Editing Services
I work with authors at every stage of the editing process, from story structure to semicolons. If the services below don’t suit your needs, send me a message and we’ll find a better approach for your manuscript.
Manuscript Critiques
A manuscript critique is a stand-alone editorial letter (8–10+ pages) that identifies your manuscript’s strengths and suggests areas for improvement. It focuses on big-picture elements such as premise, plot and story structure, character arcs, theme, worldbuilding, conflict and stakes, and pacing. If you’ve completed one or two drafts and you’re daunted by the revisions in your future, or if you’ve been writing the same story for years and can’t seem to untangle it, a manuscript critique will help you navigate the editing process.
This is a quicker and more budget-conscious option than developmental editing. It’s also a good choice for authors who want personalized feedback but prefer to make the revisions on their own.
Please note that this service does not include comments or suggestions directly in the manuscript.
Developmental Editing
A developmental edit reviews your manuscript to find what does and doesn’t work. Like a manuscript critique, it focuses on big-picture elements such as plot and story structure, character arcs, theme, worldbuilding, and more. It may also look at scene construction, narrative techniques, and style. Developmental editing is a good choice for authors with a completed manuscript who want specific, thorough feedback on every aspect of their story.
You will receive an editorial letter (8–10+ pages), and extensive comments, questions, and suggestions within the manuscript.
This service can be bundled with a stylistic edit.
Stylistic Editing
A stylistic edit (also known as a line edit) will refine your manuscript line by line and paragraph by paragraph. It focuses on sentence structure and organization, word choice, dialogue, rhythm, tone, and more, while also strengthening your unique voice. This type of edit improves the clarity and flow of your manuscript, making for a seamless reading experience.
It’s best for manuscripts that have already undergone developmental edits. You will receive an edited manuscript with comments and tracked changes, and a 2+ page report that outlines my feedback.
This service can be bundled with a copy edit.
Copy Editing
A copy edit adds the finishing touches to your manuscript. It focuses on grammar, language usage, spelling, and punctuation. It will also ensure that your style choices and narrative details are consistent throughout the manuscript, so readers aren’t left wondering why that side character had blue eyes in Chapter 1 and green eyes in Chapter 5.
Copy editing is the polish before your book is formatted for querying or publication. Developmental and stylistic editing should be complete at this stage.
You will receive an edited manuscript with comments and tracked changes, and style sheets.
Rates
My rates depend on your manuscript’s unique requirements. Please contact me for an estimate.
Sample Edits
I offer free sample edits up to 1,500 words for stylistic and copy editing.
Request a sample.
File Format
Most edits are completed in Microsoft Word using comments or tracked changes. Please ensure that your manuscript is formatted as a Word document with standard one-inch margins and 12-point Times New Roman font.