Editing & Mentoring Rates
Manuscript analysis and report $250 (10,000 words)
Proofreading $3 per page
Basic Copyediting $4 per page
Heavy Copyediting $8 per page
Content & Substantial Editing $10 per page
Developmental Editing $60 per hour
Individual Coaching & Mentoring $65 per hour
** The industry standard for one manuscript page is 250 words
Editorial Services
To get the best value for your editorial dollar, deliver your manuscript in the best shape you can.
Manuscript analysis – Editing services are based on several things: type of manuscript, the complexity of the material, and the type and level of editing needed or requested. The manuscript evaluation includes an overview of the main editorial concerns, notating where they appear in the manuscript. Feedback is provided relative to writing mechanics, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization, as well as syntax and word choice. A final recommendation for the level of copyediting is provided.
Proofreading – Checks for spelling errors, typos, punctuation problems, capitalization errors, and awkward grammar. If the manuscript has been peer reviewed, reviewed by a writers’ group, or has gone through several drafts, this service may be the best match. Proofreading eliminates cosmetic errors and is the easiest level of editing. It is often the last step in the writing/editing process. It’s not meant to be comprehensive or to rework or rearrange content.
Basic copyediting – Line-by-line copyediting includes everything included with proofreading. Additionally, help with the overall structure of the manuscript is provided. Is the writing clear? Does it make sense? Is the choice of words appropriate? Are there any redundancies or inconsistencies in plot, narration, or character? Are characters and situations believable? Comments and questions are made in the margin of the document that addresses these issues and more. For non-fiction manuscripts flow and sequence of content is analyzed as well as clarity of communication and pitching the level of the language to the intended audience. Light copyediting might consist of double-checking accuracy and taking care of most grammatical issues. Medium copyediting includes heavier lifting, such as correcting flow and re-working some of the text. This service is appropriate for manuscripts that require attention to basic writing mechanics but is not appropriate for manuscripts that require greater attention to sentence structure, organization and content.
Heavy copyediting – Some manuscripts require a higher level of editorial attention than basic copyediting provides. In addition to correcting spelling, punctuation and grammar, the editor will make specific recommendations to clarify meaning, promote consistency, and smooth the flow of the text. The editor might re-structure some paragraphs, or heavily correct style, flow, and grammar. This level of copyediting is an appropriate choice for manuscripts of greater complexity or when minor fact checking may be required.
Content & substantial editing – This service is recommended for manuscripts that need extensive structural and organizational work at the word, sentence, and paragraph levels. In addition to addressing mechanics, the editor will make recommendations to improve the manuscript’s overall composition and strengthen technical elements in the writing. This level is more intensive and can include some content creation where things have been left out. Some sections may need to be rewritten for clarity. This service is an ideal choice for some first-time authors.
Developmental Editing – Works with an author to develop ideas—or to further develop a manuscript if it already exists—into a coherent, readable work. Developmental editors are most commonly used for non-fiction works and less commonly for fiction, although a developmental editor could certainly help a novelist organize, sharpen, and tighten a manuscript so that the characters and dialogue were believable, the plot coherent, and the setting appropriate.
Your manuscript will be edited using The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, and have corrected spelling and word choice according to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition.
Turnaround time on most projects is two to four weeks, depending on the length of the manuscript, from the date it is received.
Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars, and there is a minimum charge of $50.00. Rates apply to electronic editing of Microsoft Word documents and hard copy manuscripts. Prices do not include return postage for printed manuscripts. Please anticipate an additional fee for any applicable courier charges. However, most work can be handled through the Internet or Dropbox.
