Reviews, Line Edits, Developmental Book Coaching & More
Need editing? I got editing. No matter where you are in the drafting process, I offer an editing service tailored to you.
Content Review / Beta Read
Have you completed your initial draft? Or maybe a few chapters and an outline of your big-picture idea?
I review the materials in a Content Review or Beta Read (it’s a “Beta Read” if you have more draft than outline) and focus my feedback on areas for development (revision or enhancement), brainstorming and writing-process related suggestions, resource recommendations, and stylistic or common errors to avoid.
Developmental Editing
Have you written your draft but aren’t sure what else it needs? Maybe you submitted it to beta readers who said certain chapters or sections need “work,” but you need “help.” If you feel like your plot, story, or characters could use an ineffable something, you may be looking for developmental editing.
I read the entire fiction or nonfiction manuscript (usually several times),
Think of it as an editing service that “professionally workshops” your draft with laser-targeted edits, featuring feedback and suggestions from professional writers I admire, all crafted to push you.
My goal in developmental editing is to provide you food for thought to spark your imagination and help you enliven your creation.
Line Editing
Have you written and workshopped your draft? Do you feel you’ve polished the story and are ready to clean up technical errors?
Once you’ve sent your completed manuscript to beta readers and workshop partners, revised based on feedback, then completed a preliminary self-edit, you’re ready for professional line editing.
I analyze your manuscript and focus feedback on the line-by-line fundamentals that will take readers out of your story if not edited. Line edits focus on common areas of concern in both fiction and nonfiction: grammar, punctuation, spelling, typos, tense and tone consistency, fact-checking, anachronisms, and other areas of attention as needed.
Although the line edit will be as thorough as possible, please perform a final proofread before publication.
Developmental + Line Editing
Read as: a combination of the above two editing services. The most detailed, intensive, and comprehensive editing package for the best results I can give you. Get your manuscript ready for a proofreader in one fell swoop.
Although the line edit will be as thorough as possible, please perform a final proofread before publication.
Proofreading
You’ve put your manuscript to every test, through a gauntlet of beta readers, editing, and revisions. Now, you think you’re (close to) ready to publish. You’re ready for Proofreading.
I correct minor errors such as punctuation, spelling, typos, and grammar. A proofreader does not rewrite sentences, change story elements or structure, or offer feedback, but instead, is the final set of eyes to review each word before the manuscript is declared “final” and “ready” to be displayed to its waiting fans.
Back Cover Copy / Online Summary
* Available as an addition to Proofread only. I cannot summarize the entire book until the form and structure are final.
Once you’re ready to format for publishing, you will need to streamline a summary of the whole book and combine it with some snappy marketing copy to entice a reader, within about 175 – 225 words. Online, this can be your book’s summary and teaser copy. In printed form, this can become your back cover copy or jacket copy.
Some writers prefer to write their own: To you, I offer a flat rate of $35 to developmental and line edit up to 350 words of your own writing. After your revisions, I will provide a final proofread.
Some writers prefer assistance writing this copy: To you, I offer a flat rate of $75 to draft up to 225 words of my own writing. After your revisions, I will provide a final proofread.
Professional Book Reviews
After you’ve published, you need honest reviews online.
In my Professional Book Review package, I offer:
- A cover-to-cover read to accurately review and summarize the entire book.
- Two (2) original and separate reviews of 100 words each. One posted on Amazon and the other on Goodreads, from my personal (verified) accounts.
- Three (3) unique quotes/quips of 1-2 sentences each that you can use in your marketing materials. These can be coordinated with the reviews or separate; they can include my name or be anonymous.
- One post on each of my social media platforms that includes a link to my review and a promotional message about your book.
This package is available for a flat rate of $100 per 200 pages of your book. Standard turn-around time is five business days from the day I receive the book (for anything 400 pages or less).
Policy for clients who return for multiple editing services
To all clients who return with the same manuscript for additional services after the writer’s revision, I offer a free sample edit of 1,000 words to quote for additional editing or proofreading services, as well as a 15% discount.
To all clients who return with a new manuscript, I offer a 15% discount on all editing and proofreading services for that manuscript.
SRD Editing Services FAQs
I offer price quotes for editing services at a “price per page” rate. Depending on the service requested and the amount of work needed, my standard quotes range from $.75 per page (generally for beta reading and/or proofreading) to $10 per page (for developmental + line edits that include research or formatting to a particular style guide).
My initial quote for editing services is based on the 500-word sample provided. If that sample proves to be a poor representation of the overall level of editing needed for the remainder of the manuscript, the initial quote and timeline will be adjusted accordingly.
My standard practice is to edit in MS Word, using Tracked Changes and margin comments. To standardize my price per page, I format all documents to Arial font, size 11, with 1.5 spacing, before editing. If you require a different editing process, I’m happy to make adjustments as needed.
I schedule regular work-in-progress updates with every client. Throughout the time your manuscript is with me, expect that I’ll check in to keep you informed and answer your questions. I am located in Orlando, Florida, and available to meet with nearby writers in a face-to-face setting.
The Chicago Manual of Style is considered the standard for most major publishing houses and is what I recommend for most fiction and nonfiction manuscripts.
However, I have worked with all the major style guides, including:
- AP Stylebook (Associated Press)
- MLA Style (Modern Language Association)
- APA Style (American Psychological Association)
I’m also happy to work with in-house style guidelines or help you create your own if needed.
No. In the interest of confidentiality and protection of private intellectual property, it is my policy never to show the unfinished work (with or without edits) of one writer to another writer, without express written permission.
Rather than provide you a sample edit of someone else’s work, my policy is to offer a free sample edit of your own work, in order to quote you a fair rate and timeline.