Editing Services
I specialize in copyediting and proofreading. I additionally offer and greatly enjoy developmental editing and line editing. I am primarily seeking genre fiction projects, especially fantasy, science fiction, horror, romance, and LGBTQ+ stories. I also enjoy editing memoir, literary fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, instructional/self-help nonfiction, and professional writing, though I am always open to considering other projects.
Note on Rates: All rates are confident estimates, but complex projects may necessitate a rate adjustment. I will usually request to see your manuscript or project before sending you a contract and finalizing the project cost. Additionally, I may recommend a different service than is requested.
Note on Confidentiality: I will keep any personal information you share with me while working together completely confidential. Writing (and talking about writing) can be vulnerable, and I value your trust.
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Developmental Editing
Short stories start at $50/hour
Fiction starts at $0.035/word
Memoirs and nonfiction start at $0.044/word
Service Description
If you have a full draft ready for big-picture feedback on what is working and what isn’t, getting a developmental edit is the first step. As your developmental editor, I will attend to major elements of your story’s content, such as:
Character development, motivation, and POV
Internal and external conflicts
Plot and structure
Overall consistency
Readability and believability
Pacing
Worldbuilding
For nonfiction writing, I will give feedback on focus, organization, persuasiveness (if applicable), style, and other components, depending on the type of project.
I will provide feedback in the form of in-document comments and a lengthy editorial letter in which I both analyze the strengths of your writing and supply detailed suggestions for revision.
Deliverables
In-document comments and occasional redlining
Detailed edit letter (for novel-length works, ≥ 8 pages)
Turnaround
Short works: one to two weeks from service start date (book in advance!)
Book-length works: four to six weeks from service start date (book in advance!)
Payment Conditions
A deposit of 20-50% of the total project cost is due prior to the service start date, depending on the length of the project. The remaining cost will be due in one or more installments, usually paid before service completion if project includes multiple rounds of editing but after service completion if project includes only one round. Surcharges for extra consultations and/or editing passes requested by the client after service has begun are due no later than fifteen business days after the invoice is received. Invoices will be sent via email, and payments will be accepted via PayPal. Payment refunds are subject to the language of the service agreement signed by both parties before work begins.
Line Editing
Short stories start at $50/hour
Fiction starts at $0.03/word
Memoir and literary fiction start at $0.035/word
Nonfiction starts at $0.04/word
Service Description
If the content and structure of your project are solidified, line editing is next. As the name implies, this type of editing addresses your writing technique line by line. As your line editor, I will slow down and analyze each sentence to ensure your writing is both effective and accessible, shaping elements of writing craft such as:
Word choice
Sentence structure
Sequencing of actions/ideas
Pacing
Showing vs. telling
Emotional impact
Character dialogue (fiction)
I will provide feedback through redlining and in-document comments via Microsoft Word’s Track Changes feature, and I will supplement that feedback with an edit letter. All feedback will include substantial and specific positive feedback, because precise praise is not just a matter of morale; in fact, it can be just as helpful as critique because it tells you what to keep (and even do more of).
I will not give feedback on overall plot, character, and structure (see my manuscript assessment service above). I will also not focus heavily on grammar, conform the text to the Chicago style guide, or fact-check your work (see my copyediting service below).
Deliverables
Redlined manuscript
Clean copy
Edit letter
Turnaround
Short works: two weeks from service start date (book in advance!)
Book-length works: four weeks from service start date (book in advance!)
Payment Conditions
A deposit of 20-50% of the total project cost is due prior to the service start date, depending on the length of the project. The remaining cost will be due in one or more installments, usually paid before service completion if project includes multiple rounds of editing but after service completion if project includes only one round. Surcharges for extra consultations and/or editing passes requested by the client after service has begun are due no later than fifteen business days after the invoice is received. Invoices will be sent via email, and payments will be accepted via PayPal. Payment refunds are subject to the language of the service agreement signed by both parties before work begins.
Copyediting
Short stories start at $50/hour
Fiction starts at $0.025/word
Memoir and literary fiction start at $0.03/word
Nonfiction starts at $0.035/word
Service Description
If the structure, content, and craft of your project are finalized, it’s time to clean up the nitty gritty mechanics. Copyediting focuses on the 5 Cs: “Clarity, coherency, consistency, and correctness—in service of the ‘Cardinal C’: communication” (Einsohn 2000). As your copyeditor, I will concern myself with the following elements:
Grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling
Inconsistencies
Unclear meaning and convoluted wording
Adherence to The Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary
Routine fact-checking
Creation of an editorial style sheet
While Chicago style covers many rules, there are still countless acceptable variants in spelling and formatting, so I create an editorial style sheet to ensure the project’s internal consistency as I work. Some examples of style sheet entries are: Fifty-Fourth Avenue vs. 54th Ave., 7:00 a.m. vs. seven in the morning, versus vs. vs., gray vs. grey, and copyedit vs. copy edit. Style sheets also include a record of character details and the story’s timeline to ensure consistency in all areas of the manuscript.
I will provide feedback through redlining and in-document comments via Microsoft Word’s Track Changes feature, and I will supplement that feedback with an edit letter to help you navigate everything.
I will not provide feedback on your content and craft except with regard to the concerns described above. The project will also still need to be proofread before final publication, preferably after being formatted (see proofreading service below).
Deliverables
Redlined manuscript
Clean copy
Editorial style sheet
Edit letter
Turnaround
Short works: two weeks from service start date (book in advance!)
Book-length works: four weeks from service start date (book in advance!)
Payment Conditions
A deposit of 20-50% of the total project cost is due prior to the service start date, depending on the length of the project. The remaining cost will be due in one or more installments, usually paid before service completion if project includes multiple rounds of editing but after service completion if project includes only one round. Surcharges for extra consultations and/or editing passes requested by the client after service has begun are due no later than fifteen business days after the invoice is received. Invoices will be sent via email, and payments will be accepted via PayPal. Payment refunds are subject to the language of the service agreement signed by both parties before work begins.
Proofreading
Fiction starts at $0.015/word
Memoir starts at $0.02/word
Nonfiction starts at $0.025/word
Service Description
Once your project has been copyedited (and, ideally, formatted), proofreading is a critical final stage. As your proofreader, I will correct errors that were missed during the copyediting stage as well as any errors introduced during formatting.
For digital proofs that have been formatted, I will mark corrections in the PDF. For physical proofs, I will mark corrections in red pen using traditional proofreading marks. For manuscripts that have yet to be formatted, I will use Track Changes in Word. Regardless, I will provide a key to help you understand any unfamiliar vocabulary or markings.
This service does not include feedback on technique, content-related suggestions, or revisions of convoluted wording. For novels, I prefer that you provide me with a style sheet from your copyeditor. If you don’t yet have a style sheet, your book may actually be in need of a copyedit rather than a proofread. Please reach out for a more detailed explanation!
Deliverables
Corrected proof (PDF, Word, or physical proof)
Edit letter
Turnaround
Short works: one week from service start date (book in advance!)
Book-length works: two to three weeks from service start date (book in advance!)
Payment Conditions
A deposit of 20-50% of the total project cost is due prior to the service start date, depending on the length of the project. The remaining cost will be due in one or more installments, usually paid before service completion if project includes multiple rounds of editing but after service completion if project includes only one round. Surcharges for extra consultations and/or editing passes requested by the client after service has begun are due no later than fifteen business days after the invoice is received. Invoices will be sent via email, and payments will be accepted via PayPal. Payment refunds are subject to the language of the service agreement signed by both parties before work begins.