Services

Why Editing Is Necessary

It's easy to lose a reader's attention, and difficult to get it back. Keeping readers engaged isn't simply telling a good story, it's telling it in a way that demands their attention remain on it, even when they put it down and walk away.

Without an editor's input, a book's clarity, coherence, and overall quality may suffer—resulting in a less professional and polished result. A reader's perception of a book is crucial to how successful it becomes. Each error left unresolved negatively impacts a reader's reception and perception of both the book and its author.

Hiring an editor is an investment in yourself, your reputation, and your book.

Pricing

Each project is different—in length, complexity, and type. While I provide estimates, your literary work will determine the final price for my services.

Developmental Editing

An in-depth editing process that focuses on improving the overall structure, content, and organization of a piece of writing. Also known as structural, substantive, or content editing.

Developmental Editing Focuses On:

• Structural Analysis

• Content Evaluation

• Character and Plot Development

• Tone and Voice

• Clarity and Coherence

• Reader Engagement

• Chapter/Section Length

(USD) Pricing Estimates

- Short Story (2,000-30,000 words) = $50-$700
- Novella (30,000-50,000 words) = $700-$1,150
- Book (50,000-130,000 words) = $1,150-$3,000

What I do:

Following a thorough review of your manuscript, I craft a comprehensive letter that delves into its strengths and weaknesses, and provides actionable feedback. This evaluation covers aspects such as plot structure, character depth, pacing, setting, and more, assessing them for clarity, coherence, readability, and reader engagement. Within the letter, I offer specific examples from your manuscript and propose potential solutions aimed at enhancing its overall quality. This personalized critique aids authors in navigating revisions, ultimately leading to the creation of a polished and captivating final manuscript.

Stylistic Editing

Stylistic editing (aka line or prose editing) focuses on improving the clarity, coherence, and flow of each sentence and paragraph—enhancing their readability and impact on the reader.

Stylistic Editing Focuses On:

• Sentence Structure (Syntax)

• Word Choice

• Consistency

• Pacing

• Tone and Voice

• Transitions

• Dialogue

(USD) Pricing Estimates

- Short Story (2,000-30,000 words) = $60-$900
- Novella (30,000-50,000 words) = $900-$1,500
- Book (50,000-130,000 words) = $1,500-$3,900

What I Do:

While structural editing looks at the big-picture elements in a piece of writing, stylistic editing looks at how the big picture is ultimately conveyed. If sentences are too short, dialogue too formal, transitions too choppy, or language too confusing, the reader may lose interest. I note these interruptions to the narrative, then I provide solutions.

Copy Editing

Copy editing is a meticulous and detailed form of editing that focuses on refining the text at the sentence and word level. Its primary goal is to ensure accuracy, consistency, and clarity in the manuscript, as well as correct any grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage errors.

Copy Editing Focuses On:

• Punctuation

• Grammar

• Spelling

• Consistency

• Fact-Checking

• Readability

• Clarity

• Querying

(USD) Pricing Estimates

- Short Story (2,000-30,000 words) = $50-$750
- Novella (30,000-50,000 words) = $750-$1,250
- Book (50,000-130,000 words) = $1,250-$3,250

What I Do:

I edit for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage; check for consistency and continuity of mechanics and facts, including anachronisms, character names, and relationships; develop a style sheet or follow one that is provided; and correct or query general information that should be checked for accuracy.

Style Sheets

Copy editing pays special attention to the small details, that's why a style sheet is usually developed. A style sheet details names, titles, facts, punctuation, and grammatical spelling decisions, which helps to ensure consistency and accuracy while editing. Since the style sheet is tailored to each project, it is also a useful guide for both the proofreader and the author.

Proofreading

Proofreading is the final stage of the editing process in book publishing. It involves carefully reviewing a manuscript or document to identify and correct any remaining errors or inconsistencies before publication.

Note: Proofreading is not a substitute for editing. It is a final pass to find any errors that slipped through the cracks; manuscripts with copious errors will be rejected.

Proofreading Focuses On:

• Error Detection

• Consistency

• Querying

• Final Content Review

What I Do:

Proofreading is the last line of defense before a book gets published. No matter how good previous edits have been, or how often an author has reread their book, errors are bound to slip by unnoticed. I provide a final polish, ensuring that the final version is error-free and ready for public consumption.

(USD) Pricing Estimates

- Short Story (2,000-30,000 words) = $30-$450
- Novella (30,000-50,000 words) = $450-$750
- Book (50,000-130,000 words) = $750-$1950

Stylistic/Copy Combo Edit

(USD) Pricing Estimates

- Short Story (2,000-30,000 words) = $100-$1,000
- Novella (30,000-50,000 words) = $1,000-$1,650
- Book (50,000-130,000 words) = $1,650-$4,100

What I Do:

I combine a stylistic edit with a copy edit to provide a comprehensive edit that addresses issues at the paragraph, sentence, and word level. All edits are tracked, and a style sheet (which will be shared after) is created.

Why I Don't Offer Other Combinations:

I'll miss more mistakes. Stylistic editing and copy editing are the only edits that can be performed simultaneously. Developmental editing and proofreading need to be done in their own passes. Offering other combinations means I would have to do more passes than my typical two to three (passes which are all done before handing the manuscript back to the author). The more one is familiar with something, the more their brain unconsciously fills in gaps and corrects mistakes. That's why I cannot, in good conscience, offer any other combinations.

First Three Chapter Edit

(USD) Pricing Estimates

- 5,000 words = $160
- 8,000 words = $275
- 12,000 words = $400

What I Do:

I provide stylistic editing and copy editing on an author's first three chapters. My edit will include explanations and feedback that will help an author improve their overall writing skills and chances of success. (This option is good for authors on a tight budget, authors who want to traditionally publish, and/or authors who want to develop their craft.)