It’s only fair that I go out on a limb and introduce myself…
Hi, hello!
I’m Nicole Ceruti, the editor behind Spruced Up Editing.
Sharing your writing with anyone (especially an editor that you’ve never met before) can be scary!
Please explore this page to learn a little about me, and I hope that I feel like less of a stranger by the end.
Prologue: Quick Facts
Some of my favorites:
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Gilmore Girls, Game of Thrones, House, and Supernatural
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The Kiss of Deception, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, and the entire Shadowhunters collection.
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The Wedding Singer, Promising Young Woman, and El Orfanato
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My Favorite Murder, Potterless, Gilmore Guys, and Lore
Random Facts:
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You could lure me anywhere with the promise of coffee
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I once drove eighteen hours to watch my favorite band perform the opening act at a concert. Nobody in the audience knew them. I didn’t stay for the headliner.
You get bonus points from me if you can name a Marianas Trench song.
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My brother and I share a birthday, but we aren’t twins. I’m convinced that I am still the best birthday present he has ever received.
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When I was eight years old, I accidentally got locked in a cemetery for over an hour.
A tip for you: If you’re going to explore a cemetery, make sure you check their closing time.
Chapter One: The Editor
I am a human who loves writing—just like you.
For as long as I can remember, I have always had stories brewing in my head. I didn’t take my hobby seriously until I became a mother. Being trapped under an infant that would only sleep in my arms had me getting creative with entertaining myself.
Before I knew it, I had an entire novel outlined on the Notes app on my phone. Once my son was more accepting of crib naps, I was able to tackle my keyboard with gusto! I finished my first draft, then a second, third, fourth…
Writergram opened up a new creative avenue for me…
I craved a writing community, people that understood how amazing (yet isolating) this hobby could be. This is how I came to find myself in the indie author corner of Instagram, also known as writergram, and the world of self-publishing unveiled itself to me. More and more authors are eschewing the traditional publishing route and yelling, “My story is worthy, no matter what the industry says!” How empowering!
I connected with other amazing writers, and it wasn’t long before a few of us formed a writing group—some members have even since self-published their own books! These friends encouraged me to pursue editing, and here we are! I admire them and the hard work they put into being indie authors. It is not an easy road, but it can be so rewarding!
Some day I will publish my own book, but for now I want to help others publish theirs.
I live in the PNW and I don’t think I could live anywhere else!
I live on an island in Washington state. We have everything you could want at your fingertips: mountains, beaches, and forests. And it does not rain as much as Twilight has led you to believe…
I am much more into the small-town vibes than big-city living, but Seattle is only about two hours away if I crave the chaos (which is not often). I would rather trek in the woods than schlep through crowds.
If you went hiking with me, I would slow you down (thanks, asthma!), but half the time it would be to point out all the birds and trees.
The peaceful energy of the Pacific Northwest forests was the inspiration for my business name: Spruced Up Editing.
I don’t believe that your story needs to be fixed, it could just be a little Spruced Up.
Chapter Two: The Business
Spruced Up Editing’s Ethos
My experience as a writer shapes the way that I run my business.
I understand firsthand how exhilarating, vulnerable, and exhausting writing can be. That is why my business is committed to encouraging and supporting the hardworking authors that choose the indie route.
I have three core values as a business owner and editor: collaboration, communication, and compassion. These are my Evergreen Standards.
Evergreen Standards
Rooted in Collaboration
I work alongside you to strengthen your voice and your vision, not replace it. Consider me the stake to your sapling, rather than the herbicide to your dandelion.
Nurture to Flourish
I offer insightful feedback that strengthens your manuscript as well as your confidence. Writing is a deeply personal craft, and I aim to keep this in mind at all times. Nothing can grow if it’s crushed.
Clear as Daylight
I value honest, straightforward communication, so that is what you’ll get from me. When it comes to edits, you’ll always know what I’m suggesting and why. And when it comes to the process and progress, I never want to leave you wondering what the next step should be.