SERVICES
My forte is meeting each client wherever they are in the editing process, and offering organic guidance that preserves each writer's unique voice, and helps the writer tell the most powerful, authentic version of their story.
Applying to graduate school? Just graduated? Working toward submitting your writing to an employer, an agent, a publisher? I can help!
My commitment is to see every client's project through to a satisfying, polished, final draft, whatever that may entail. I am selective about the projects I take on, and offer competitive pricing and my full attention to each client.
I offer proofreading, copyediting, and developmental editing, in isolation, or any combination of the three that fits both the client's budget and project needs. I charge by the word and offer fast, affordable feedback.
Proofreading
Maybe you're already in that final stage, nearly ready for print, but you just need that one last set of eyes to make sure that every comma is in the right place, and that your grammar is clean and precise. Proofreading is a safety net, a delightfully nit-picky lens that ensures your work meets all standards of professionalism.
Copyediting
Copyediting travels several steps beyond proofreading, more of a fine-tune than a final check. This level notes repetition issues, as well as any inconsistencies in verb tense or grammar. Copywriting addresses sentence structure and the overall flow of language and narrative voice, as well as pinpointing any awkward dialogue.
Developmental Editing
This editorial level focuses on big picture concerns, and looks at the overall structure. A developmental edit might include notes on the effectiveness of plot, the development of characters and setting, issues with pacing and the build of tension, and any thematic issues that arise in the text.
ABOUT ME
FINESSE EDITING founder Lindsay Michele Krumbein is a Bay Area native, happily ensconced on the island of Alameda with her two children and two cats. She holds a BA in English Literature from SFSU, and an MFA in Creative Fiction from Mills College.
For two decades, Lindsay has worked in a range of educational, artistic, and community settings. She has written and produced plays, garnered hundreds of thousands of dollars in non-profit grant funding, and is currently working on her own novels and creative non-fiction. You can read her writing at Half and One, Herstry, The Stardust Review, 100subtxts, Hypertext, BULL Lit Mag, and Drunk Monkeys.
Lindsay excels at both substantive developmental editing, and detailed precision line editing. Her priority is to preserve each writer's unique narrative voice, while helping to polish phrasing and language, trim unnecessary fat, and articulate patterns, both effective and problematic, to help clients better hone their craft.
From personal essays, to novels and memoirs, Lindsay's sharp eye will finesse your first draft to a tight, beautifully realized final.
Recent Editing Projects
I've had the pleasure of offering a combination of developmental, copyediting, and proofreading services for the recent projects linked below.
"Lindsay was passionate about helping me bring out the very best in my writing. She gave me personalized and strategic advice on structure, organization, and the order of my chapters. She provided me with line notes and feedback. She highlighted text that needed another look for clarity, word choice, and voice. She assisted me in remaining consistent in formatting the lists and letters in my manuscript. Lindsay has an eye for the nuts and bolts of grammar and punctuation. She helped me with my aversion to commas. With Lindsay’s editing, my memoir is polished, professional, and somehow more me. I’m thrilled with the finished manuscript, and I just got an agent."
Andrea McCullough, Mills College MFA
01
"Lindsay edited my graduate school applications, and I got into all ten schools to which I applied. She is thorough, efficient, communicative, and direct. Lindsay helped me distinguish and tighten up my two personal essays by helping me see what had already been said and what was missing. She pointed out repeated issues in my writing sample which empowered me to write and revise my writing at a whole new level. Lindsay showed me where transitions were needed, where I fell out of voice, and where to incorporate more essential detail. She helped me understand what was pulling the reader through and what was unnecessary. Lindsay is transparent and respectful. I trust her feedback. Her energy and enthusiasm guided me through the end of the application process. I try to contain myself, but I want Lindsay to read everything I write. Her edits make me a better writer and leave my work refined and ready for submission."
KJ M., Antioch University MFA Candidate
02
Working with Lindsay was easily one of my best editorial experiences. She has a great eye for the “little” things, but she also gets the big picture, too. Motivations. Plot. Character. All of it. As she went through my stories, it was clear to me that she had a deep respect for my voice—and my work as a whole. I highly recommend Lindsay to any and all seeking editorial services. A true professional.
Bradley Sides, Crocodile Tears Didn't Cause the Flood
03
I had the pleasure of working with Lindsay on an edit cycle for my second collection of short stories, and her work was at all times detailed and thoughtful. She demonstrated a strong understanding of narrative and character, and helped me find greater clarity and expression in the manuscript. Her work improved mine immeasurably, and I appreciate the care and professionalism with which she treated my collection. As an editor myself, it's always a delight to find a colleague whose ability and attention to all aspects of one's writing is exceptional, and that's what I found with Lindsay.
Brandon Nolta, No Refuge
04
Lindsay is our go-to editor, whether it comes to making sure all the i's are dotted and all the t's are crossed, or when we need to make sure our artist statements are polished, clear, and dynamic. She is fast, responsive, thorough, and always friendly and helpful in her communication. The American Jewelry Design Council definitely benefits from her expertise.
Alan Revere, American Jewelry Design Council
05
"Lindsay brought so much enthusiasm in her readings of my various writing styles and projects, always giving affirmation along with bumps and curiosities. Her comments continue to inspire improvement in my work."
Karren E., writing student
06
TESTIMONIALS
CONTACT ME
Let's talk!
Complete the form below and be sure to tell me a bit about your project.
510.545.9379