?

Most professional editors have contracts that fully lay out schedules, expectations, and outline the deliverables of the service being provided. Sample edits give authors a glimpse into what working with that editor is like, and those expectations are fully followed up in the editing process. Editors are trained to look at the story from a more technical standpoint, offering feedback to help you strengthen and polish your writing into the story you want it to be. Beta readers are a valuable part of the writing and editing process, but they look at the story from a reader's standpoint, and don't offer the same level of constructive feedback you'll receive from editors. Often times, editors can point out inconsistencies that will help you strengthen your writing style in the future as well. 

Why do you like working with indie authors and what has been your most rewarding project till date?

First and foremost, I'm an indie author myself. I understand the time, money, and effort that indie authors put into their writing and it's a passion of mine to help celebrate their success! My main priority when editing is to do so with empathy, there's no judgement here! I want to help you bring your story to life, and sometimes that takes a fresh set of eyes.

None of the authors I've worked with have published their stories, yet; but each project I've worked on has been rewarding in its own way. I do have a special love for the stories I've worked on featuring LGBTQ+ characters and other marginalized voices. Those are the voices I always want to amplify more, and I've had the opportunity to work on some truly amazing stories I hope to see hit the shelf one day!

Please explain your editing process in as much detail as possible. 

I offer developmental editing and editorial assessments (a developmental edit with much less in-line comments); each service varies slightly. There are a couple things that remain consistent throughout:

I always conduct a free, complimentary sample edit of up to 2,000 words. For developmental editing and editorial assessments, this sample edit also includes a sample of an editorial letter. This is also when I offer a quote for potential clients. Once an author and I decide we're a good fit, we move forward with securing a date and signing the contract. A non-refundable 25% deposit is due at this time. The remaining 75% is due in three payments, which are laid out for all clients.

Before we start, I talk to the author, making sure I understand if they have any areas of concern for their novel. I want to ensure their questions get answered and the experience is helpful for them moving forward.

I read each manuscript a minimum of two times, usually it's closer to four. The first read through is when I take notes and make initial comments/reactions. Each read through that follows, these notes are cleaned up and I'm left with the things that really matter.

From here, I polish the remaining comments and construct the editorial letter. The editorial letter ranges from 15-30 pages, depending on the project, and covers pretty much every area of the book. If needed, I will also offer do an analysis for each chapter, and I conclude the editorial letter with some resources (if applicable) and a list of crutch words or phrases. 

What are your interests and hobbies outside editing?

I primarily focus on writing my own romance novels. Otherwise, I spend time with my corgi, Berkeley, and my family. I also enjoy traveling when I'm able to and will spend as much free time in a coffee shop or bookstore as possible. 

In your experience, what is proofreading and why is it important for authors/books?

This is the last step in your novel's editing journey. After it's gone through a copy or line edit, it's time for proofreading. This is one last final pass to catch any lingering typos, grammatical errors, and consistency issues. Proofreading is important because it helps catch any of those pesky typos or inconsistencies that will make readers want to DNF your book. There's nothing worse than not being able to finish a book because the author uses "breath" instead of "breathe" more than once. 

Who is your ideal client or what do you consider as your ideal proofreading job?

I love working with indie romance authors of all kinds. Any romance novel, even the ones where romance is more of a subgenre, are the most exciting and ideal for me. 

Please explain your proofreading process in as much detail as possible. 

Proofreading has a slightly different process than my other services, but it's all very much focused on the client and what their goals and needs are. I offer a free sample edit up to 2,000 words. From there, I will offer a quote and we'll establish a timeline. Once we decide to work together, I'll draw up a contract and we'll go from there.

During the actual proofread, I read the manuscript through once. During this read through, I won't make any major changes. I might highlight inconsistencies or obvious errors, but my main priority is reading the story. I do this first because it's easy to become distracted by an amazing story, and that's when things are missed. So, to be detail oriented, I read it once with no major changes. Then, I go back and start making the changes. I will also read it out loud in parts to help ensure authenticity. Proofreading is a detailed job, and it takes a couple passes to ensure it's done well. I will finish with double-checking formatting before returning it to my client. 

What are your interests and hobbies outside proofreading?

I primarily focus on writing my own romance novels. Otherwise, I spend time with my corgi, Berkeley, and my family. I also enjoy traveling when I'm able to and will spend as much free time in a coffee shop or bookstore as possible. 

Where can readers and clients find you?

My linktree has all the necessary links:  ashwritesromance | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

My website is here:  Ashlyn Harmon | Romance Author and Editor   -- This is where they can find basically all the information they need (editing services, information about me, all my social media links, book info, and a contact form).

Thank you so much Ashlyn for stopping by and giving your instights into editing and proofreading!