“To write is human, to edit is divine.”
- Stephen King

Rugged Land editorial includes three distinct read-throughs of your work.

First Pass

After you sign up, the first step is to send in your manuscript. I then deliver two documents back to you:

1. An editorial memo (5-10 pages) that breaks down the major problems and issues throughout the material.
2. Your manuscript, amended with "track changes" (often referred to as "page notes" or "line notes") that include observations like unnecessary repetitions, clumsy language, and ideas for improvement.

Second Pass

You then take another pass at your manuscript, using these documents. When you send it in again, I consider your next (second) draft and deliver another annotated editorial memo and manuscript to you. This step often involves emails back and forth, where I answer your questions.

Final Pass

At the third draft, I read through the material one last time. I polish it with further track changes and deliver a final memo. This can also include an opinion regarding agents, publication, publicity, and marketing.

Screenplays

Screenplays are more rigid than fiction and non-fiction prose, especially in terms of structure. That screenplays have far fewer words and underscore the visual makes the writing more, not less, demanding.

Writing Services

Effective storytelling requires insight, structure, and honesty. Rugged Land offers writing (and “ghostwriting”) services for memoirs, autobiographies, biographies, histories, business books, nonfiction book proposals, speeches, and articles.

My writing services comprise full length memoir; a book proposal (pitch, outline, sample chapters for submission to agents); or an article for news/magazine/show pitch or publication.

Book Proposals

Nonfiction books are sold with a book proposal. Neither agents nor editors will accept a full nonfiction manuscript. I specialize in commercial book proposals that will sell to publishers.

Query Letters

Before sending a nonfiction book proposal or a fiction manuscript to a literary agent, you must first draft a query letter. This letter describes yourself, your project, and why you are the person to write it. I help to fashion this for salability.

Publicity, Marketing, Agents

Whether publishing with a major house or self-publishing, every author needs to be vigilant with publicity. You need to coordinate with influential book reviewers in traditional newspapers and magazines, as well as podcasts, Instagram, and TikTok. I advise on publicity, marketing, resources, and companies in order to make your book a success.

I also help to source and strategize submissions to literary agents.

‍Cover (and Author Website) Design

I work with Hsu and Associates, an award-winning design firm that specializes in book covers and interiors for my own company and all the major houses. We can offer various “looks” for a reasonable price for the most vivid and commercial covers and design.

We also offer complete design and build of author websites.