Ginny Ruths
Memoir, Narrative nonfiction
United States English (US)
About Ginny
As a substantive, developmental, and line editor for 30+ years, I’ve collaborated with clients around the world in both fiction and nonfiction, from memoir and spirituality to fantasy and thriller to children’s picture books. Business clients include Paralyzed Veterans of America, Infinity Foundation, US Soccer, Simtek Corporation, Colorado Springs Business Journal, Hewlett-Packard, and Boys and Girls Club of the Pikes Peak Region.
My professional background encompasses work in nonprofit as well as commercial businesses, from assistant editor to communications manager. I’m proficient in the Chicago Manual of Style and the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
Services Priced in your written quote
Substantive edit
Improve overall manuscript organization and flow: - Reorder sections for logical progression - Maintain consistency in and development of characters and themes - Ensure logical and consistent plot progression and pacing - Eliminate repetition and wordiness - Smooth dialogue - Refine word choice - Tighten action and pacing - Indicate missing information - Maintain appropriate reading level
Line/stylistic edit
Provide non-mechanical line-by-line edits for style, flow, and readability: - Smooth paragraph and sentence structure, transitions, and dialogue - Refine word choice - Reword clichés - Tighten action and pacing - Indicate missing information - Provide basic fact-checking - Offer recommendations on more extensive development or rewrites - Maintain appropriate reading level
Manuscript assessment/developmental review
Critique the overall effectiveness, strengths, and weaknesses of story elements: - Thematic progression - Flow, structure, and organization - Character motivations and growth - Plot development, logic, and consistency - Dialogue, action, and pacing - Continuity of timing and location - Critical scenes - Genre expectations - Tone and language level - Grammatical and stylistic concerns
Writing/book coach
Offer guidance and feedback in one-on-sessions: - Advise on organizing, outlining, researching, developing, and writing - Help determine appropriate narrative, voice, style, and tone - Establish and oversee goals and milestones - Provide encouragement and celebrate progress throughout the writing process
Copy edit
Correct grammar, punctuation, syntax, spelling, and consistency issues.
Portfolio Books Ginny worked on
Experience
- Editor/consultant, Touchstone Publications1989-present
- Public relations assistant, Praco Ltd.1988-1989
- Communications manager, Interactive Management Systems1986-1987
- Assistant editor, College Placement Council1981-1984
Education
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