Proofreading

I will read the work and check it for:

• Grammar and punctuation
• Typographical errors, such as transposition of letters and spelling errors
• Stylistic errors, such as awkward or confusing sentences, redundancies, inconsistencies in tenses and other details, and proper formatting

The fee for proofreading is $2.00 to $3.00 per double spaced page, depending on the condition of the manuscript. The fee is generally $2.00; however, if you're the kind of writer that hates to bother with formatting or grammar (such as starting new paragraphs or including punctuation in your sentences), expect to pay the $3.00 fee.

Copyediting

I will read the work and check it for:

• Proofreading (See Proofreading for details of what this encompasses)
• Critique of the strengths and weaknesses of the piece, including issues with plot, characterization, point of view, dialogue, conflict/intensity, rhythm/flow of prose, show vs. tell, etc.
• Rewriting, to the extent of fixing inconsistencies in style, plot, and characterization, and insertions and deletions to improve transitions, clarity, and intensity

Please note that any rewriting will be noted by tags or notes in margins. Authors should have the full prerogative to review any changes and make the final decisions themselves.

The fee for copyediting is $2.00 to $5.00 per double spaced page, depending on the condition of the manuscript. The fee is generally $2.00; however, the amount varies depending on the skill of the writer (beginners tend to be less organized than seasoned veterans), as well as the proofreading necessary.

Editorial Changes

This encompasses making changes directly to an electronic copy of the manuscript. For this service, an electronic copy of the manuscript on disk, zip disk, or CD-Rom should be included in addition to a hard copy of the manuscript. Electronic copies should be in the form of an MS Word or compatible format. Editorial changes include:

• Proofreading (grammar, punctuation, typographical errors, and style)
• Formatting (standard formatting as a publisher/editor/agent may require)
• Rewriting (to the extent of correcting awkward or unclear sentences or passages, and transitions)

The fee for making editorial changes for the proofreading and formatting services is $0.25 per double spaced page. Rewriting is an additional $0.25 per doubled spaced page, if extensive rewriting is necessary.

I do not recommend this service to most writers, especially beginners. In the world of publishing today, editors and agents are under more pressure to acquire works that will sell, and have less time to devote to the editing process. Thus it has become essential for writers to be able to self-edit their work. I also believe it is a great learning process for those serious about writing, not only to understand and develop their ability regarding the craft, but also to familiarize themselves with the industry in which they aspire to operate. I am aware these beliefs could put me out of business, but I hold on to them just the same.

Consultations

Consultations allow the author to discuss my editorial comments, the critique, and get answers to any questions they may have. Consultations may be performed via email or telephone, and can be scheduled at the authors' convenience.

Consultations, whether they be for a proofreading service or a copyediting service, are provided free of charge.

What I Don't Do

Offer only a critique, or "reading" of a manuscript. This is a function of copyediting. I don't believe anyone should have to pay for someone to read their work and provide an essay of their opinions regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript, then pay again, or pay someone else, to have them mark up the manuscript with those same (or comparable) opinions.

I also do not do ghostwriting, or editing of highly scientific or mathematical non-fiction or academic material. However, I do edit all other forms of academic and non-fiction works, as well as all genres of fiction and poetry.