Editing

My editing career began in 2012, when I edited blog articles for small- and medium-sized businesses. I started editing books in 2016, when I began work for Ooligan Press. I am most familiar with Chicago style, though I am comfortable navigating any style guide.

Manuscript Evaluation

Aren’t sure exactly what type of editing you need? I’ll gladly take a look at your project, evaluate it, offer a recommendation, and provide referrals to talented editors I believe are well suited to your project. If you select me as your editor, the evaluation fee will count toward the total cost of my editing service.

Typical fee: $0.005 per word ($250 for 50,000 words)

Developmental editing

Developmental editing is the broadest form of editing. It’s an evaluation of structure, plot, characterization, use of language, and any other element that impacts a manuscript as a whole. During a developmental edit, I read a manuscript multiple times and write a long editorial note offering constructive feedback to help improve the work on a global level.

Typical fee: $0.05 per word ($2,500 for 50,000-word manuscript)

Line editing

A line edit involves rooting out typos, spelling and styling inconsistencies, and punctuation errors. It also involves some light fact-checking and style suggestions, such as cutting adverbs, changing passive voice to active, and rooting out other common writing peccadilloes. During a line edit, I point out any continuity errors, potential plot holes, and character incongruities.

Typical fee: $0.04 per word ($2,000 for 50,000-word manuscript)

Copy editing

Copy editing is perhaps what most people think of when they hear “editing.” This is a more mechanical type of editing that is less concerned with style matters and is more about correctly and consistently applying Chicago Manual of Style guidelines and ensuring correct spelling.

Typical fee: $0.03 per word ($1,500 for 50,000-word manuscript)

Proofreading

Proofreading is the final editorial step before publication, usually occurring after the design phase. In addition to fixing any remaining typos, a proofread involves rooting out unsightly widows, runts, orphans, rivers, and other text design concerns.

Typical fee: $0.02 per word ($1,000 for 50,000-word manuscript)