Services
I work in US English and follow the Chicago Manual of Style. For longer works (like books), I use only Microsoft Word; for shorter works, I will use Google Docs if that is your preference. After we have discussed your project, I will ask you to send me your entire work (manuscript or shorter work) so that I can see it all; I will then give you a price and timetable for the project and more information about what you can expect to receive with your final, edited work. For line edits and copyedits, I will do a sample edit of 3-5 pages. Before beginning: if you are not sure which level of editing you need, please contact me or complete this google form. If no one but you has looked at your complete manuscript, I strongly suggest a Manuscript Evaluation.
Line Editing and Copyediting
Line Editing (genre fiction and narrative nonfiction): Line editing should come after a manuscript evaluation or developmental edit (scroll down for information on those services). Line editing works at the sentence and paragraph level, where I will make suggestions for rewording, rewriting, or reorganizing sentences or short sections of your book. Even though I am making suggestions to wording, I still try to maintain your voice and am open to some discussions about my suggestions. I also make copyedits while doing line edits, so while your book will need at least one more pass for copyediting, that stage should go faster.
Copyediting (genre fiction and nonfiction): I will go through your MS with track changes on, and I will make corrections or suggestions for clarity, grammar, and punctuation while maintaining and respecting your voice. When I return your MS, I will include a style sheet that I created during the copyedit to go with your MS. I use Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster's Dictionary.
Prices range from $0.012-$0.025 per word.
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Beta Reads and MS Evaluations
If your budget does not allow for a Developmental Edit or if you have never worked with an editor before, I recommend a beta read or Manuscript Evaluation. For beta reads, I will read through your MS and return it with a letter of what you can do to make your work stronger.
For MS evaluations, I will make comments in your manuscript and provide a report.
Beta reads and evaluations are cost-effective ways to help you get to the next level of writing and to experience working with a professional editor. Please note that beta reads and evaluations focus on the story and do not include copyedits.
Beta reads are on sale for $2.50 per 1,000 words (minimum cost $50) if you contact me by
May 15, 2023 and submit your work by
July 15, 2023. MS evaluations range in price from $0.015-$0.030 per word.
Read here for more about beta reads vs critiques vs developmental edits.
Developmental Editing
I will read through your manuscript and make comments in track changes. I will then write you a detailed report (even more detailed than for the MS evaluation) that includes details to help you make your book even better. Prices range from $0.018-$0.040 per word. Read my page that details more about this step of editing here.
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This is you, working toward your best book. Taking your writing to its peak.
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Story Bibles
Story Bibles (Continuity Catchers): If you would like help developing a Story Bible to keep track of details, please contact me.
Short Works
For short works (such as flash fiction), I charge a minimum of $50. You can submit multiple works together for a bundled price, which would be more cost effective.