Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# Jo Finchen-Parsons Editorial

Non-fiction developmental editor and copy editor – specialising in marketing, business and tech – for self-publishing authors

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [The Exchange Blog](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/blog/)
- [Specialist editors: what are the benefits compared with a generalist editor?](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/specialist-edito/) - What are the benefits of hiring a specialist editor? Do you need a specialist for your book?
- [About me... but really, about you](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/about-me-but-really-about-you/) - You may have noticed I don’t have the usual ‘About me’ page, only a short paragraph on the homepage and now this, my first blog post. It’s intentional. I want this website and blog (yet to be officially named) to be about you, your book project, your (self-) publishing dreams and the editing process. So, this will be the only ‘About me’ post; this website and blog isn’t about how wonderful an editor I am, what I ate for breakfast or my son’s first day at school. It’s about you, and your editorial needs, and us together: a writer/editor collab built on teamwork, transparency and trust. But I do realise that there are some things you need or want to know about me in order to engage me as your editor or take my advice in good faith. Here it is:
- [How to choose an editor for your nonfiction book](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/how-to-choose-an-editor-for-your-nonfiction-book/) - I have found the main reason to choose the right editor for your nonfiction book is to avoid the pain! So, how do you choose the right editor for your book and for you? I shall be your guide from the search, through the long list and to the short list. I’ll provide the necessary information to ensure success in hiring the right editor for your book.
- [Editor: Do I really need one for my nonfiction book?](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/editor-do-i-really-need-one-for-my-nonfiction-book/) - By the end of this article, you will have the information you need to decide whether to hire a professional editor to help make your self-publishing journey a successful one.
- [Breaking down the self-publishing process](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/breaking-down-the-self-publishing-process/) - Your book, your rules: a step-by-step guide to making the self-publishing process work for nonfiction authors. Get the most out of your self-publishing journey.
- [eBook formats and ePublishing platforms – things you need to know](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/ebook-formats-and-epublishing-platforms-things-you-need-to-know/) - Self-publishing is a multifaceted process – from finding an editor for a self-publishing author to deciding where to publish an eBook, there is always something demanding your attention. In this article we will take a look at two key concepts to understand, the eBook formats and some of the most popular self-publishing platforms in order to help you decide where and how to publish your book.
- [Traditional v self-publishing: what’s the difference?](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/traditional-v-self-publishing-whats-the-difference/) - If you’re going to publish a book, you need to know that there are broadly two ways to do it. I've written a quick guide about the main differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing, which explains the processes, pros and cons in more detail.
- [Writing a book as a business marketing tool](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/writing-a-book-as-a-business-marketing-tool/) - A good proportion of my self-publishing clients are writing their first book as a method of supporting their business goals. Yes, writing a book is a big thing: it’s hard work and often a long process. But those who pen a book – as part of a strategy to market their services, grow their brand awareness and offer customers more – are bold, brave and grabbing attention away from competitors.
- [What is copy editing?](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/what-is-copy-editing/) - Copy editing is a detailed edit improving language and the reader experience and, therefore, the success of a publication. It’s a broad stage of editing where your editor employs many technical skills. Copy editing helps to make a document ready for publication by ensuring it is complete, clear, consistent and correct. Let’s look at what’s involved and, more importantly, how it will help your book become a success.
- [Am I ready for an editor?](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/am-i-ready-for-an-editor/) - Am I ready for an editor? How to work out where you are in the self-publishing process.
- [Types of editing: what are the three core levels?](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-editing/) - There are articles abound on the Internet about the different types of editing. They vary in the number of levels, but most agree on three core types: development editing, copy editing and proofreading. In between those you can have more types of editing: editorial assessment, structural editing, line editing and fact-checking. Does that sound confusing? And expensive? Yes. Here at JFP Editorial, I stick to three types of non-fiction editing: development editing, copy editing and proofreading. Below, I outline what’s included in each of those stages of the editorial process and answer a key question: how will they help your book be successful?
- [Blog name reveal!](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/blog-name-reveal/) - So why ‘The Exchange’? There’s also a couple of reasons for the name too. I wanted to nod to the fact that most of my editing work is in the tech sphere. When I was thinking about words that would link with technology and also a blog offering advice about self-publishing and editing, I kept coming back to ‘exchange’. I had recently finished a book on Electronic Data Interchange, or exchanging information.
- [Why even self-publishing authors should write a book proposal](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/why-even-self-publishing-authors-should-write-a-book-proposal/) - A book proposal is a document prepared by an author that distills all the reasons their book should exist in one structured format. Although they’re traditionally researched and written as a sort of business plan to ‘sell’ a non-fiction book idea to agents and publishers, I believe a well-thought-out book proposal should be the first step in any non-fiction project, even if you plan to self-publish. Really, I guess we should say a book proposal for indie authors is a development plan because you don’t need to propose your idea to anyone, but whether you call it a book proposal or a development plan they more or less contain the same information and require the same amount of effort.
- [What is developmental editing?](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/what-is-developmental-editing/) - I would always advocate starting with developmental editing as your first stage of working with a professional editor. In my earlier article, ‘Types of editing: what are the three core levels?’, I distil numerous types of editing into three core levels. This is in recognition of the fact that most self-publishing authors don’t have the resources available to pursue edit upon edit upon edit, which in traditional publishing (via a publishing house) would be taken care of by staff editors as part of the package. Although, even with that route, cuts are being made to editorial processes. Developmental editing works best when you engage your editor early on in the manuscript’s life.
- [Who should be in your self-publishing editorial team?](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/who-should-be-in-your-self-publishing-editorial-team/) - You can’t publish a book on your own. Well, actually I suppose that should say ‘you shouldn’t try to publish a book on your own’: of course you could actually produce a manuscript and a front cover and self-publish it all on your own. But writing a book is such a creative and at times frustrating, long-winded, confusing process, and working collaboratively with others can be so rewarding not just because the results will be better but because the process will be more enjoyable too. So, who should be in your editorial team?
- [What is proofreading?](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/what-is-proofreading/) - I often find that proofreading and copy editing are mixed up, which is understandable. The word ‘proofreading’ is used in everyday situations to mean checking a communication for errors – often spelling or grammatical errors, or typos. For example, you may consider that checking your email before you press send is proofreading, and you probably wouldn’t have it edited by another person midway through the drafting or writing process. In this situation and many others, using ‘proofreading’ as a general term for checking work is absolutely fine. Confusion arises in the editorial world because the stages of editing are more nuanced, so a mix up of ‘proofreading’ and ‘copy editing’ can cause misunderstandings and changes to the budget or the schedule (I’ve been there and learnt my lesson!)

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/) - Non-fiction editing and proofreading for technology, marketing and business writers Developmental Editing An in-depth edit of your early manuscript After the developmental editing process your manuscript may look very different, but you can rest assured it will be much closer to the book you set out to publish. Show me more Copy Editing A detailed
- [Terms and conditions](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/contact/terms-and-conditions/) - Contract of editing services Let's be on the same page, always. The following terms and conditions are provided so that you and I both have an upfront and honest understanding of what is involved in the process of working together. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me so that I
- [Contact me](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/contact/) - Send me your editing queries or request a quote Sending your manuscript off to an editor is hard, I get it. Particularly if you are following the self-publication route and this is all new to you. Send me your questions and as much information about your book as you can, and I'll guide you through
- [Resource Centre](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/resource-centre/) - Free resources for non-fiction writers I've collected together some recommendations on articles and books that are useful to non-fiction writers, particularly those self-publishing. I've also created some free guides and resources to help you along on your publishing journey! Click a button to jump straight to that section or scroll to browse through all the
- [Editorial Services](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/editorial-services/) - Developmental Editing An in-depth edit of your early manuscript Focusing on: Developing the book’s proposal in collaboration with you Refining your unique concept and arguments throughout Identifying and enhancing your unique selling points Ensuring the level and tone match the readers’ knowledge and expectations Reorganising to improve structure and the reader experience Writing new material
- [Leave a review](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/leave-a-review/) - It's important to me and my business that I always continue to improve and keep providing the editorial services clients most value. Please leave a review of Jo Finchen-Parsons Editorial services here. I really appreciate your feedback. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Full name * Role and company If applicable
- [Page coming soon](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/oops-404-page-not-found/page-coming-soon/) - A new page is coming really soon. Please check back! Take me back to the homepage
- [Privacy policy](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/contact/privacy-policy/) - Treating your manuscript and information with respect and discretion I am a sole trader operating as Jo Finchen-Parsons Editorial. I offer editing/proofreading services to self-publishing authors, publishing houses and businesses. My client/customer base is worldwide. This policy describes how I protect and make use of the information you give me. If you are asked to
- [Testimonials and portfolio](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/testimonials/) - Here, you'll find some of the books I’ve had the pleasure of developmental editing or copy editing and reviews from self-publishing authors and publishers. Visit the 'About me' section to learn more about my experience, skills and what qualifies me to be your editor. Reviews of my editorial services I work with a range of
- [Oops! 404 page not found](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/oops-404-page-not-found/) - To cut a long story short, this page is missing. I want to talk about developmental editing

## Categories

- [About me](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/category/about-me/)
- [Editing](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/category/editing/)
- [Developmental editing](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/category/editing/developmental-editing/)
- [Copy editing](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/category/editing/copy-editing/)
- [Proofreading](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/category/editing/proofreading/)
- [Editorial team](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/category/editing/editorial-team/)
- [Free resources and guides](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/category/free-resources-and-guides/)
- [Writing process](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/category/writing-process/)
- [Publishing](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/category/publishing/)
- [Self-publishing](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/category/publishing/self-publishing/)

## Tags

- [#JFPeditorial](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/jfpeditorial/)
- [About me](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/about-me/)
- [Experience](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/experience/)
- [Qualifications](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/qualifications/)
- [Editing](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/editing/)
- [Developmental editing](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/developmental-editing/)
- [Copy editing](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/copy-editing/)
- [Proofreading](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/proofreading/)
- [book proposal](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/book-proposal/)
- [free resource](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/free-resource/)
- [free guide](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/free-guide/)
- [template](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/template/)
- [ready](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/ready/)
- [editor](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/editor/)
- [copyeditor](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/copyeditor/)
- [developmental editor](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/developmental-editor/)
- [process](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/process/)
- [finding an editor](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/finding-an-editor/)
- [editorial team](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/editorial-team/)
- [selfpublishing](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/selfpublishing/)
- [publishing](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/publishing/)
- [self-publishing](https://www.jfpeditorial.com/tag/self-publishing/)