"When it's your book on the line, you need it to be right."

I am the author of three nonfiction books, an editor, and a book designer with over twenty combined years of corporate and freelance experience. My areas of expertise include many kinds of fiction, nonfiction, and all manner of written business communications. I pride myself on being a true writer's advocate, and have been said to "channel" my authors' messages. Whether you work with me on your manuscript, business proposal, or self-published masterpiece, you will always know that it's your message that matters.

Learn more about me...

View some of the recent self-published books my clients and I have produced.

"Heidi is a thoroughly intelligent editor who immersed herself in my work. Her comments were both supportive and perceptive. For critical narrative and character development issues, her comments were not overly directive and she stimulated my own creativity in finding solutions." - William Espinosa, Atty. in International Law, Washington, DC, 2009

"I received exactly what I expected from editor Heidi Connolly – attention to detail, excellent comments and suggestions, a speedy turnaround time on my documents, affordable rates, and, most of all, a caring and professional individual." - Professor of Musicology, CA, 2009

"Heidi is fantastic. Although I am a seasoned scientific author, Heidi was an essential component of the transition to fiction writing. Her editing is on point, non-intrusive, and faithful to the best principles of Strunk and White. All I can say is, try her. You will be grateful you did." - Jonathan C. Javitt, M.D., M.P.H., The Potomac Institute, Washington, DC, 2006

"As a new, aspiring author, I needed some serious help. Heidi was patient and reassuring and I found the observations and recommendations in her manuscript critique to be invaluable to my development as a writer. She is very easy to work with and willing to take the time to discuss ways to improve. Her professional approach and her personal touch are just two of the many reasons I feel that I am in the right hands. I have every intention of working with her in the future and for as long as I continue to write." - Stephen J. Galgon, Teacher, Toms River, NJ, 2009

 

FOR WRITERS SEEKING PUBLICATION:

COACHING/CONSULTING FOR DO-IT-YOURSELFERS

I'll help you learn what you need to know to:

• Navigate the complicated world of self-publishing
• Purchase an ISBN number or bar code yourself
• Get your book listed with Amazon.com
• Choose the best on-line printer of short-run books or the best "print-on-demand" (POD) or "self-publishing service"
  

FOR WRITERS WHO WISH TO SELF-PUBLISH

“After hearing Heidi Ratner-Connolly speak at a writer’s workshop in Brookings, Oregon, I was convinced she was the one to edit my book. Now I know I made the right choice. Heidi made many timely and thoughtful suggestions. She was clear and to the point, as well as fast, efficient, and professional. She hit my blind spots square on. She didn’t hold back, but gave me honest, creative comments, while still building my self-confidence. That’s hard to do, but she did it. I’m sure my project wasn’t the only one in Heidi’s work basket, yet she never gave the impression that she didn’t have time for me. I can’t say enough to express my appreciation for her talent with words. She has my full endorsement.”  - Ellen T. McKinsey, Crescent City, CA, 2008, author of Jofi: Star Seeker Series, Book I

EDITING:

Together we will decide the level of editing your manuscript requires. I provide all levels of proofreading (grammar and punctuation), copy-editing (grammar and punctuation corrections, plus stylistic editing, structural edits and substantive rewrites).

BOOK DESIGN (VIEW SAMPLE BOOK DESIGN COVERS HERE):

For those manuscripts ready to go...it's been proofed and edited by a professional and now it's ready for the next step--formatting, design and publishing software. At this point manuscripts need to be aligned with the printer's specifications. I have long-time relationships with printers who handle both short- and long-run book orders of both hardcover and perfect bound books. Remember: your book's design will reflect your book's message. We will work together to develop the professional look and image you want.

MEMOIRS:

More and more people are discovering the joy of compiling the stories and memories of someone they love--to put them down on paper for generations to come. If you don't know where to start, call me to discuss all the elements of creating the perfect memoir, straight through from recording to transcription, editing, formatting, design and printing. Together we will create the perfect way to honor your life or the life of a family member.

CONSULTING & SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICES:

When your book is finished, it's time for all the details related to printing and publishing. You need an ISBN number and a bar code, plus registration at the Library of Congress; you need someone to make sure your photos and graphic images are handled appropriately both inside and on the cover of your book. You need someone to liaison with a reliable printer to make sure the end result is perfect.

When one person completes all the elements of your book (the editing, the design and the printing process), you can be sure that your book will be handled holistically, with thorough attention to every aspect of its production. That's what I do at Harvard Girl Editing--every single time.

WHAT AN EDITING SERVICE IS ALL ABOUT:

Editing and writing is just the beginning of a great "editing service."

Why? Because few editors write well, and even fewer writers make good editors. So it's rare to find them both in one person. Add someone who designs books and interfaces with the printing industry, and you've got the most unique and truly holistic service possible.

Compatibility is critical to producing the results you want. And the author/editor relationship is paramount to achieving those results. That means you need someone who appreciates your personal writing style and works to design all elements and revisions to match that style, and to be in alignment with your sensibilities, and above all, the message of your words.

Communication is also critical to producing the results you want. It's not easy to have your manuscript critiqued or criticized. My most valued client feedback has been that I have an uncanny ability to share suggestions and commentary without making my clients feel threatened in any way. In fact, I've been told that's what makes me and my work so unusual--that and the fact that I always manage to produce and convey exactly the message and the look my clients are aiming for.

Some "editing" services try to be everything to everybody--either staffing editors, writers, proofreaders, designers, agents, marketers/publicists or subcontracting for these services--all picking apart your project, often without true regard for its integrity. I will personally handle each part of your manuscript project from inception to completion. End of story. That way our edits reflect and amplify your meaning, the book's design conveys exactly what you want it to convey, and the cover represents what you want it to represent. We communicate every step of the way.