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.

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

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!

Line Editing

A language- and flow-focused edit.
I go line by line to smooth out clunkiness, clichés, and contradictions to help your style shine with maximum clarity and impact.

Proofreading

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.)

Manuscript Evaluation

Not sure which level of editing you need?
Let's chat about your goals, then I'll read your manuscript and give a 1-page editorial feedback summary with my big-picture impressions and advice.

Arrow pointing to Sarah Schedler's copy editing service.
Arrow pointing to Sarah Schedler's copy editing service.
Arrow pointing to Sarah Schedler's line editing service.
Arrow pointing to Sarah Schedler's line editing service.
Arrow pointing to Sarah Schedler's proofreading service.
Arrow pointing to Sarah Schedler's proofreading service.
Arrow pointing to Sarah Schedler's manuscript evaluation service.
Arrow pointing to Sarah Schedler's manuscript evaluation service.

For all my editing services, I offer a free sample edit and Zoom/phone call before we sign a contract, so we can get to know each other and make sure we're a good fit.

The American Copy Editor's Society logo. Sarah holds a Certificate in Editing.
The American Copy Editor's Society logo. Sarah holds a Certificate in Editing.
The Upwork logo with 100% job success score and a top-rated star icon.
The Upwork logo with 100% job success score and a top-rated star icon.

Trained & Certified Copy Editor

  • Certified by the American Copy Editors Society (general copyediting)

  • Trained with Club Ed (fiction copyediting)

  • Bay Area Editors' Forum member

  • Club Ed member

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

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.

Why Choose Me

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.

"Great communication & quick turnaround! Sarah was super accommodating and flexible, and she was able to quickly get a feel for my writing style and tailor her suggestions to fit it.

She's so good, in fact, I decided to start another gig for her to do right away!"

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.

– Noi L.

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.

Meet Sarah Schedler

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.)

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.