You’ve found the write place.
If you’re looking for a nonfiction editor, writing help, or terrible puns, this is the site for you. For more, subscribe to my free email newsletter for nonfiction authors.
An experienced editor can help your book excel.
But you don’t have to take my word for it. Here are a few books I’ve had the pleasure to edit, co-write, or write.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All book links are Amazon affiliate links.
Atomic Habits
James Clear contacted me for an early developmental edit of Atomic Habits. I knew that it was a good book from the outset, but its trajectory ever since has been nothing short of astounding.
Atomic Habits is a remarkable success of a book, a New York Times bestseller with over 10 million copies sold, and a perennial mainstay on the Amazon Charts.
James’s story is fascinating, and he shares some in the book. His 3-2-1 newsletter is also immensely popular.
I helped whittle his 120,000+ words to something more digestible. That said, James was already a clear writer (no apologies for puns) who’d put in a decade of writing before this book.
All nonfiction writers, watch this: How to deconstruct bestsellers with James Clear.
The Father Effect
John Finch’s life story is equally tragic and inspiring. He lost his father to suicide when John was only eleven, then spent his young adult years chasing after an emptiness that could never be filled: a father-shaped hole in his heart.
When he eventually became a father to three daughters, John realized something deep within had to change.
Though a businessman by trade, God led him to create the documentary The Father Effect, which eventually led to this book, published by FaithWords.
The Gospel According to Breaking Bad
The incongruity of the title isn’t lost on me. Breaking Bad is a violent show. There’s cursing and blood and evil. But when I read this quote from showrunner Vince Gilligan, I considered how this critically acclaimed show might reveal the gospel in contrast: “I want to believe there’s a heaven. But I can’t not believe there’s a hell.”
Consequently, the book takes a thoroughly Christian look at the show, delving into weighty theological issues such as identity, death, justice, power, fate, free will, and the gospel itself.
And yes, this book is for fans as spoilers abound.
Who is Blake Atwood?
I’m a nonfiction editor, author, and ghostwriter.
I’ve had the pleasure to work on more than 60 books, from a developmental edit on Atomic Habits to posthumously publishing my late uncle’s murder-mystery novel Sins of the Five Fathers.
Today, I’m a full-time editor for a ministry nonprofit, but I still take on nonfiction editing and writing gigs from time to time.
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Offered services
What kind of writing help do you need?
Note: I only work on nonfiction books.
If you’ve been searching for a book editor for long, you know that editing comes in a variety of forms. And it can certainly be confusing to know what you need. If the information below doesn’t clearly answer your question, please contact me.
Developmental editing
If you’ve written most if not all of your nonfiction book and you’re not sure it’s working, you may benefit from a developmental edit.
Copyediting
If grammar often gets in the way of your best ideas, a copyedit is your best friend. Note: This requires that your book has been fully written and is nearly ready for publishing.
Proofreading
If your book has been written, copyedited, and formatted, whether for print or digital, a proofread is the final step to ensuring your manuscript is ready for the public.
Manuscript review
If you’ve written some or all of your nonfiction book and would appreciate broad suggestions to enhance your work, a manuscript review could prove helpful.
Book proposal preparation
If you’re seeking traditional publishing, you need to craft a nonfiction book proposal that demands attention. Together, we can create a compelling book proposal.
Ghostwriting / co-writing
If you have a great idea or story but don’t consider yourself a writer—or you’re too busy to write—nonfiction ghostwriting or co-writing is a viable option.
Self-publishing
If you have a book ready to self-publish, I can manage the process or teach you how to self-publish via Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
Author website setup / review
If you like what you see on this website, I can create and manage a nonfiction author website for you. I also offer author website reviews.
Email newsletter setup
If setting up an email newsletter list for yourself seems daunting, I can help you establish a presence on Substack.
Blogging / Content marketing
If you’re in need of short, routine content for a blog or content marketing, I can write compelling copy for your website or company.
Editor coaching
If you’re seeking to establish or grow a freelance editing business, I can guide you toward finding clients and even a career.
General consultation
If none of these options are what you’re looking for, please contact me with your specific question. If I’m unable to help, I will do my best to recommend someone who can.
“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.”
— Ernest Hemingway
On writing, editing, publishing and . . . golf
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