EDITING SERVICES
Hello! My name is Avery Naughton and I cannot wait to work with you on your manuscripts and other writing projects. As a book editor at Smithsonian who has also been an editor at National Geographic, I understand the publishing world well.
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I offer three different editing services: 1) Developmental editing, 2) Line-by-line copy editing, and 3) Proofreading. Please see more in-depth descriptions of my services under the Pricing tab.
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I am happy to edit a variety of writing projects, including full-length fiction and non-fiction book manuscripts of all genres. I also edit: blogs, website content, marketing materials, magazine articles, essays, dissertations, query letters, brochures, manuals, and guides.
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When collaborating with me on your writing projects, you can expect clarity, timeliness, honesty, and professionalism. I only take on projects I have the capacity for, and because of that, I can promise to do your project justice and give it the time and attention it deserves. I believe that the best editors are the best listeners and communicators, and I am quick to respond to any queries. I understand that each author's approach is unique, and I do my best to meet you where you are in your process. Let’s make something you’re exceptionally proud of together.
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In every project I approach, I bring a sharp eye for tone, reading level, research integrity for non-fiction projects, and audience perception. I always complete projects on time and bring an upbeat but honest approach to every interaction.
When reviewing manuscripts, I take ample time to provide detailed and clear feedback that adheres to industry standards and offer explanations for my suggestions. When editing manuscripts and other projects, I conduct an in-depth edit with red-font changes and additions, providing you in the end with one “clean” copy removed of marks, and one with the changes. I always check for grammar, punctuation, flow, tense, and tone. As part of every project, I include a separate Word Document of trends I noticed and edited, and larger suggestions I have to make the manuscript shine.
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Outside of my full-time job at the Smithsonian, I have freelance edited on the Upwork and Reedsy platforms. Please feel free to look at my profiles here:
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https://www.upwork.com/o/profiles/users/~014b4e5f7ab5ac7c6c/
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https://reedsy.com/avery-naughton
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I hope to get the privilege of reading your work and collaborating with you in the future. Please feel free to reach out to me with any inquiries and questions with the contact form below. I am happy to set up a call or Zoom to learn more about your editing project.
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
ABOUT ME
Growing up, I was always storytelling in one form or another—writing silly poems about animals, making scrapbooks, or writing op-eds for school newspapers. I was thrilled to make this lifelong passion my profession through my roles at National Geographic and The Smithsonian.
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Outside of work, I love—you guessed it—reading both fiction and non-fiction books (my favorite authors are Lisa See, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Madeline Miller, and Pat Conroy). Whenever I get the chance, I love traveling. So far, my favorite destinations are Japan, Tanzania, Egypt, and Italy. I adore all things animal, and spend as much time as I can with my rescue dog, Pickles, who is the cuddliest and most co-dependent big dog I've ever met. When editing your manuscript, there's no doubt I'll have an extra set of eyes on it in the form of Pickles begging for treats. I contribute 5% of each project I take on to animal shelters and rescue groups.
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EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
B.A. Carleton College, History
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
I currently work at the Smithsonian, the world's largest museum and research complex as a book editor. Within the licensed publishing team, I collaborate with esteemed publishing partners like DK and Penguin Random House to brainstorm book ideas, develop proposals, and review projects with curatorial approval.
B.A. Carleton College, History
National Geographic Books, Editor
Awards: Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude, Highest mark of Distinction in history department and on senior thesis, Dean's List, Class of 1963 Research Fellow, TECHNOS International Fellow
Activities and Jobs: Newspaper Editor, Writing Center consultant, Classics, Student Delegate to International Writing Centers Association
I worked as a book editor in the National Geographic Books division. I managed roughly ten projects at a time, including both fiction and nonfiction titles. I found and hired authors, pitched and developed book ideas, proposed and managed budgets, edited manuscripts, and wrote marketing material for each book. Projects include New York Times Bestseller Greeking Out and the Explorer Academy Series.
Smithsonian Licensed Publishing, Editor
TESTIMONIALS
01
"Avery is incredible. I wish I had used her as my copy editor instead of just proofreading. Her notes were invaluable and her edits were spot on. I've already recommended her to two other writers less than a week after the job completed. Amazing work!!"
02
"Ms. Naughton is exceptionally professional and thorough. As a first time (children's book) author, this is all new territory and like most, if not all writers, our stories are so personal. Ms. Naughton, in a few brief email exchanges explained her process, gave a projected completion date and more importantly she cared and treated my project as her own. Her multi-layered work was completed ahead of schedule and the detail and attention of her work says so much about her and her commitment as an editor. I hope to work her again."
03
"Avery was absolutely brilliant. She was extremely thorough and detailed, and provided feedback that significantly improved the overall composition of my work. I’d hire her over and over again for copy edit or proofreading. She’s a must-hire. I’m so glad I found her!"
04
"I am so pleased with Avery's work! She was organized, helpful, super easy to work with and very timely with answering questions. She was meticulous with detail within the manuscript and also with managing her set deadlines. She always got things back to me prior to the deadline. I never had to chase down anything she was doing, nor did I ever wonder or doubt her amazing feedback on the manuscript. She obviously knows what she is doing and gave great advice, and referred my elsewhere if my questions were out of her wheel house. I wish I was working on a second book so that I could continue working with her. Initially, I asked her to plan on having milestone meetings after each milestone to be sure we were progressing on the same page. We had one - and that was all that was needed because we worked together seamlessly. This was the best possible experience I could have had with my first time working with a developmental editor. I highly recommend Avery for any type of project like this. She is friendly, professional, and extremely organized."
CONTACT ME
Please feel free to reach out via the form below and I will get back to you as soon as possible. If you describe your project below, I'm happy to offer a free quote based off of my pricing guide.