From Start to Published...
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We're here to support you and your book.
We are a dedicated team of editors, designers, and publishing support professionals—and many of us are writers ourselves. We understand that we're handling someone's dreams with each project, and we work hard to improve your manuscript, help you gain new skills, and support your career. Blue Pen is not a publisher; we provide the services authors need to publish independently or to prepare for the querying or submission process, including editing and book design. Because each author and manuscript has unique needs, our services are all a la carte. Choose one or two. Or let our team handle everything. No matter your goals or experience, our team will make sure you're on the right path to reach your goals. We'll provide guidance and exceptional services, every step of the way. |
Your Publishing Path
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A book's publication day is the culmination of years of hard work, reflection, and dreaming. Helping authors take those final steps to publication is incredibly rewarding, and we are grateful to be able to serve the writing community, the publishing industry, and readers.
If you are a first-time author considering your options, we've been around the block a few times and can help you choose the best path for your work. If you're thinking about self-publishing but would rather talk to a computer first (no worries, introverts), check out this decision guide for a quick service recommendation. |
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Professional Book Editing
Let's find your final draft.
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Our expert editors specialize in a variety of genres and age categories. We pair each author with the editor best suited to their manuscript's genre, age category, and style. Our editors are all members of the Editorial Freelancers Association, and they have an average of ten years of experience.
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Our Editing PhilosophyLike many folks in the industry, Blue Pen team members wear many hats. Many of us are authors ourselves, and we understand what it's like to hand your work to a professional. We will always do what we believe is best for your manuscript. That means we edit honestly and without holding back.
But we also prioritize encouragement and positivity. We want you to be excited to approach editing, knowing that the process is going to improve your manuscript and your skills. You will grow in your craft each time you undergo editing, and we can't wait to see how your writing develops. |
Sample Edits
See what different types of editing look like on the page. Click the links below to view a sample manuscript critique, a sample line edit, and a sample developmental edit letter.
We're not for everyone.
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Just like no book is perfect for every reader, we're not the best fit for every writer. If you're looking for quick, cheap work that's just good enough, we're not it.
Our focus is on providing an exceptional quality of editing, design, and support. We have extremely high standards for our team members and every piece of work we produce. The authors who have the best experience with us are those who are committed to improvement—for both this manuscript and future books. They want to give their book the best chance at succeeding, and they're willing to put in the work to make that happen. Regardless of your aspirations or experience, we promise to give you 110% every single time. |
Book Design
Turn your manuscript into a book.
The next step for independent authors, book design turns your edited manuscript into a paperback, hardcover, and digital book. The two main components of book design are cover design and interior layout. Our team can also create custom maps or illustrations, help you write your back cover blurb, and provide one-on-one assisted uploading sessions.
Custom Cover Design
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Readers will judge your book by its cover. Our talented designers create covers that grab readers' attention while perfectly encapsulating your story.
Blue Pen's cover designers have their finger on the pulse of the industry. Our team crafts covers based on genre conventions and the unique aspects of your book to draw in your ideal readers. |
Print & Ebook Layout
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Your readers have expectations when they open your book. Meet and exceed those expectations with a professional interior design.
We create a paperback layout that will keep the focus where it should be: on your story. You'll also receive an upload-ready ebook file that looks perfect on any device. We'll make sure your words look beautiful on both the page and the screen. |
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Custom Maps and Illustrations
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Help readers get lost in your world with custom fantasy maps and children's book illustrations. Or highlight important concepts in your nonfiction work with diagrams and tables—all designed specifically for your book.
We coordinate work between our artists and design team to ensure that each piece fits perfectly into your book. |
Our Values
Excellence. Integrity. Professionalism.
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Founded by author and editor Victoria Griffin, Blue Pen provides a variety of services for both traditionally publishing and self-publishing authors. Rooted in passion and fueled by a love of books, Blue Pen never sacrifices on quality. We provide the highest level of services while working hard to improve the accessibility of editing and book design.
Blue Pen delivers editorial services ranging from comprehensive developmental editing to final proofreading. We also provide services to help independent authors publish professionally and successfully. |
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We would love to be part of your story.
Get in touch to discuss your goals for your book and your writing career. There is no one-size-fits-all option in this industry, so we'll make sure we understand your situation before advising you. After your discussion, if you feel that Blue Pen is the right team to stand behind your book, we'll get to work!
Testimonials
If you're looking for someone to take your book from a manuscript to a completed book on Amazon, look no further than here. Just pull the trigger and start working with Victoria and her team — a five-star experience!! 
Chip Fox Hybrid & Electric VehiclesThe team at Blue Pen did a fantastic job with the developmental edit I requested. They were courteous, kind, and professional in all of their correspondence and kept in mind my personal preferences when creating their report. This is a company I would use again and have already recommended to other authors. 
Lisa VanGalen Within the SilenceAs a first-time author, the sample edit that I received offered clear constructive criticism about how to improve the cohesion and readability of my story. I look forward to more comprehensive editing once my revision is complete! 
Philip FrancisOther Worlds Than TheseVictoria improved my query package tremendously. Not only is my query letter a better marketing tool, but my synopsis!--I never expected a synopsis could be something which could make readers excited about the overall story, but Victoria's questions and advice turned the synopsis from something lifeless into an exciting document in its own right. I am so pleased I hired Victoria! 
Debbie RomaniMendocino MusicIt can be hard to justify splashing out on the costs of an editor and just as hard to pick one from all the different people offering services. I would say that a good editor really makes a difference, and I suspect that if I’d used Victoria’s services at an earlier stage in the process, it’d have saved me a lot of self-editing trial and error. 
Georgiana DerwentThe Dictator's WifeAlthough I am in the early stages of revising my novel, completely in accordance with Victoria’s recommendations and advice I must add, I can see that Victoria’s involvement has really been essential to my potential success. You’d be silly not to trust Victoria with your manuscript. 
David ChambersFair DubsWorking with Blue Pen has been one of best, if not the single best, experiences I have had involved with writing so far. It is clear to me that every time I go through the process I will learn things that will help make me just a little bit better with my writing itself. 
Steven D. KlecknerEchoVictoria and the Blue Pen team met and exceeded my expectations. Victoria's patience and promptness in the design of my book cover design was greatly appreciated. 
N. WestImperfect ParentsI would definitely recommend her services and will be using her again in the future. She was professional, courteous, and prompt. Thank you, Victoria. Your service was very valuable to me. It's been a long time since college English classes, so looks like I have some brushing up to do. 
Susan F. PruittFall From Grace: An Ordinary Angel Book 3I am highly impressed with the care my Blue Pen editor took in researching the historical background of my historical fiction to ensure she was on the same page with me. I am also impressed with each and every suggestion for improvement and the time she took to point out potential cultural sensitivities. Having an editorial team that is not only looking at my work but looking out for my writing career, is invaluable. Thanks to Victoria for creating such a wonderful company and processing my edit so quickly. 
Samuel MahaneyAn American Massacre and others |
Any writer looking for quality editing with honest feedback, should look no further than Victoria Griffin and Blue Pen Editing services. 
Tanya WilliamsBecoming Mrs. Smith and othersWriting for me is extremely personal. That’s a piece of my heart and soul locked in those pages. It’s scary to hand it over to someone you’ve never actually met, knowing they’re going to work with it. It requires a lot of trust, and Victoria is worth every drop. 
K.L. WatkinsI Am a Traveller and othersHappy I found Blue Pen for my proofreading! As a new writer (still on my way to publication), I have had to navigate my way through many new services and processes. My primary method of making choices has been based on trust. And Victoria and her Blue Pen team have been phenomenally authentic and patient with answering my questions, relieving my anxieties, and keeping me encouraged throughout the process so far. When my book is finally published, it will be in large part due to Blue Pen's services. 
Robert J. Myers, DBA, MSWHealth Insecurity Defeats Too Many AmericansTrust and professionalism are important in helping an author decide which company to choose for editing and publishing services. Victoria and her team guided me through a new experience along my road to publishing. In my eyes they hit a home run in supporting the publishing of my baseball handbook. Thanks, Victoria. 
John J. CurradoThe Joy of Playing and Coaching Youth BaseballAs a new writer, I found myself drowning in a sea of information I found on the internet regarding querying, first ten pages, synopsis, and such. Blue Pen editing tossed me a line, showed me how to swim, and pointed me toward the shore. Their services have been positive and professional. My manuscript has taken a giant leap forward, as well as my belief in my abilities. If you are like me and serious about reaching your publishing goals, I would highly recommend this service. 
John HearonI Wasn't Always a HeroAfter many rejections, I almost set my manuscript aside to forget about it forever. Thanks to her help, my manuscript has revived, and I am glad I didn’t give up. Even after her work was complete, Victoria reached out many times to check on my progress. Take the chance to work with Victoria, you (and your work) will not regret it. 
Safiya M.Spellbound HeiressTo any author who is considering getting their query read and revised but isn't quite sure, please do it. It's worth every penny and I highly recommend her services, because I don't think I would have made as much progress in my querying process without her. 
Grace PapasMonsters UnderneathThe suggestions were straightforward and easy to understand. The critique made me feel like I had written something worth turning into a novel. 
Peter John SchulenburgThe Legend of the EmenidyI am so glad I took that first step to inquire about services with Blue Pen. I was uncertain how to proceed with improving my writing and querying and once I had that first conversation, I immediately felt at ease. A writing career is important enough to seek and secure professional help in order to keep moving forward. I only wish I had sought the services of Victoria Griffin much earlier! 
Sharon BlevinsThe Final Deal and Beyond the CrossingI've used services before when very little was done to my manuscript, leading me to think my writing was better than it was. In the end, I wasted my money. With Blue Pen, I was able to get a clear picture where my strengths and weaknesses lie, subsequently improving my work in the future. I'll be contacting Blue Pen when it's time to edit my next novel. 
Gordon GravleyOf Gilded Flesh |