Copy-Editing Services

What is Line-Editing?

      Simple proofreading is scanning a document for more-or-less superficial deficiencies like misspellings, missing commas and quotation marks, etc. Line-editing is a much more comprehensive procedure in which your manuscript is checked word by word, sentence by sentence, and line by line (hence, "line-editing"); it addresses style issues, tense problems, continuity conflicts, and a host of other grammar-and-style points. It is the highest order of structural editing, requiring a much larger skills set than is needed for simple proofing and grammar checking, and, for all but the most grammar-savvy authors—the top 5%—results in a vastly improved submission manuscript.

First, Try My Service for Nothing

      Before you pay me (or anybody else) a dime, satisfy yourself that I know what I'm doing. Send me the first 10 pages of your finished manuscript, and I'll edit it free.

Points Addressed

·     Misspellings
·     Incorrect punctuation
·     Tense inconsistencies
·     Uncalled-for passive voice
·     Hanging modifiers
·     Run-ons and comma splices
·     Pronoun-Antecedent disagreements
·     Awkwardisms
·     Malapropisms
·     Continuity problems
·     Point-of-View shifts within scenes
·     Redundancies
·     Unintentional sentence fragments
·     Subject-Verb disagreements
·     Other, less intrusive issues such as numbers written incorrectly, etc.

Editing Format

      I provide you with a file folder containing the following files in .doc or .rtf: your original manuscript, a marked-but-unchanged copy, and an edited copy reflecting all recommended changes. This makes it much easier for you to identify and accept/reject edits as you choose.
      Many editors now use the Microsoft Word® Track Changes function to record the editing process. It makes an editor's job much easier, but most authors are unfamiliar with it or find it clunky to use in fiction writing. It's pushy to expect a client to master a secretarial skill with an unfriendly learning curve before s/he can even use an editor's services. Editors work for authors, not the other way around. If you already know how to use Track Changes and prefer to have your work returned in this format, I will, of course, be happy to do so. If not, don't be concerned. It will never be forced upon you here.

Turnaround

      Typically 5-7 days. Unlike some others, I do not work multiple jobs simultaneously. Once a timeframe for the edit is agreed upon, a contract is initiated, and the work is in my custody, I devote my efforts to your work exclusively, 6PM-10PM daily, until the work is done. Individual chapters will be forwarded to you as completed; when the edit is done, 3 separate files (above under "Editing Format") will be provided. During your edit, you will have phone and fax numbers at which you can contact me directly anytime during working hours to address any questions or concerns you might have.

Rate

      I don't charge by the word or by the page. My rate is a flat $175.00 for any manuscript up to 70,000 words, and $25.00 per each 10,000 words in excess of that length. Half up front, half on completion—extended payment schedules can be and often are arranged when appropriate. No other charges, ever. My base rate is less than most simple proofreaders charge for 30,000 words, and nobody is better than I at what I do.

I look forward to the privilege of being of service to you.

Contact Me