*Prices are estimates. The actual price will be determined during the consultation phase.

Manuscript Evaluation (a great budget friendly option, starting at $400)

For longer pieces a manuscript evaluation (or assessment) can be a critical foundational step that saves time and money. I will read your manuscript and make reader notes—thoughts on what the reader might be experiencing —and key points from the plot and character development. You’ll receive a summary document that explains potential problems and next steps.

Developmental / Structural Edit (averages 4¢ per word)

A developmental edit looks for big picture issues in longer manuscripts. It’s much more in depth than an evaluation. Often the suggestions include reorganizing the manuscript, analyzing character development, and evaluating plot points. It does not include spelling, punctuation, or grammar as those will be sorted out in later edits.

Stylistic / Line Edit (averages 2 to 3¢ per word)

Stylistic edits look at flow, cohesion, and refining language. I’ll make sure that paragraphs flow together, the overall voice is consistent and appropriate, and remove unnecessary jargon. This edit can be blended with a copy or developmental edit.

Copy Edit (averages 2¢ per word)

The copy edit looks at SPaG (spelling, punctuation, and grammar) and follows the five Cs: clear, correct, concise, comprehensible, and consistent. This is the last stage before the piece is laid out and prepared for publishing. It’s also the go-to edit for experienced writers who are confident in their plot and character development and just want another set of eyes before they pitch to publishers or agents.

Proofreading (averages 1¢ per word)

Proofreading is the final polish before a piece is published. It’s done after everything is laid out and just before it hits the presses (or publish button). This stage catches anything that might have been missed in previous edits as well as anything that might have gone astray when it was laid out. This can include misaligned margins, graphic titles that don’t match the image, or incorrect references. I usually only offer this for shorter pieces, not full-length manuscripts.

On a tight budget? Try a 20% edit

I can offer a thorough blend of copy and stylistic editing for the first 20% of your manuscript (rounded up or down to the closest chapter). I will leave comments in the manuscript, explaining the changes and a full report outlining what’s working, what isn’t working, and next steps. You can apply this feedback to the rest of your manuscript, which will move you forward in your publishing goals.