Welcome to Persnickety Editorial—where being a little persnickety is a good thing.
When it comes to your writing, attention to detail is the whole point. Every word matters, every comma has a purpose, and every manuscript deserves to shine.
With experience across a wide range of genres and formats, I work with authors, professionals, and students to bring clarity, consistency, and polish to their writing. Whether you’re refining your first novel, strengthening your business content, or perfecting an academic paper, I offer a thoughtful, personalized editorial approach—so your writing is clear, consistent, and ready to shine.
Editorial Services
Proofreading
The final stage of editing, proofreading focuses on correcting typographical errors and catching any lingering inconsistencies in formatting or layout—so your manuscript is polished and ready for publication.
Copy Editing
Perhaps the most essential—and most customizable—stage of the editing process, copy editing focuses on the mechanics of writing. It includes correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage while improving clarity, consistency, accuracy, and overall readability.
Line Editing
Also known as stylistic editing, line editing focuses on how writing sounds and flows at the sentence level. It involves refining sentence structure, word choice, and tone to make the writing more engaging, cohesive, and effective.
Developmental Editing
Typically an earlier stage in the editing process, developmental editing focuses on the big picture: organization, pacing, and overall clarity. It may involve reorganizing sections, refining arguments, or restructuring content to strengthen flow and coherence.
Consulting
Wherever you are in the writing process, I offer personalized guidance to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. This can include idea development, revision strategies, or feedback on specific concerns.
Testimonials
Paul made spot-on and insightful edits to a picture book I wrote. I also know him as a thoughtful, creative, and respected colleague at the Boston Public Library. He has always been a real pleasure to work with. I highly recommend his services!
—Meia Geddes, librarian and author of The Little Queen and Love Letters to the World
A big thank you to Paul Flagg for your time and dedicated attention to editing this book—you are a wizard with words!
—Michael Herkes, intuitive stylist and author of The GLAM Witch
I had always dreamed of writing a book and sharing my story, but it seemed like just a dream. [. . .] Paul edited my manuscript. His attention to detail and objective editorial comments were exactly what I needed.
—Janet Fugate, life coach and author of Bliss Beyond the Buzz
Meet Paul
Hi, I’m Paul—founder of Persnickety Editorial.
I’ve been working as an editor and writing consultant for over a decade, helping authors shape their work while staying true to their voice. My freelance editing journey began in undergrad, when I connected with romance novelist Rebecca Heflin, who became my first client. Since then, I’ve edited more than thirty books across a wide range of genres.
While much of my work has been in romance—as well as books and articles on witchcraft and other esoteric topics—I’m comfortable working across genres. My experience includes academic articles, memoirs, thrillers, self-help, a manifesto, and even a children’s picture book.
In addition to freelance editing, I worked as a university writing consultant and served as the technical editor for a monthly lifestyle publication. My background in libraries—as a library assistant, public librarian, and school library media specialist—shaped my attention to detail, organization, and commitment to intellectual freedom. I’ve also contributed to national library policy work and reviewed library research.
I continue to collaborate with Rebecca Heflin through A Novel Idea Author Services, where we support authors with both editing and navigating the broader self-publishing process.
I love helping writers feel confident in their work—whether that means refining prose, strengthening consistency, or simply making the writing flow more smoothly.
Persnickety Editorial 