Proofreading
Proofreading is the final polish done when your manuscript is ready to go. I check grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, and other mechanics of style to ensure clarity, consistency, and correctness throughout the text.
I charge $0.015 a word for proofreading services. You can find the word count of your MS Word document in the bottom left corner of your screen.
Copyediting
Copyediting is a heavier edit than a proofread. Besides checking for correctness, consistency, and clarity on a proofreading level, I also do fact checking and review stylistic issues, logic, flow, and narrative elements in fiction.
I charge $0.02 a word for copyediting services.
Manuscript Evaluation
A manuscript evaluation is a structural review of a work that is not ready for a final polish but needs some rewriting first. I outline the strengths and weaknesses of your book in a 5–6 page letter that gives detailed feedback to enable you to fix your manuscript yourself.
Hiring me to do a manuscript evaluation does not obligate you to rehire me to copyedit your work. I recommend that you do have someone review and polish your rewritten manuscript before you send it out for submission or publish it yourself.
I charge $450 for an evaluation of a manuscript up to 80,000 words
-$550 for a manuscript 80,000–100,000 words
-$650 for a manuscript 100,000 and up
For a more detailed explanation about these different types of editing, please review the Editing Process page.
Payment
I send email invoices via PayPal. You don’t have to have an account with them to pay but can use the credit- or debit card of your choice.
I can divide your payments up however you want but do require one third of the fee up-front and the complete amount when I send you the completed work.
Sample Edit
If you would like a free sample edit, estimate, and recommendation, please send me a few chapters (preferably the first chapter and 2–3 middle chapters) as well as the total word count, publishing choice, goal, and target audience for your book. If you aren’t sure about some of these items, that’s fine. I will discuss the options with you and give you my recommendations.
Formatting
A double-spaced, unformatted MS Word document works best for me as I use Track Changes to edit. I can also work on hard copy and use standard editing symbols if you prefer to mail me your manuscript.
NB
If I have started copyediting or proofreading your work, and you feel substantial changes need to be made, a new service needs to be purchased to edit the rewrites. Unless you want a manuscript evaluation, it’s best to send me completed work. If you aren’t sure whether your book is ready for editing, send me a sample, and I will advise you.
I enjoy editing novels and short stories, but if you write erotica or horror, I’m probably not the best editor for you.
If you have any other questions, please contact me.