Editing for mystery & thriller authors
We catch the errors, inconsistencies, and muddy sentences so your story reads exactly as you intended.
Core services
Every manuscript gets a careful, genre-aware read and clear feedback you can actually use—without sanding away the voice that makes the story yours.
Line by line
Clarity-focused revisions that strengthen sentences, correct errors, and keep style consistent from first clue to final reveal.
The final pass
A precise last review after revisions and layout, catching the small errors that can pull a reader out of the story.
The reader’s view
Thoughtful, big-picture feedback on the reading experience—especially the places tension slips or the trail grows cold.
Not sure which edit you need? Send a sample and a short note about your goals. You’ll get a straightforward recommendation.
About CleanCopyCo
CleanCopyCo is built for writers who care about every detail—and know that readers do, too.
Stacey is a Poynter ACES Certified Editor and member of ACES: The Society for Editing. Her training includes the Poynter ACES Certificate in Editing, Proofread Anywhere, and ongoing coursework in copy editing, manuscript formatting, tracked changes, and style sheet management.
She brings that foundation together with a lifelong love of mystery and thriller fiction: the genres she reads for pleasure and edits with care.
The process
No mystery on this side of the page. You’ll know what is being edited, what you’ll receive, and what happens next.
Share your genre, word count, timeline, goals, and a sample from the manuscript.
You’ll receive a recommended service, scope, timeline, and project quote before work begins.
Your manuscript is edited with tracked changes, comments, and a working style sheet.
You receive organized files, clear notes, and answers to reasonable follow-up questions.
The editor’s case file
More than commas. A clean edit protects the logic, rhythm, and credibility of the whole reading experience.
From the copy desk
Practical notes for authors preparing to revise, query, or publish.
A final-pass checklist for the details tired eyes stop seeing.
Request the guideCommon pacing drags and how to find them before a beta reader does.
Request the guideA practical readiness check before you invest in professional editing.
Request the guideFrequently asked
Still wondering about fit, timing, or files? Start here.
CleanCopyCo specializes in mystery and thriller fiction. That focus helps Stacey read not only for clean language, but also for suspense, clue logic, pacing, and genre expectations.
Microsoft Word (.docx) is preferred for copy editing and proofreading because it supports tracked changes, comments, and a clean editorial workflow.
No. The goal is to make your intended voice clearer and more consistent. Substantive suggestions are explained so you can make the final call.
Pricing depends on the service, word count, schedule, and condition of the manuscript. Send those details with a sample to receive a project-specific quote.
Yes. A short sample helps confirm editorial fit and gives both of you a clearer sense of the manuscript’s needs before a full project is booked.
Ready when you are
Tell Stacey where the draft stands and what you want the edit to accomplish. She’ll reply with the right next step—plainly, thoughtfully, and without the hard sell.
staceymelchin@gmail.comYour work stays yours.
Manuscript details are treated as private and used only to evaluate or complete your project.