I provide manuscript critiques and editing for memoirs, creative nonfiction, and some other nonfiction projects. Pricing is calculated on a per-word basis for most services. I will supply ghostwriting for certain full-length nonfiction projects; contact me for details.
A Few Work Notes:
I use standard American English and the 17th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style for all book edits. If you have a different style guide that you’d like to see followed for your web content, I’m willing to work with that, too. I use Microsoft Word’s in-text comments and Track Changes features for most editing jobs, and I bill clients through PayPal or credit card unless otherwise agreed upon ahead of time.
Manuscript Critiques
- What is this? If you’ve finished your manuscript and want to know where to focus your revisions, I will do a close reading of your project and point out big-picture aspects that need to be addressed. You will receive a multi-page analysis of your book’s structure, pacing, character development, viewpoint, continuity, clarity, style, and common errors. I’ll address your book’s strengths and weaknesses, giving you an idea of what I loved about your project and what I would suggest strengthening.
The letter itself is pretty thorough, but if you want a little more, I also include the add-on of chapter feedback. With this add-on, I’ll write up comments and suggestions (a paragraph on average) for each chapter or equivalent section to review that chapter’s arc, place in the book, and specific strengths and weaknesses. - What will it cost? The analysis letter costs $0.01/word ($100/10k words). With the chapter feedback add-on, the total comes to $0.015/word ($150/10k words). There is a $25 letter fee added to all critiques of short projects (under 25k words).
- If you book a second critique pass at a later date, the second pass may be eligible for a discount; ask me for details when booking your project.
Developmental Editing
- What is this? If you’re looking for an edit that offers the big-picture feedback of the manuscript critique and chapter comments as well as section-by-section feedback in the manuscript itself, I provide developmental editing for full or partial manuscripts. With these edits, you’ll receive the analysis letter and chapter comments described above as well as annotations in your manuscript, where I will include an average of 1-3 in-text comments per page, adding focused suggestions as well as feedback on where I was confused, intrigued, bored, skeptical, or caught up in the text.
- What will it cost? Developmental edits cost $0.02/word ($200/10k words).
Line Editing
- What is this? If you’re happy with where the content of your manuscript is and want to make sure your content sounds good, I provide line editing to address and fix issues with wording, dialogue, flow, and style while preserving your voice and intent. I will fix most obvious grammar errors, but this won’t include a full copyedit unless you request a combo edit.
- What will it cost? Line edits cost $0.02-$0.04/word based on work needed.
Copyediting
- What is this? If your manuscript has been revised on a larger scale and is ready to be polished, I provide copyediting services to match where your manuscript is at. Basic copyedits will focus on grammar, punctuation, word usage, and other technicalities. For manuscripts that need a little more tuning up, I will also fix issues with dialogue, formatting, and anything else we identify based on a sample edit.
- What will it cost? Copyedits cost $0.02-$0.04/word based on work needed.
- Need more than one level of editing? Ask me about multi-pass combos and discounts.
Substantive Editing, Poetry Editing, & Coaching
- What is this? Sometimes, a manuscript will need something a little more than a manuscript critique or a line edit. Other times, an author might need feedback as they work on a specific aspect of their writing. In cases like these, I offer substantive edits and/or email coaching. I also offer an hourly rate working with poets. Contact me for more information on your specific situation. Note: I do not offer video or phone coaching.
- What will it cost? Custom editing packages and individual coaching begins at $50/hr.
Not sure what you need? Get in touch about your project.