Line Editor for The Seven Pillars - Christian Nonfiction (20,100 words)

I am seeking an experienced human editor for The Seven Pillars: How to Test What You Believe, a short Christian nonfiction book by Nathan Gathercole, approximately 20,100 words (final word count to be confirmed before contracting). The book helps everyday Christian readers evaluate doctrine, interpret Scripture in context, and weigh evidence. I need a stylistic/line edit for clarity, flow, sentence structure, repetition and readability, with correction of grammar, punctuation and consistency. Preserve the author's direct voice, intended meaning and theological position.

Requirements

- Keep all NKJV Scripture quotations word-for-word. Flag suspected quotation/reference errors in comments rather than silently changing them. - Query concerns about Hebrew/Greek terms, historical claims or theological reasoning; do not silently rewrite the argument or add unsupported claims. - Retain Word headings, styles and formatting. - Deliver a Word document with tracked changes and useful comments, a clean edited copy, and a brief style sheet/editorial summary. - Include one round of clarification on the edits. Please describe any exclusions. Selection process: Applications first. Two shortlisted editors initially (with a third only if needed) will then be invited to complete the SAME paid 1,000-word trial, proposed at A$50 per editor, with scope and payment agreed before work begins. Do not submit unpaid custom edits with your application. Completing the trial does not guarantee the full-book assignment. The author will compare voice, clarity, accuracy, comments and adherence to the brief before selecting one editor. Budget: Please quote A$400–550 for the full-book edit. Paid trials are budgeted separately at A$50 each, initially for two shortlisted editors. Client/platform fees must also be allowed for. State your trial and full-book prices separately, clearly identify the currency, and say whether your winning trial fee can be credited against the full edit. No commitment is made by this listing. Please apply with: 1. Relevant Christian nonfiction or theology editing experience (professional experience matters; no personal faith declaration is required). 2. Two relevant book examples, portfolio links or client references. 3. Your approach to preserving author voice and handling Scripture/original-language claims. 4. Your fixed full-book quote, proposed trial fee, availability and realistic turnaround. 5. Confirmation that you can use Word Track Changes, plus disclosure of any AI assistance you propose to use. This is a human editing assignment, not an automated rewrite. The trial passage will be shared privately with shortlisted editors. The full manuscript will not be posted publicly. Applications from editors worldwide are welcome.