Editing Types and Rates
Ideally, every manuscript should receive all three kinds of editing, but if there are budget or time constraints, you may choose only one or two kinds. If you're not sure, I can look at a few chapters and help you make that decision. You may also choose to only have me do one type of editing and use different editors for others. The more eyes on a manuscript the better!
Developmental Editing
Often called "big picture" editing, developmental editing focuses on the structural integrity and foundational elements of your story. During this phase, we look at high-level components such as plot architecture, pacing, character arcs, and world-building consistency. I will read your manuscript thoroughly, leaving many notes about things that are not working or things that are working well. We will discuss any issues in depth by phone or by email.
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RATE - .0075 per word. (example 60K = $450)
Copy Editing
Once the structure of the story is finalized, copy editing shifts the focus to the technical and stylistic flow of the writing. This stage involves refining the prose to improve clarity, tone, and readability. Beyond correcting grammar and syntax, copy editing ensures consistency in style (following guidelines like the Chicago Manual of Style), eliminates repetitive phrasing, and polishes the "voice" of the manuscript to ensure every sentence serves the story effectively.
RATE - .01 per word (example 60K = $600)
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final safety net before publication. This stage occurs after the manuscript has been formatted and is designed to catch minor surface-level errors that may have slipped through previous rounds. The focus is strictly on technical perfection: correcting typos, punctuation slips, spelling mistakes, and formatting inconsistencies. It is the final polish that ensures your book presents as a professional, distraction-free product for your readers.
Rate - .005 per word (example 60K = $300