When it comes to editing, I provide two services: first a blend of copyediting and developmental editing, followed by a proofread (after final changes are made by the author).
Just like my coaching services, you can start small. For $75 you can hire me for one hour to edit your first pages (about ten pages). If you are happy with one hour of my services, perhaps you will want to hire me to edit the rest of your manuscript.
For full manuscript editing services, I will give you a complete pricing quote based on my best guess as to how many hours it will take me to complete my edit (based on $40-$50 per hour, depending on the level of work needed). If your project takes me longer than anticipated, then that’s my problem, not yours. I won’t charge you more than what I originally quoted.
A Basic Proofread Addresses:
Spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors
Incorrectly structured sentences
Letter, sentence, and paragraph spacing
Misspelled words
Manuscript formatting
Typographical errors
A Blend of Content Review and Copyediting Addresses:
Passive voice or weak construction
Descriptions and narrative
Inconsistencies and repetition
Clunky or unclear passages
Plot issues (FICTION)
Point-of-view problems (FICTION)
Poor word choice
Showing vs. telling (FICTION)
Awkward, stiff, or inappropriate dialogue
Sentence clarity/structure
How Long Will It Take?
Allow for an approximately 2- to 4-week turnaround for both editing and proofreading. If I am backlogged in projects or need some "cracker jack" fiction editing guidance, I may ask if you would be interested in working with another skilled editor I partner with. I have a number of contacts in the industry and can usually line up an editor who’s available to start right away on a project.
Format and Payment for Critiquing and Editing
I accept electronic submissions only. Please ensure that all work is formatted in Times New Roman 12-point font and double-spaced. Work should be sent as an e-mail attachment in Microsoft Word format. Electronic submissions are edited with the Microsoft Word® Track Changes feature. All changes or suggestions within the document are marked in color for easy recognition.
The Track Changes feature allows you to accept or reject any suggested changes. I provide authors with both a marked-up version of their manuscript as well as a clean copy that has all the corrections and formatting changes incorporated in the document.
Once services are contracted, an estimated 50% of payment is due at the start of the editing work. The balance will be due at completion. Critiques are charged by the page (see my critiquing information page on this website for more information), and all editing services are charged by the hour ($75 for the first hour, $40 to $50 per hour afterward).
Please contact me directly, using the form below, for complete rate quotes and for all other pertinent information.
(DISCLAIMER: I reserve the right to decline work on a manuscript based on subject matter.)
Thank you!
