Editing Services
Words hold the power to evoke deep emotion, transport readers across space and time, inspire, enlighten, and captivate. I’m a firm believer in story magic and that every story has its own unique version of that magic. My wish and ultimate goal is to help you bring out the magic in your story.
My Process
Over the years, I’ve developed a process that enables me to be as efficient and meticulous as possible in editing. I affectionately (if uncreatively) call it “The Triple Pass.” Regardless of the kind of editing, I complete three full read-throughs of the document. I’ve found this to be the best way to dig deep and get to the heart of the story.
- The first read-through is to get familiar with the story or content, get a feel for the author’s voice, and just make mental notes of anything that jumps out at me.
- The second read-through is where I pay closer attention to the details and the purpose of the edit. I take notes, add comments, and make edits/corrections.
- The third read-through is to finalize my comments and notes, make sure my second read-through instincts were right (or revise them if needed), and ensure I haven’t missed anything.
Rates
Editing, admittedly, can be a muddled-up process. Many times, services overlap. The best way to fairly and accurately charge clients for my work is to offer a flat hourly rate, which most appropriately reflects both the length of the manuscript and the amount of work involved (less content or lighter work = less time/lower cost; more content or more intensive work = more time/higher cost).
- My hourly rate is $45/hour.
- My standard ballpark estimate is about 1,000 words per hour, but this is just a starting place. I can’t give any real estimates until I’ve seen the manuscript.
- I use time-tracking software to ensure that both your money and my time are accurately accounted for.
- When the job is complete, I will send an invoice with the edited manuscript. Payment is due within five days. I accept PayPal, Venmo, and Apple Pay.
Services
- Each job is unique to the manuscript and the client’s needs, but generally, I offer developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and beta reading services. Some of these processes can overlap, but each of them utilizes my triple-pass method.
- I work most often and comfortably in MS Word because this seems to be the program of choice for most of my clients, and I always use the “track changes” feature. I use comments within the text as well as a separate over-all report for general feedback, comments, and suggestions. I’m also relatively familiar with Pages. I’m perfectly willing to work in other programs; just be aware there may be a bit of a learning curve on my part.
- Communication is important. I provide updates or status reports either on a weekly basis or whatever is agreed on at the beginning of the job. I also love when my clients are extra specific about what they envision for their manuscript and what they want me to look for. This open line for questions, answers, and ideas cultivates an enthusiasm and excitement about the project that is one of the best aspects of this work for me. At the end of the day, I understand that this is your story; I just want to help make it the best it can be.
- I’m familiar with Chicago Manual of Style, APA, and MLA style guides, but I’m happy to work with any style guide the client requests. The most important goal is consistency throughout the manuscript. I can create job-specific style sheets when necessary.
- I’m willing to go for a test drive! If you want to see how our styles mesh before committing to a whole project with me, I’m more than happy to do a sample edit of up to ten pages or 3,000 words for $50.
Click below to read more about what is involved in each editing service.