Thoughtful copy editing and proofreading

Need help clearing up comma clutter, pruning plot holes, and tidying up the timeline? I provide copy editing and proofreading that takes your manuscript from rough-and-ready to publish-ready.

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Sarah Schedler, editor for indie authors, poses for a photo next to a statue of Paddington Bear.
Sarah Schedler, editor for indie authors, poses for a photo next to a statue of Paddington Bear.

Hi, I'm Sarah!

What I Do

Copy Editing
Proofreading
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A deep grammatical edit for overall writing quality.

I ensure the language is polished, clear, and consistent to clear up wordiness, unintentional shifts in verb tense, grammar, and word choice. Includes a stylesheet!

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A technical edit focused on the nitty-gritty.

I deliver a final, word-perfect draft free of all stray commas, typos, inaccuracies, and formatting errors. (Includes no suggestions related to style, sentence structure, or flow.)

“I had the utmost pleasure of working with Sarah for proofreading my second book, Kicking up Dust.

From the very first interaction, I could tell it was a match made in Heaven because Sarah instantly felt like a friend and someone I could trust with my manuscript. She worked quickly yet thoroughly, and I loved seeing her commentary along the way. Seriously, I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole time.

Any suggestions she offered never felt like she was tearing into my manuscript and she was very careful to keep my characters' voices in mind when making those suggestions, which I so appreciate!! I never felt confined by the rules of grammar with Sarah, as she left me several opportunities to let my own style (and the characters' voices) shine through while still making sure my manuscript was professionally edited! (I particularly appreciated her in-depth research into the best spelling for 'dickmatized' lol).

I can't wait to work with Sarah again in the future! 5/5, would recommend every single time!”

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— Cassie Truett, author of the Whittaker Ranch series

Author Testimonial

Professionally Trained Copy Editor

Certificates and Training
(click to enlarge)

  • General copy editing:

    • Certificate in Editing from the American Copy Editors Society

    • Intermediate Certificate in Editing from the American Copy Editors Society

  • Fiction copy editing:

    • Club Ed: Beginning Copyediting for Fiction

    • Louise Harnby: Switching to Fiction (copy/line editing)

  • Professional memberships:

    • Bay Area Editors' Forum

    • Club Ed

    • Editors Tea Club

  • Top Rated on Upwork, with a 100% Job Success Score for 5 years

Sarah Schedler, book editor, poses smiling with her face poking through a wooden cut-out.
Sarah Schedler, book editor, poses smiling with her face poking through a wooden cut-out.

I've been editing full-time since 2021. (Taking the leap and quitting my 9-to-5 was the best decision I ever made!)

I have a Certificate in Editing from the American Copy Editors Society, and I'm proud to maintain a 100% Job Success Score on Upwork. I've worked with authors on a whole host of genres, from self-published WLW ro-mystery fiction and publishing-house nonfiction to self-help guides and goal-oriented calendar-planners.

I know how much trust it takes to hand your writing to someone else, and I don’t take that lightly. Communication is a big deal to me, so I take the time to understand your story, vision, and goals and make sure we’re on the same page.

I believe a great editor is part cheerleader, part guide, part grammar nut. I’m here to encourage you, ask questions to help strengthen your writing (when you want that!), and help you cross the finish line with confidence—and a word-perfect manuscript.

Background image of floral wallpaper offsetting an author review of Sarah's editing work.
Background image of floral wallpaper offsetting an author review of Sarah's editing work.

LOVED working with Sarah. Amazing, easy-going energy, yet absolutely on point, on time, and precise with her superpower proofreading.

Excellent and friendly communication, speedy smooth work, easy-going to work with, accurate and awesome. Recommending Sarah to all my other book author clients who need a proofreader!

Five white stars in a row, indicating a five-star review of Sarah's editing work by author Noi L.
Five white stars in a row, indicating a five-star review of Sarah's editing work by author Noi L.

– Astrid Mueller, author of Permission to Sparkle

A photo of the editor's light brown, short-haired dog playing in green grass with a big dog smile.
A photo of the editor's light brown, short-haired dog playing in green grass with a big dog smile.

Get to Know Me

Hi! I’m Sarah—a detail-obsessed editor who’s ready to dive into your story and help your words shine. I LOVE to read and geek out about characters, story arcs, and grammar, so this truly is my dream job! I offer copy editing and proofreading services for fiction and nonfiction.

One of my favorite things about editing for indie authors is reading and editing all kinds of stories, though I have a special soft spot for romance, mystery, and nonfiction/self-help.

When I’m not editing, you’ll probably find me reading (obviously!), walking my dog Patti (pictured right), keeping up with NBA basketball (Go Nuggets!), or experimenting with just how many ways I can combine pasta and cheese before it stops being incredible. (It hasn’t so far.)

The editor (above) and her editorial assistant, Patti (below)

Author Testimonial

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Get in touch

Ready to hire an editor? Fill out my contact form to tell me a bit about your project, and I'll get back to you within 48 hours.

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