EDITING SERVICES

I call this "Dev Edit Lite", similar to a Beta Read. You will receive  at least 3-6 pages of honest feedback on a WIP, draft, or even just a synopsis. I look at things like structure, story, writing style, adherence to genre conventions, and appeal to intended audience. I will offer constructive feedback and broad advice on next steps you can take to get your manuscript ready for a Dev or Sub Edit. You can also add on a Video Consultation so we can chat about your project, and I can answer any questions you have.

 

Estimated Turn Around:

1-2 Weeks

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Pricing:

$.005/word, $100 minimum

$40/hr Video Consultation

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Some books need to go through two rounds of developmental editing, some only one. I have split the process into two rounds. 

 

1) DEVELOPMENTAL EDIT

 

This is a deep edit at the book/chapter level, for a first draft that just isn't working and needs significant structural changes and rewriting. I will analyze the  quality of writing, plot structure, subplots, character development, adherence to genre conventions, audience appeal, etc. I can help brainstorm ideas and solutions and help you structure/restructure your work so it has a strong beginning/middle/end. I will work with you to get your manuscript ready for a Substantive Edit.

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2) SUBSTANTIVE EDIT

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This will be a wholistic edit at the chapter level, for manuscripts that have either gone through a Dev Edit or are in great shape aside from some scene, plot, POV, subplot and characterization issues. Some rewriting might be required. I will look at continuity, historical accuracy, balance of narration and dialogue, and pacing. We will strengthen dialogue, narrative flow, plot beats, character arcs and core conflicts for a story that keeps the reader's attention. This edit is for smoothing out the rough edges at the big-picture level and tying up loose ends before a Line and Copy Edit. 

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Each Round Includes

Editorial Report (usually 10-20 pages of feedback)

Comments in the margins of the work, using Word Track Changes

Problem-Solving Suggestions

Video Consultation, up to 1 hr (for additional time, I charge $40/hr)

Follow-up Report on Author Changes (usually 3-6 pages)

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Estimated Turn Around

2-3 Weeks Edit

2-4 Weeks for Author Changes

1-2 Weeks for written Follow-up Report

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Pricing

$.014/word for 1 round

$.022/word for 2 rounds (20% discount!)

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This is an edit at the paragraph and sentence level, checking grammar, syntax, word-choice, pacing, anachronisms, sentence structure, formatting, etc. I want to help polish your writing to a high sheen. This is for works that have gone through a Dev Edit or Substantive Edit, or for seasoned writers with a draft approaching its "final form".

 

*If you submit your manuscript for a Line and Copy Edit that has either not gone through a Dev/Sub Edit, or still needs work on that level, I will recommend you do that either with me or another editor before proceeding with this step. I want the best outcome for your work, and cleaning up something with larger issues will not benefit anyone.

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Includes

Editorial Report (usually 5-15 pages)

Edited Manuscript

Style Sheet

Follow-up Report on Author Changes

Optional 30 min. Video Consultation

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Estimated Turn Around

1-3 Weeks for Line and Copy Edit

2-4 Weeks for Author to make changes

1-2 Weeks for Editor Follow-up Report

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Pricing

$.012-.018/word

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A follow-up to my Line and Copy Edit to spot-check changes, or for writers who are interested in one final pass-through before submission or self-publishing.

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Pricing:

$.005/word, minimum $250

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Estimated Turn Around

7-10 Days

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Want my help from beginning to end? I will cheer you on through your Dev Edit, Substantive Edit, Line and Copy Edit, and Spot Check/Proofread. If you book at least 3 services with me, I'll give you 5% off each service.

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Do you need a Custom Package? For instance, would you like to combine a light Sub Edit with a Line and Copy? I will work with you to tailor my services to your needs.

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Refer someone to me and get 10% off your next service!

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Estimated Turn Around

TBD between Author and Editor

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Pricing

each service billed separately

Interested in any of my services? Please fill out my Project Request Form, or email me at margaretfenton12@gmail.com to arrange for me to evaluate your work's needs. If I am interested in your project and feel like I am the right editor for you, we can proceed with a Sample Edit at no cost to make sure we are a good fit for each other. 

 

Estimated Turn Around

1-2 Weeks

Once you have approved the Sample Edit and quote*, we will hash out a timeline for the project, and I will send you a contract. You will pay 5% upfront as a non-refundable retainer to reserve your spot. Upon the start of the project, you pay 50%, and the balance will be due within 1 week of receiving the edited file.

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 I edit only in MS Word Track Changes, and I use Merriam Webster's Dictionary and the Chicago Manual of Style for American English, and the OED and New Hart's for British English.

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*I provide a range of prices for a Line and Copy Edit in my description. Some manuscripts need less work, and some need more, and your quote will reflect this.