Good With Words
Norma "Rosie" Wigutoff, MSW
Developmental Assessment, Line Editing, Copy Editing, Proofreading, and Writing Accountability Coaching
normarosie@hotmail.com
My Services - What I Do
Developmental Assessment
Developmental assessment is looking at the big picture of the manuscript. It's all about assessing the story and the "story arc," the substance, the core message, of the story itself.
This includes lots of developmental bits - looking at plot development, themes, settings in time and place, the scenes, character development, the dialogue, the organization, the rhythm, pacing, and flow of the work.
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But first, always consider this question. What is the goal or goals for this book? What do you want, as the writer? Do you want it to be out in the world? Do you want to impact lives? Do you want to create a PhD that might end up expanded into a book? Do you simply want to make yourself or your family proud as they read it? That closer-to-home impact is just as life-enhancing and important. It's just a matter of clarifying your writing goals.
A note - I believe that in all good story writing, whether it is fiction, narrative, short story, or a PhD dissertation, a compelling work must have the "story arc" - an engrossing beginning, middle, and end. In most stories, the protagonist, or main character or characters, must start somewhere, confront a crisis, and attempt to resolve the crisis and at last succeed in that resolution. They learn a valuable lesson and move forward as a changed person, hopefully for the better, and sometimes not. But, at least they've learned the valuable lesson.
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I willl assess where you are in the writing process, and I promise to gently, but clearly, let you know what I think, what your project might need and why; I can offer suggestions about where you might find the best editor for services like developmental editing or book coaching.
If everything is at its best, I can move with you into my favorite and next service, which is line editing. See the next section for more.
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Line Editing
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​​​​Once all the former bits are complete, line editing is a worthy next step, and my favorite kind of editing. Line editing is literally a word-by-word, line-by-line, sentence-by-sentence process that checks for and enhances readability and clarity of language, and the vibrancy, and creativity of the writing itself. Such editing can re-work and re-word text from boring to compelling, and transform phrase and sentence structure from confusing, awkward, tangled and unwieldy into nuanced and coherent flow. The writing becomes like fine needlepoint woven into the content; the stitches don't stand out as bumps and glitches; it is like the subtle background babbling of a brook, and always maintaining, enhancing, and perfecting your writer's voice and intention​. This is where the magic happens. Will the reader fall into a mesmerizing world that holds them rapt or will they fall asleep on top of the book and end up using it as a doorstop or a paper weight? Again, it depends on your writing goals.
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Next Up Is Copy Editing
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Copy editing is a comprehensive review of text mechanics that checks and corrects for grammar, spelling, punctuation, factual accuracy, and additional consistency and clarity. Copy editing is a close cousin to line editing and often the two intermarry. Such connections are fully discussed and clarified during the evaluation phase of the project, so the editing goals are mutually clear and agreed upon.
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​And, Last But In No Case Least, Is Proofreading​
Proofreading services come once all other editing is complete and no more changes will be made to the content. Proofreading focuses on finding and correcting typos, grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, and obvious physical formatting inconsistencies, and is hopefully meant to pick up any similar errors that have been missed during earlier edits.​​ Proofreading is the only editing that consists - more or less - of "this is a definite mistake and must be changed." One can challenge such corrections, but the challenge must be pretty darn compelling! My proofreading services address only the writing content; they do not include technical pre-publishing layout, formatting, and other tasks specific to pre-publishing preparation.​​
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Accountability Coaching
As a writing accountability coach, I provide consistent, persistent, professional, yet gentle support for achieving and maintaining writing goals, timelines, and deadlines. This does not involve assessment or editing of the writing itself. It focuses on, but is not limited to, helping to clarify and delineate the writing project's goals, exploring and resolving writing barriers and "blocks" to writing and achievement of writing goals. It can also include varying forms of "accountability check-ins" after completing specific writing tasks. The coaching sessions themselves usually take the form of weekly one-hour Teams or Zoom consultations.
Accountability coaching is not therapy, but it does involve introspection and self-reflection. Thus, this work can bring up uncomfortable issues and emotions. It takes a bit of courage and vulnerability. Like writing itself. But, as I said, I'm gentle.
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About Me
Hello! I am a lifelong lover of books, language, and learning. You can call me a true "word nerd." I was a social worker and therapist, for twenty years, and a therapeutic eldercare companion for the next twenty. And all those years, just for fun, and then, as a side job, I was proofreading and editing everything in print that I see.
Now, editing is my day gig and my joy. I use my gentle professionalism to help my clients fulfill their writing obligations and dreams.
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These days I provide content consultation - or developmenetal assessment, accountability coaching, line editing, copy editing, and proofreading for projects small and large, from short stories, websites, and job application essays, to memoirs, fiction, master's degree theses and doctoral dissertations, novels and more.
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One of my favorite genres to read and edit is literary fiction, including romance — yes, romance fiction can be literary (think Jane Austen!)! Literary fiction also includes mystery and historical fiction.
I adore working on scintillating, knowledge-building narrative non-fiction such as memoir, historical and other informational non-fiction, including the areas of personal development and self-help.
Subjects like spirituality such as Buddhism (think Jon Kabat-Zinn and Thich Nhat Hanh), mindfulness, self-compassion, and meditation are up my alley, in addition to social and environmental justice, feminism/ women/gender, and sexuality. I am also happy to work with subjects in the humanities or the study of human society and culture, including sociology, anthropology, nature, and politics. It is all intriguing and important work.
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December, 2025 news alert! And now...ta da...I have written and self-published a book...my first book...a memoir about disenfranchised grief, the kind of grief we are told doesn't count. It's a tender, self-reflective memoir with some self-help chapters to complement it. For more information, see my Author webpage within.
For My Writers Who Speak English as a Second Language
One of my specialties is working with writers whose first language is not English, who are brilliantly - or even moderately — bi-lingual, tri-lingual or more, and for whom words like slang, and itty-bitty words like definite and indefinite articles such as "the," "a," and "an" can cause great concern!
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Definite article = the as in "the cat" when you are speaking of a specific cat
"The cat with the white patch on his nose is the one I am going to adopt."
"The cat named Lexie is my cat and she lives with me."
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Indefinite article = a as in "a cat" when you are speaking of cats in general
"There is a cat on my doorstep, but I don't know who it belongs to or where it lives."
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Testimonials
Rosie was very helpful in editing my short story. I felt she had a good sense of what I was after and respected that, while correcting all the technical issues and offering constructive suggestions that I believe improved the flow of the prose.
I would highly recommend Rosie if you are looking for someone who is perceptive, accurate and knowledgeable about the written word and easy to work with.
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Michael Wasserman
Writer
April 2023
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Rosie combines vibrant editing with gentle professionalism to great effect. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone who is looking to make their documents more effective.
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Dr. Jaime Cardenas Jr.
Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Seattle Central College
May 2023
I had the privilege of working with Rosie this past summer. She was an exceptional accountability coach, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. She was instrumental in helping me make significant progress on my dissertation. Her kindness and patience created a supportive environment, and her ability to ask truly thoughtful questions helped me uncover the root causes of my procrastination. She is dedicated to her clients' success, and I am incredibly grateful for her guidance in helping me complete this important project.
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Keila T
Doctoral Candidate
Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies
University of Washington
Summer Fall 2025
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Dear Rosie,
Thank you so much for your editorial support with my dissertation. I am so thankful for your keen eyes and skilled support. Thank you for caring for the work gently.
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Until next time!
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Michelle Morado
Doctoral Candidate
Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies
University of Washington
July 31, 2023
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Ben Engelking, Headmaster, HVAC School - Anytime CE
June 30, 2025
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I hired Rosie to rewrite the introduction statement for my website's homepage. Working with Rosie was a great experience as she provided the rewritten statement quickly and exceeded my expectations. She helped me clarify my company's mission statement, which has paved the way for me to expand my business. I'm grateful for her writing services and hope to work with her again!
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Oneal B.
Divine Hosiery Northwest Company
November 6, 2023
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Rosie offered me the accountability I needed to meet deadlines for my manuscript. I found her to be a gifted listener who offers thoughtful guidance and input, She's always quick to respond to text and emails. And, she helped me to become a better and more creative writer for a very personal story. It's been a pleasure working with her.
Lynette A. - grief memoir
July 15, 2025
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More Testimonials
Rosie's a savvy editor with a great command of the elements of storytelling. For example, she has a penchant for pointing out where showing vs. telling would be more effective in a story.
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Rosie conducts her editing business in a professional manner; yet, maintains a friendly and supportive demeanor, making her a joy to work with. She has the smarts coupled with compassion to point out what needs revising to make the story better, while giving praise for what the author did well. She's careful not to overstep the author's voice, honoring whatever final revisions the author chooses.
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Through Rosie's insightful editing guidance, the author will create a book that's better than it would have been. I can sincerely vouch that her writing suggestions have enriched my writing-craft skills.
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K.L. Penaluna, author of the Sheyanne Series of Sweet Romance novels
Book One: Forever Sheyanne: A Sweet YA Romance
Book Two: Sheyanne Follows Her Heart
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November 20, 2023
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​As a published author in academia but a first-time novelist, making the transition to writing creatively has been both exciting and challenging. Working with Rosie has made all the difference to not only my writing skills but also my writing process. As an editor, she immediately assessed my personal needs and has worked with me to improve in the areas I most need to grow in. Rosie is wonderfully supportive and encouraging - her recommendations as to how I can improve as a writer have always been spot-on, she helps keep me on task, and it is a complete joy to work with her. Whether you are a first-time author or seasoned professional, I highly recommend Rosie's services.
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Heidi Ricci
Associate Ombuds
UNM Office of Ombuds Services
Communications and Journalism Faculty
University of New Mexico
May 1, 2024
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Rosie helped me to resurrect a memoir that I've been strugging to write for many years. She asked thoughtful questions that got me thinking about my project in new ways, provided a safe space to discuss emotions I didn't previously consider, and offered practical advice for getting my story onto the page.
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I would highly recommend Rosie to anyone seeking a thoughtful and intuitive editor and book coach to help take their project over the finish line.
Jen Swanson
Editor, journalist, writer
September 16, 2024
In composing a social media networking query post, I was concerned about its clarity and tone. I received valuable feedback from Rosie after showing her the original draft. She pointed out likely problematic issues with the tone, word choice, and more, and she queried me about the post's intended message and purpose. During our discussion, I addressed these issues, resulting in a constructively streamlined, revised and finalized post. Thank you, Rosie!
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Michael Horenstein
Technical Editor and Writer
July 31, 2024
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I thank Norma for doing a great job on my story. I was working on some legal documents which she helped proofread and offer recommendations. I wanted to write the story of how I met and fell in love with my husband. Norma brought my story to life and I was able to achieve what I was aiming for. I recommend her services to anyone out there, especially those with English as a second language.
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Thank you so much, Norma.
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Hannah K-
May 20, 2025
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Tips for Good Writing
"Show, don't tell!" ensures vivid, vibrant, visual, and compelling writing. Showing is compelling and leaves the reader riveted to the page. Telling is boring and vague and leaves the reader asleep on top of the page.
This is "telling" - Carly was uncomfortable.
This is "showing" - Carly was scared. Her hands shook, her palms were sweaty, and her mouth felt as dry as dead leaves.
The Idea of the Story Doula
Definition: Birth doula
A trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support for birthing people before, during, and after the labor and birth process.
2019 Birth Justice report
I had an epiphany a few months ago as I mused over what a fun and even joyous experience it is for me to edit the writing or "story babies" of my clients. Whether the "baby" is fiction, non-fiction, a doctoral dissertation or master's thesis, a memoir or other narrative non-fiction - or a job or college application letter - this process is deeply important and personal to the writer. It so often comes from their blood, sweat, tears, and heart.
Thus, I am like a birthing doula for the writer and their written word "babies." The writing process can be long and arduous, and when the editing process begins, I witness and accompany my writers as they "labor over" and "birth" their unique word creations out into the world. Having one's soon-to-be-newborn creation edited can be like having those agonizing and often constant labor pains...often torturous, terrifying, intimidating, and unendurable. And the doula is there throughout with encouraging words like "now push," "now rest," "try this or that," "now, breath," and "don't give up!"
Once the "baby" is born, sometimes all the pain is forgotten - and sometimes not so much - amidst the joyous miracle that has happened. Of course, the writer must then endure the fear of the unknown and out-of-their- control future of that baby. Will it flourish, will it be accepted? Will it achieve greatness and fame or flounder in obscurity and invisibility? This offers up further possibilities of angst, and is an entirely different story!
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But for this part, I am your skilled, patient, reliable, and compassionate "story doula" to help ease you through the writing/birthing process.
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"Rosie,
I cannot thank you enough for your support in my writing. I needed editorial support on my doctoral dissertation on a very tight timeline...I mentioned that I had never before worked with an editor. I felt trepidation about sharing my work, as well as uncertainty about the (editorial) process. I felt at ease, immediately, as you explained your experience and approaching to writing...a thoughtful level of responsiveness to a first time professional experience. These considerations made it a little less nerve-wracking to hand over my work.
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Writing can be very messy and handing it to a stranger demands a lot of vulnerability. I felt this quite profoundly given the personal (autoethnographic) elements of my dissertation. You held my writing gently as you gave thoughtful suggestions to help me clarify what I intended to say. Your feedback was a beautiful balance, a human connection to the writing and necessary grammatical corrections. Thank you for providing mini-lessons in the comments to explain corrections for my common errors.
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...As you noted, in this post, writing is labor. It can be painful, terrifying, and so vulnerable. I certainly felt all of those things in the process of writing (and sharing) my dissertation. But, by the end of it, I felt proud of the work completed. Thank you for helping me get there!
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Michelle Morado
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What is an Editor?
​ The Editor: How Publishing Legend Judith Jones
Shaped Culture in America
Sara B. Franklin 2024
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"The work of editors is inconspicuous by design, their labor playing out behind the curtain. Editors work in the service of their authors, not themselves, and their touch is meant to be difficult, if not impossible for readers to see...the scope of the editor's role is little understood, even by the most avid readers. Editors' work extends far beyond moving words around on a page. They are shepherds of individual authors' careers and are responsible for the literary landscape as a whole."
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