Editorial Services

I specialize in fiction editing, and do not edit non-fiction.

My expertise lies in the ‘big picture’ view of your manuscript. I focus on GMC, plot structure, POV, and characterization. I strive to determine if the story works. Does it make sense? Does the story line flow? Is it structured properly? If not, how can it be fixed?

Content/Developmental/Substantive Editing:

In the first round edits, I will read your completed MS and use Track Changes to make notes and comments. I usually make general story suggestions in an e-mail when I return the MS to you. I offer examples, when possible, by way of light rewriting. First round edits include:

• identifying plot holes and checking the clarity and overall development of the story
  • Does the story start in the right place? Does it follow a logical path? Is it consistent?

• establishing that the characters are well-developed and believable
  • Have you written realistic, authentic, and multi-layered characters, and do they follow a natural and consistent arc through the story?

• checking for POV issues
  • Are you writing in the best possible POV for the scene/story/character and for your market?

• identifying possible problems with word choice, awkward sentences, story gaps, show-don’t-tell issues, and other general writing mistakes

• identifying common errors in grammar and word usage
  • Important Note: This is not an in-depth copy or line edit. I will do my best to address these issues in your MS. However, this round is more about the overall story and how your book can be the best it can be. This step may require reworking some story or character elements and a subsequent copyedit will be necessary to further polish your work.

Cost: $.01 per word and up

Copyedit:

A copyedit is typically the second round of edits. There are no rewrites or story changes. The point is to polish your work and catch all remaining grammar and punctuation errors.

Cost: $.01 per word and up

My Mentor Program:

I accept authors to mentor on a case-by-case basis and as my editing schedule permits. My goal is to help you through the writing process as you journey toward publication. As a mentor, I offer:

• introductory session by phone to determine where you are with your WIP

• brainstorming session by phone to discuss and map your story

• critique of your MS, usually by chapter, to determine where you are in your writing ability
  • At this point, you write and I review. I’ll make comments and suggestions as you work so you can get past common grammar/word usage mistakes and typical story issues such as show-don’t-tell, POV, and GMC. This will be by e-mail and you may ask for clarification as we go.

All mentor work is billed on an hourly basis. The rate is determined by your skill level and per our first discussion.

Payment:

I accept payment via PayPal. Editing jobs require 50% deposit to be scheduled. The per word rate is based on the total words at the time of submission. Authors in my mentoring program will be invoiced at the hourly rate as we proceed.

Please contact me for more information.