Open Boat Editing

Our editors perform careful analysis of what’s working well and what can be improved in a completed manuscript. We provide nonfiction and fiction authors with extensive, detailed recommendations and line edits.

Recent projects include CHASING HISTORY by Carl Bernstein (MacMillan, 2022), WHEN FREEDOM SPEAKS by Lynn Greenky (Brandeis, April 2022), BEST MOVIE EVER by Russ Burlingame (2021), ACCOUNTABLE by Michael O'Leary and Warren Valdmanis (Harper Collins, 2020), and UNION by Jordan Blashek and Christopher Haugh (Little, Brown, 2020).

Select fiction projects include novels by Ladies of Horror award winner Sonora Taylor, Rob Blackwell, Eric David Roman, and Connie Wesala.

More scope-limited manuscript evaluations and publishing consultations are available upon request.

We provide work-for-hire collaboration (ghostwriting) or coauthoring. Our team approach brings a unique blend of writing, editing, and research skills to every book.

Our most recent project is JILL, by Julie Pace, Darlene Superville, and Evelyn M. Duffy (Little, Brown, April 2022).

"It was such a treat working on this book, my first, with Evelyn and her amazing team!" - Darlene Superville

We write, develop, and consult on proposals for nonfiction books for submission to literary agents and publishers.

Journalists and other established writers embarking on their first nonfiction books are especially encouraged to contact us.

We can also recommend individually tailored lists of literary agents and publishers upon request.

Our book doctors work with an author or publisher in an intensely collaborative way, performing extensive, hands-on editing and researching.

This sensitive work is usually done with a completed manuscript that needs significant material moved, added, or cut.

We provide line editing with a focus on content, style, grammar, accessibility, and common sense. Copyediting is available for books, articles, scholarly works, blog posts, and many other materials.

We focus primarily on AP Style and the Chicago Manual of Style.

Recent projects include CHASING HISTORY by Carl Bernstein (MacMillan, 2022), WHEN FREEDOM SPEAKS by Lynn Greenky (Brandeis, April 2022), select fiction projects, and a series of articles by Outside Voice.

Our coaches provide support, collaboration, and guidance during the writing process that aims to reproduce the newsroom dynamic of editor and reporter.

Nonfiction coaching varies on an individual level, but it usually involves setting deadlines, talking through thorny issues, and forming writing and reporting plans.

Journalists and other established writers embarking on their first nonfiction books are especially encouraged to contact us.

We also offer coaching for academic writing and fiction writing on a select basis.

Our research team compiles extensive memos, research packets, or spreadsheets for authors on nearly any subject.

Our tools include Nexis, a variety of historical archives and genealogy records, LOC, NARA, FOIA requests, various databases for contact information, and interviews with sources.

Recent projects have included investigative reporting for a forthcoming documentary, archival research and foreign-language translation for a history of publishing, interviews with minority community leaders for a book on the urban/rural divide, and background research for JILL, BURL, and other books.

Open Boat Editing’s founder Evelyn M. Duffy transcribed hundreds of hours of interviews for six of Bob Woodward’s books, including those with Presidents Bush, Obama, and Trump.

Now she provides confidential transcription of digital recordings when a discreet, human touch is needed for projects about national security, foreign relations, current events, civ/mil affairs, business, and history.

Members of the research team use Nexis, a variety of historical archives and genealogy records, LOC, NARA, FOIA requests, various databases for contact information, and (if the author desires) interviews with sources to fact check nonfiction works. We take a journalistic, collaborative approach to fact checking and work closely with the author.

We are also able to assist with securing permissions to quote or reproduce material in published works.

We design and maintain websites for authors and others to showcase their book launches, resumes, special events, or other professional endeavors.

The graphics team can also create images, animations, etc. for authors for use on social media and elsewhere.

Recent clients include Bob Woodward, Dakin Campbell, Patrica Roos, and Robin Sax.

Members of the graphics team design book covers for indie/self-published authors.

We also create graphics, animations, and more for all authors to use on their social media and websites.