OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Rates
The rates listed are average. Rates may be adjusted slightly (up or down) based on the condition of your manuscript and any special requests. Final rates will be agreed upon before work begins so that there are no surprises. Prices are for one round of edits (during which I typically do three passes on the manuscript) with email follow-up. Additional rounds (for example, if you greatly change your story after a developmental edit and want another round of edits) will be at a discounted rate.
Program
Most of my editing is done in Microsoft Word using Track Changes. If you engage my “true proofreading” service, I can also work in PDF or on hard copy.
What shape is your manuscript in?
The prices quoted assume that your manuscript is in average shape, complete and ready for editing. If you choose to engage my editing services for your full manuscript (developmental edit, line edit, or final copy edit and proofreading), I’ll request a sample chapter from the middle of your manuscript to assess whether we’re ready to work together. (Manuscripts tend to start strong and get a little trickier in the middle. It happens to everyone! The middle gives me a good baseline reading of your manuscript’s readiness for editing.)
If your manuscript needs a more intensive edit than average, I may need to adjust my rate. (We’ll talk about that in advance so you won’t get hit with any surprises, and you can decide whether to proceed or not.) If I feel your manuscript isn’t quite ready for editing, I can give you tips on how to get it ready so that we can work together later on.
Turnaround times
Turnaround times are based on my schedule openings and the length and complexity of your manuscript. Please get in touch so we can discuss your work and select a due date.
Payment
Payment will be via PayPal invoice. Full payment is due up front for sample chapters, manuscript critiques and beta reads. For full manuscript editing services, half of the payment is due up front, and half is due when I return the manuscript to you (unless you and I have made alternative payment arrangements).
Letter of Agreement
I use a simple and straightforward letter of agreement that clearly spells out the rights and responsibilities we both have for your project, including confidentiality of your material.
Two versions of your book page edits
Viewing all edits can make your Word document look chaotic; many editors return multiple versions to the author to make life easier. I’m a big believer in that approach. If your manuscript is in Word document form, I’ll return two versions of it to you. The first version contains all tracked changes and comments so you can see the edits and recommendations in full detail. The second version is a “clean” copy with all edits accepted, giving you the best feel for my recommended changes. I suggest viewing the “clean” copy first.
You may need two editors
I don’t recommend using the same person for developmental/line editing and copy editing/proofreading. A developmental/line editor will have already worked closely with your manuscript, and a copy editor/proofreader works best when they are coming to a manuscript with totally fresh eyes. If I have developmentally and/or line edited your book, I can refer you to my highly skilled associate for copy editing/proofreading.
Formatting and cover art
The final step in preparing your manuscript for publication is book design and/or formatting. This takes place after proofreading and applies to both print books and eBooks. If you’re self-publishing, or publishing through a house that requires you to provide a ready-to-publish manuscript, you’ll need a professional. Formatting requires design skills, typesetting knowledge and specialized software. Doing your own design or formatting (especially in Word) can result in the “amateur” look that deters potential readers and reviewers. Additionally, eBooks need to be optimized across platforms. What looks good on one reading device may not look good on another. An expert can ensure your book looks professional on every device.
Cover art can convey the essence of a book and grab readers’ attention. While you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, we all do—so a great cover makes a difference. A professional graphic designer can help your book stand out.
I recommend JS Lee for all your book design needs, from formatting to cover art and beyond. She can also create a fantastic website for you. Click here to learn more.
Your book at its best
This page describes my book editing services for fiction and nonfiction authors. If you’re looking for business editing instead, click here.
If you’d like to skip straight to a detailed breakdown of my book services and rates, click here.
Are you writing literary fiction or hybrid fiction? Do you have a semi-autobiographical family story or a work of historical nonfiction? Is your novel scary, exciting, funny, sexy or bleak? Are you writing a compelling memoir or a brilliant self-help manual? Is your book translated from another language and in need of some adjustments? I love every kind of book and am well versed in most genres. (All I do is read. And edit.)
I’ll use my gift for the written word and my finely honed sense of narrative structure to make your work the best it can be. As I guide you through the editing process, I’ll respectfully point out your book’s strengths and weaknesses, giving you clear recommendations to enhance your story and improve your manuscript.
I understand it takes a leap of faith to entrust a relative stranger with your book. The editing process can seem daunting at first, but I’m here to make the experience reassuring, transparent and even joyful! I’ll work with you, not against you. There’s no “right way” or “wrong way” to write. There’s a “best way” unique to each author and book, and I’m here to help you find it.
MY SPECIALTIES
I edit US, UK and Canadian English, and I am well versed in the main style guides for each.
I love working with multilingual authors.
I work with self-publishing authors and authors following a traditional publishing path.
I have years of experience editing LGBTQIA+ material.
In addition to books, I edit short stories and narrative essays.
I offer developmental editing, line editing and manuscript evaluations for: literary fiction, contemporary fiction, hybrid/cross-genre fiction (e.g., fictionalized memoir, literary speculative fiction, anything that doesn’t fit neatly into one category), memoir, historical nonfiction, self-help, instruction and more. If you don’t see your genre on this list, get in touch and I’ll let you know if I specialize in it! If I don’t, I’ll try to help you find an editor who does.
I offer copy editing, proofreading and beta reading for: all genres of fiction and nonfiction (except heavily academic or extremely industry-specialized works).
SERVICES
You can view my rates and a detailed breakdown of my services here.
You can check out my general policies in the left column of this page.
What your book will need depends on your strengths as a writer and what stage of the editing process you have reached. If you’re looking for a service that isn’t listed, please get in touch.
I look forward to helping you tell your story!