Bring your story into focus
A powerful memoir is more than a collection of memories. It’s a story with purpose and a voice, about a meaningful pattern of events. As an experienced memoir editor, I can help uncover the heart of your story, refine its structure, and bring clarity to every page.
About
Patti Testerman
Working with an experienced memoir editor can help you move forward with confidence, no matter where you are in the writing process. As an award-winning writer and editor, I offer knowledgeable and specific guidance for achieving your memoir-writing goals.
Memoir editing services, insights on challenges you may be facing in writing your life story (including getting started), manuscript evaluation, and advice about publishing – you can expect a plan and services tailored to your needs.
With more than 25 years of professional experience, I’m looking forward to helping you achieve your memoir-writing goals.
Get Started
Working with a memoir editor
First, we’ll evaluate your plans and your manuscript (if you’ve started writing your memoir) and determine what you need to move ahead. Whether it’s brainstorming the book’s concept, finding the heart of your memoir, providing detailed line-by-line editing or advice about tone and character development, you can count on professional help at every stage.
- Questions to help you get started or map out next steps
- Insights on story development and structure
- Tips for finding your voice
- Understanding memoir vs. autobiography
- Comprehensive memoir-editing services: developmental editing, line-by-line and copy editing, and proofreading
Let’s say you’ve finished a draft of your memoir, or a few chapters. You’ve poured your creative energy, writing skills, and hours of research into this project. Now you’re eager to get objective feedback from a memoir-editing professional.
Like all good memoir editors, my goal is to make the review, advisory, and memoir editing processes as efficient and rewarding as possible.
Feedback on all aspects of your manuscript
Why you’re writing a memoir
There’s a different approach to writing about how a major event affected your life vs. inspiring readers with the insights you’ve gained on a particular subject. Knowing why you’re writing can help you write your memoir with confidence.
Family or a broader audience?
Writing a memoir to leave a record for your descendants differs from envisioning your life story being made into a feature film. Both have elements that are essential to any story. We’ll define the elements and how they work together.
Planning stage or have a draft?
Choosing a narrative approach and creating a writing plan? Or are you polishing a finished draft? Advice from an experienced memoir writing consultant can make a real difference.
Using proven techniques
We can explore everything from the basics of what to include in your memoir to different literary devices, like pacing, character development, and dialogue: the why and how of memoir writing.
Experience
Helping you shape the story
My first love is memoir editing, but I’ve also had a successful career as an award-winning copywriter/copy editor, working with major corporations, nonprofits, educational institutions, and small businesses. My published writing includes a travel book for the Alaska Chamber of Commerce and interviews/articles published in academic, business and medical journals.
In 2020, I wrote and directed a documentary film, Kefi, The Story of the Greek Orthodox Folk Dance Festival, which earned awards at several film festivals in the US, Greece and the UK. I’ve edited two other short documentary films and written and sold screenplays.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Delaware and studied Creative Writing in the San Diego State University MFA program. My home is in San Diego, California.
Process
The journey from potential to polished
Below are descriptions of the various tasks or stages involved in editing. Don’t worry if you’re not sure about what kind of editing you need – I’ll take a look at your manuscript and suggest an editing plan.
1
Manuscript review
A high-level evaluation of a portion of your memoir to identify strengths and areas for improvement. This assessment highlights what needs work and helps determine the type of editing that will best support your project.
2
Line editing
A line-by-line review focused on clarity, tone, flow, and readability. This includes grammar and style corrections, along with attention to word choice, consistency, and narrative momentum.
3
Developmental editing
In-depth feedback on structure, pacing, theme, and narrative flow. This service examines how the story works as a whole and identifies areas that need revision, expansion, or refinement.
4
Developmental editing with rewrite help
A high-level evaluation of a portion of your memoir to identify strengths and areas for improvement. This assessment highlights what needs work and helps determine the type of editing that will best support your project.
5
Copy editing
A detailed technical review to correct grammar, punctuation, formatting, and consistency issues. This step ensures accuracy and polish while preserving your voice.
6
Proofreading
A final review after all edits are complete. Proofreading catches remaining errors and ensures the manuscript is clean, consistent, and ready for submission.
Rates
Editing fees
Determining memoir coaching and editing fees starts with a complimentary 15-minute phone conversation. I can also send you a list of questions about your memoir manuscript or concept/outline.
After this initial fact-gathering, you will receive an estimate of the cost to either help you get started or to do a thorough evaluation of your manuscript or outline. The evaluation will include an assessment of the type of editing and/or coaching needed – everything from coming up with the concept for your book to detailed developmental editing. Fees are based on an hourly rate starting at $125 per hour, with estimates provided in a range.
Testimonials
What authors are saying
Patti Testerman was a joy to work with as an editor. Her keen insights contributed to a much better book, which helped the author increase his visibility and influence.”
Henry DeVries
Bestselling ghostwriter
Senior Writer, California Business Journal
CEO of Indie Books Intl.
Former columnist, Forbes.com
Author of Marketing with a Book for Agency Owners
I’ve collaborated with Patti on multiple projects and she offers solid analysis at every stage of the process. You’ll also appreciate her meticulous attention to detail. These are skills you don’t always find in one editor.”
Nancy Hendrickson
Hendrickson Ink
Author of the bestselling Unofficial Guide to Ancestry.com, Ancestral Grimoire and Ancestral Tarot
You inspired me so much throughout my journey. Thank you for all you did to help me make this book a reality!”
Diane Nares
Author of His Place at the Table
Co-Founder, Emilio Nares Foundation
Patti’s editing expertise and consultation were invaluable. I’m looking forward to working with her again on my second book, another memoir from a different point of view.”
Peter E. Preovolos
Author of Living Life to the Fullest
Founder of Alpha Omega and Penchecks, Inc.
FAQ
What to expect
Here are some of the questions I hear and a few quick answers to help you understand my process and how we would work together.
What types of writers do you work with?
I work with people who are thinking about writing their memoir, writers who have started their memoirs and those who have completed a draft. Planning, story structure, editing services, critical review and analysis, or advice about next steps towards seeing your book in print – we’ll determine what you need and get started.
Do you offer advice about AI-generated content?
Yes, I use AI tools and make every effort to keep up with the latest AI writing aides. I’m happy to consult on the pros and cons of AI-assisted writing and the various agents.
How long does the editing process take?
Different types of editing require different amounts of time. Proofreading usually has the fastest turnaround because the heavy lifting has been done; it’s all about finding last-minute glitches. Copy editing involves checking for consistency and continuity, correcting mistakes, reviewing writing style, and improving sentence clarity: steps that are more involved. Line editing is even more detailed, so it takes even more time. Developmental editing is the longest process, with multiple read-throughs, plus providing detailed notes and recommendations. I will provide an estimated time to complete your review, based on your manuscript and the type of editing needed.
Publishing
Crossing the finish line
In addition to editing, I offer advice and direction, recommended reading, and links to sites with information about the ins and outs of getting your memoir published. From self-publishing to finding a publisher to hybrid publishing, every publishing strategy includes social, business and creative aspects.
I’m proud to share these titles by some of the authors I’ve worked with over the years. Some were established writers who had previously worked with their publishers and others were first-time authors.
Let’s talk about your project
Set up a 15-minute complimentary call to help determine the best plan of action for your memoir. If you’ve started writing, I will ask to review what you’ve written, or a portion of it. I can also send you a list of questions to answer to help us get things started. Each of these – the call, your manuscript, answers to questions – or a combination – will give me an overview of the services you need, so I can prepare a cost estimate.
