Writing a great story is only the first step.
Ideally, major story points have been solidified by this point. Now we’re at the polish stage. We want to go through the manuscript line by line (hence the term line editing), really honing everything for both message and emotion, but at the same time preserving your unique voice.
You can think of a project as being somewhat similar to building a house. You’ve drawn up the plans and major construction is complete. During content edits, major structural changes are implemented. Line edits are where you go in and do your interior design. Copy edits make sure everything is up to code, and finally, your proofreader makes sure there’s not a pile of drywall and nails in your front yard. 🙂 For more about the editing process, feel free to check out my article on what to expect.
There’s only so much ‘self’ in self-publishing, and Anne Victory knows that. She’s an essential part of my publishing team. Her editing work is stellar, and her prompt, organized, and professional service makes working with her a pleasure. I have recommended her to many other writers and will continue to do so.”
Elizabeth Hunter, elizabethhunterwrites.com
Things I Look For
Showing vs. Telling
Consistency
Basic Fact-checking
Dialogue
Overuse of Adjectives and Adverbs
Echoes of Word and Phrase
Sequencing of Action and Tense Issues
Point of View
Clarity
Sentence Structure
Chapter and Scene Breaks
Grammar and Punctuation
So what can affect your quote? (I can hear you thinking that!) Part of it depends on the level of revision and editing your book has gone through before it reaches me, and the quote is also affected by my assessment of the length and complexity of the project. Per word pricing is only a guideline. These guidelines are offered as a convenience so that you can get a ballpark figure for your project without having to contact me (unless you want to!) I’m happy to answer questions and discuss projects, but I personally dislike having to contact someone just to get an idea of pricing, so I don’t want to subject you to that.
Starting at: $.0225 / word
Sample
A big part of choosing an editor isn’t just skill—it’s also determining whether or not you’ll be able to work with the person. In order to let you get an idea of both factors, I’m happy to offer you a no-obligation sample. Send me your manuscript (or just the first five pages, if it’s still a work in progress) and I’ll happily edit the first five pages and send it back to you. This will also let me give you an accurate quote as well as estimate project length and turnaround time.