Freelance editorial services include:
Developmental Editing, Line Editing, Developmental Critiques, and Synopsis Editing.
Writing a book? Success in publishing is never guaranteed. Competition is stiff.
Doing everything you can to hedge your bets in the ever-changing world of publishing is smart. It’s also essential.
If you are looking for a careful, devoted edit or critique of your manuscript, my writing services can help. I am a multi-published author and educator with many years of experience in the publishing field, specifically with the revision and editing process.
I specialize in general fiction, women’s fiction, mystery (especially cozies), romance, middle grade, and YA. I am also available to edit non-fiction, short stories, and articles.
My pricing is competitive. Please see market rates at Editorial Freelance Association.
*Nonfiction editing pricing is to be negotiated after a sample is submitted and reviewed. Range is generally .035 – .04¢ per word.
For 1:1 Coaching, CLICK HERE.
DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING
Developmental editing is the first step of the editorial process. It is incredibly important because it gives an objective view of a work, which allows for the identification of what’s working, what’s not, and any problem areas.
A story needs a strong foundation. Developmental editing can help ensure this is the case. It includes a broad evaluation of a project with a special attention to clarity/focus, alignment of project to the target audience, and an in-depth review of the project as a whole.
This pass is not focused on line editing or copyediting, which are specific to detail. The primary aim is to make sure a book is as strong as it can be with structure, style, and focus.
At the completion of a developmental edit, I send a comprehensive editorial letter, which includes observations, identification of problem areas, examples, and recommendations. Areas of focus include:
- Consistency
- Story structure and pacing
- Character development
- Dialogue
- Setting issues
- Point of view
- Tone and mood
- Sentence phrasing
- Plot problems/holes
* I also offer developmental editing for nonfiction books, short stories, and other types of writing. See note above.
Developmental editing services are priced competitively at .028 per word.
For example, a 50,000 word manuscript would cost $1400.
A 70,000 word manuscript would cost $1960.
1/2 is due upon invoicing via Paypal or Venmo before editing starts. The remainder is due upon completion and before edited manuscript is returned.
LINE EDITING
Line editing is all about making sure the sentences in a book (fiction or nonfiction), story, or article ensures that the sentences are effective. When I line edit a project, I am attentive to an author’s individual style. Every project is given a careful and thorough read.
I work line-by-line, evaluation the author’s goal for a scene, chapter, or section, tightening language and sentence structure, word choice and syntax, and the overall pacing of the project.
Complete line editing takes time, but it’s a necessary step in the publishing process. This is a comprehensive service that looks at every line of your manuscript.
Specifically, my line editing services include a critique (see below), an editorial letter, and line editing on:
- structure (based on the 3 Act Structure and/or the hero’s journey)
- plot
- character development
- sub-plots
- voice and style
- consistency
- grammar
I will use track changes and will provide a critique letter laying out overall edits and suggestions.
Line editing services are priced competitively at .028¢ per word.
For example, a 50,000 word manuscript would cost $1400.
A 70,000 word manuscript would cost $1960.
1/2 is due upon invoicing via Paypal or Venmo before editing starts. The remainder is due upon completion and before edited manuscript is returned.
CRITIQUE (does not include Line Edits)
I provide critique services for mystery, sci fi, romance, and other fiction. This includes a detailed and careful reading of the entire manuscript (see below for specifics), and a summary critique/editorial letter, usually 3-5 pages, which discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript, as well as possible revisions which would make it the best it can be. My editing service is a developmental/content critique. It is completed in one pass.
Partials for contest, agent or editor submissions, or for polishing are additional options available for critique.
So what is a developmental critique?
Part of that question can be answered by saying what it is not. A developmental critique is not a line edit or proofreading (spelling, punctuation, grammar, sentence structure), nor is it a full developmental edit. I will certainly identify repetitive errors, but the critique is not about this type of specific editing. It is about substance.
Before submitting or publishing, I recommend you hire a copy editor and/o proofreader.
My critique services look specifically at:
- global issues in relation to plot, story structure, character development/motivation
- plot holes
- pacing
- continuity
- stakes/conflict
I will use track changes and will provide a critique letter laying out overall edits and suggestions.
Critique services are priced competitively at .02¢ per word.
For example, a 50,000 word manuscript would cost $1000.
A 70,000 word manuscript would cost $1400.
1/2 is due upon invoicing via Paypal or Venmo before editing starts. The remainder is due upon completion and before edited manuscript is returned.
SYNOPSIS CRITIQUE
Beginning, middle, end, solid characters, high concept… Does your synopsis have the elements it needs to become a good story?
A synopsis critique includes feedback on key story elements.
Critique services are priced competitively at .02¢ per word.
For example, a 500 word synopsis would cost $100.
Full amount for synopsis critique is due upon invoicing via Paypal or Venmo before editing starts. Turnaround for a synopsis is usually 2-3 days.
Work-for-Hire/Ghostwriting
Work-for-Hire/Ghostwriting is available. Pricing is competitive with a median price of .9-.10¢ per word.
Final price to be negotiated based on specific project needs.
