I have over 35 years’ experience as a professional editor. My credits include Viking Press, The University of Tennessee Press, McFarland & Company, and Africa News Service.
In today’s highly competitive book market, every author needs a second set of eyes on their manuscript before submitting to agents and publishers. The industry now expects a finished product, rather than potential that requires development.
My top priority is staying true to a client’s voice and message while offering finesse and polish. I respect a writer’s style and never impose my own values on their work. I provide alternatives, offer suggestions, and pose questions when they arise.
I’m familiar with industry standards & the process of getting published, start to finish. I possess a substantial knowledge-base of skills required in excellent editing (grammar, vocabulary, syntax, tone, etc.), for a clear, concise and smooth read. I am also able to point out potentially problematic wrinkles that are often overlooked.
While my primary focus during recent years has been books, I have extensive experience editing articles, resumes and CVs, advertising copy, proposals, business & legal documents, and student projects.
I’m familiar with a broad range of topics and understand editing differences between literary and academic works. For the latter, I can offer expertise in presenting citations and notes. Click below for my detailed resume. My rates are extremely competitive and affordable. I charge by word count to prevent uncertainty about final cost, and offer pay-as-you-go plans to limit up-front expenses. The three main types of editing involve different amounts of work and time:
Proofreading: basic grammar, spelling, repetitive words, etc.
Copyediting: streamlines text for readability, presentation and formatting, including syntax (re-ordering word, sentence, or paragraph location for improved clarity and impact)
Developmental: when a manuscript is still at first-draft level, and requires in-depth revision
Please email to express interest and schedule a free consultation.
TESTIMONIALS
Patricia Ford edited both of my books before submission, and helped me through the convoluted editing process to which all publishers subject their authors. She is a far better copyeditor than any I encountered at publishing houses. Patricia remained true to her promise: She tuned in to my unique style and unlike many editors, never attempted to impose her own values upon my work. She is brilliant, gifted, and her rates are surprisingly affordable.
- Phil Cohen, The Jackson Project: War in the American Workplace (University of Tennessee Press; 2016) and Fighting Union Busters in a Carolina Carpet Mill (McFarland & Co; 2020) Monthly columnist for Work-Bites Magazine. (All referenced material copyedited by Patricia Ford.)
I feel so lucky and grateful to have discovered Patricia and her editing prowess. My book project was foundering, and she not only gave it the professional editing treatment required, but encouraged and supported me through a tough phase of getting to publication, which is now happening! Highly recommended!
- Zemo Trevathan, The Adventures of Casey, Kendall and The Stucco Beings (Palmetto Press; 2025).
What is a good book editor worth? Priceless. I hired Patricia Ford to edit my latest book about the FBI and the Supreme Court. She was fantastic. I call her 'the Word Wizard.' Thank you, Patricia! Give her a ring if you need a great freelance editor.
- Alex Charns, FBI Snitches, Blackmail, and Obscene Ethics at the Supreme Court and Listening to Chopin While fighting Nazis: A Journey Into My Family’s WWII Polish Past (Bull City Law Publishing; 2024). (Both copyedited by Patricia Ford)
Patricia Ford. . .a meticulous copy editor, improved my writing in a number of places.
- Richard Douglas Spence, Daniel Smith Donelson: Soldier, Politician, Tennessean (University of Tennessee Press; 2023).