Services/Fees

Proofreading 

Fixing punctuation errors, missing or misspelled words, and incorrectly used words, as well as ensuring consistent design and layout formatting. This option is the final step before publication and can be completed on your print layout format (such as PDF) or your MS Word file. Only offered for projects that have already been copyedited (not necessarily by me).

Rate: $3.00 per page (assuming 250 words per page) • Genres: All, including literary fiction and nonfiction
 

Copyediting 

All of the above, plus checking for grammar, overall narrative consistency (i.e., correct tense used throughout, consistent storyline facts), clarity of expressed ideas, clarity of sentence structure and word usage, and light fact-checking. A copyedit is appropriate for a finished manuscript that needs fine-tuning before you move forward to independent publishing or submitting your work to an editor, agent, or publisher. I offer a five percent discount for this service if I have done a content edit on your manuscript.

Rate: $4.50 per page (assuming 250 words per page) • Genres: All, including literary fiction and nonfiction

Online content

(such as blog posts and website copy)

Rate: $30 per hour

Spot Checking

Authors will often make small revisions after receiving a copyedited manuscript back. A spot check is great for having another set of eyes go through these changes to ensure no new typos or grammar issues have been introduced.

Rate: $2.00 per page (assuming 250 words per page)

Content Editing

Content editing is big picture, chapter-by-chapter, and scene-by-scene editing. Includes an analysis of the full manuscript and suggestions for reworking the plotline, conflict, and characters, where needed, to help you create the best story possible.

When studying the plotline, I'll look at what story questions are being asked in the narrative, and I'll ensure that they create tension, suspense, and drama while driving the plot forward in a complete, consistent manner. I'll also confirm that the story questions are resolved in a satisfying way.  All "fat" will be cut from the storyline. This means that I will remove any over-explanation of moments or scenes, excessive and unnecessary dialogue, and unnatural repetition of words or phrases. I'll see to it that the storytelling fits within the intended genre.

As I examine the conflict of the story, I'll ensure that it is clear and comprehensible, and that it develops consistently in a manner that creates dramatic tension and engages the reader. The conflict should be layered and paced in ways that intrigue and captivate the reader, compelling them to read on. 

As I get to know your characters, I'll examine their personal goals, motivations, and conflicts. I'll work with them to keep them as multidimensional and unique as possible while each portrays his or her own voice. Their relationships with others will have depth and definition, and they will react to the story's conflicts in ways that are consistent with their personalities. I'll ensure that the reader is clear on each character's motivations and goals.

Using MS Word’s Track Changes feature, your manuscript or project will come back to you with every paragraph, scene, and chapter evaluated in the context of the full manuscript. Keep in mind, once content editing is complete, a manuscript will still need to be copyedited and proofread before it will be ready to publish.

Rate: $3.50 per page (assuming 250 words per page) • Genres: Literary fiction and nonfiction

Contract

I'm flexible, within reason, when it comes to payment plans and schedules. I will send you a contract in the mail after we discuss terms, and work will begin when I receive your signed copy. I am very grateful to my clients, and I want to show you that by working with you to make this process as convenient as possible.

If you hire me to content edit, there will be a back-and-forth exchange of your manuscript throughout the process as I suggest big picture changes, and deadlines will be made so we both stay on track.  I will not copyedit or proofread until I receive the final changes made from the content edit suggestions.