09/18/2022
TOPIC: EDITING SERVICES AND RATES
My editing philosophy is simple: I aim to help writers present the best book they possibly can, whether it’s a snarky space opera, a gardening how-to, or something else altogether. I achieve this by being meticulous with the minor issues and simultaneously aware of the big picture (such as the overarching themes of a fiction manuscript), and I work with each writer personally, conforming to his/her/their style of choice (whether that’s THE CHICAGO MANUAL OF STYLE or a radically different method). Although I’m adept at following the rules of grammar and up to date with the standard practices of book publishing, I’m also flexible, easygoing, and open-minded – able to adapt to each writer’s preferences, quirks, and editing needs.
Currently, I’m offering both copyediting and line-editing services. Since I realize these two styles have fluid definitions, with editors widely differing on what each entails, I’ve outlined my parameters below.
My copyediting service (for which I typically charge $.01 per word) includes standard proofreading – such as correcting errors of spelling, capitalization, punctuation, basic grammar, and subject-verb agreement – plus highlighting any major syntax concerns, noting any unnecessary instances of passive voice, and offering limited suggestions for making your manuscript tighter and more professional. Besides addressing the above-mentioned issues, this thorough, double-pass edit will underscore any inconsistencies regarding capitalization, punctuation, spelling, abbreviations, numerals, font usage, formatting, and descriptions of characters, settings, and plot. In addition, I will perform basic fact-checking and fix any problems with continuity, fluidity, diction, repetition, and verb tense.
As you might imagine, line-editing (for which I usually charge $.02 per word) is an intense, comprehensive, line-by-line overhaul of your manuscript, ensuring that the story or nonfiction work is clear, consistent, cohesive, and complete. To achieve this goal, I will provide an in-depth, quadruple-pass edit that includes proofreading, copyediting, and structural editing – that is, improving the style, tone, logical flow, and writing quality of your manuscript as it applies to its specific genre and target audience. This deep dive will aim to tie up any loose plot ends, enhance the word choice and impact of your writing, improve the rhythm of the prose, and polish and refine the language (by alleviating run-on sentences, awkward or hackneyed phrasing, and wordiness). In general, my comprehensive line edit will strive for precise, eloquent writing, making your manuscript as streamlined, professional, and enjoyable as possible.
So, if you’re looking for a dependable editor, please contact me to discuss your needs and, if necessary, arrange a sample edit.
