Services
How can I help you?
Whether you’re self-publishing or querying, it’s a tough market out there. I want to help you have the strongest chance of getting your book on bestseller lists. A polished manuscript is key, and this requires professional editing and proofreading.
I offer six levels of editing services:
Developmental Edit
Developmental editing is the first step after you’ve completed your manuscript. This edit takes a big picture view of the story and focuses on things like:
- Structure
- Characterisation & character development
- World-building
- Dialogue
- Pacing & flow
- Plot
- Point of view (POV)
- Themes
- Consistency
Feedback will be in the form of your manuscript as a word document with comments, as well as an email detailing any patterns or issues noticed.
Price: $0.02/word
[50,000 word manuscript = $1000]
Line Edit
Line editing focuses on improving the prose for flow and readability. The purpose is not to identify errors in the manuscript, but rather to help the writer use language in a way that effectively communicates the story to the reader. This includes checking of:
- Paragraph structure
- Sentence flow & variation
- Word choice
- Showing vs. telling
- Awkward phrasing
- Weak verbs
- Consistent voice & style
Due to the extensive changes that can arise from line editing, copy editing and/or proofreading should be done afterwards.
Price: $0.015-$0.02/word
(Based on workload)
[50,000 word manuscript = $750-$1000]
Copy Edit
After revisions and line edits, a manuscript needs to be checked for grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors. This step happens BEFORE you format the manuscript for publishing. Copy editing involves checking for:
- Grammar
- Usage
- Spelling
- Punctuation
- Formatting
- Missing words
- Technical consistency (spelling, capitalization, font, numerals, and hyphenation used consistently throughout)
Price: $0.009-$0.015/word
(Based on workload)
[50,000 word manuscript = $450-$750]
Proofreading
Proofreading happens AFTER the manuscript has been formatted for publication and involves checking for typographical errors. This includes:
- Grammar
- Usage
- Spelling
- Punctuation
- Missing words
- Technical consistency
Price: $0.007-$0.009/word
(Based on workload)
[50,000 word manuscript = $350-$450]
Bolt-on Light Content Edit
Sometimes a full-on developmental edit won’t fit into the budget, so I offer a simple content edit service that can be added to either the Line Editing or Copy Editing options. This includes a basic check of:
- Structure
- Characterisation & character development
- World-building
- Pacing
- Plot
- Consistency
Price: $0.001/word
[50,000 word manuscript = $50]
(only in conjunction with a line editing or copy editing service)
Manuscript Critique
As part of my critique, I will:
- Note issues regarding character/story arcs, dialogue, pacing, continuity, opening hook, and plot
- Specify what elements of the story need the most work in order to raise the overall quality and salability
- Offer honest and direct feedback
- Note aspects of the story, characters, or writing style that I enjoyed. I believe writers need all the encouragement they can get, so I always mention what I honestly loved.
- Advise you on what type of editing service you may need, if any
[50,000 word manuscript = $250]
Turnaround Time
Turnaround time depends on the length of the manuscript and is agreed upon in the contract. In general, proofreading a 50,000 word manuscript may take 3-4 business days, while line editing the same manuscript might take 8 business days.
“Rush” orders are negotiable and dependent on my availability. A rush fee of 150% will apply.
Genre
Any fiction or non-fiction genre is welcome EXCEPT horror or anything with very graphic violence. Please warn me about any passages in your manuscript that may be disturbing.
I’m experienced in Fantasy, Science Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal, and most types of Romance. But I’m always excited to learn the ins and outs of new genres.
The final rate for your line edit, copy edit, or proofreading project will be calculated according to the 3,000 word sample you submit.
A 50% deposit is required to reserve your booking.