Copyediting
The nitty-gritty details
What is Copyediting?
Service Overview
Copyediting involves examining the sentence-level details of your manuscript, which should be completed after you are happy with its structure, plot, and characters.
This type of editing is perfect for finding character continuity issues (for example, her hair color was red in chapter 1, but it’s brown in chapter 16) and fixing grammatical and spelling mistakes.
The most common style guide used in publishing is the Chicago Manual of Style, which I’ll use to make grammatical decisions. Spelling is based on the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
I will make changes directly to your manuscript and provide in-line comments to explain the changes. All changes are made using the Microsoft Track Changes feature, so you can choose to accept or reject any of my suggestions.
You will also receive a custom Style Sheet that includes:
- An explanation of the grammar rules I used most often when editing your manuscript
- A list of the rule-breaking or rule-adjacent style calls in your manuscript that help preserve your unique author voice
- A glossary of terms and names unique to the manuscript
- A detailed list of character and setting descriptions (this is really helpful if you’re writing a series)
Sample Edits: Complimentary sample edits are available for line editing services on a 1,000-word excerpt from your manuscript. For sample edits, I request you send your complete manuscript, or as much of it as you are willing to share, so that I can select an excerpt that will adequately show the scope and style of editing you can expect from me. Longer sample edits are available for $15 per extra thousand words. This amount will be credited to your project if you decide to have me copyedit your manuscript.
An NDA will accompany all sample edits, so you can have confidence that I will not steal or distribute your story.
How It Works
We jump on a 30-minute call to ensure we’re on the same page about services and expectations.
Then, you’ll send over your manuscript for a sample edit.
After the sample edit, we can have an optional call to review the comments and answer any questions you have.
If you decide to use me as your editor, I will send you a proposal and a contract.
I read your entire manuscript, making changes, comments, and suggestions. I’ll also create a style sheet explicitly tailored to your manuscript.
After you get the manuscript feedback and style sheet, we will schedule a 1-hour video call to discuss my feedback and answer your questions. You’ll also have unlimited access to me via email while you make your revisions.
How It Works
We jump on a 30-minute call to ensure we’re on the same page about services and expectations.
Then, you’ll send over your manuscript for a sample edit.
After the sample edit, we can have an optional call to review the comments and answer any questions you have.
If you decide to use me as your editor, I will send you a proposal and a contract.
I read your entire manuscript, making changes, comments, and suggestions as I go. I’ll also create the style sheet tailored specifically to your manuscript.
After you get the manuscript feedback and style sheet, we will schedule a 1-hour video call to discuss my feedback and answer your questions. You’ll also have unlimited access to me via email while you make your revisions.
Timelines & Rates
Rates: $0.015 – $0.025 per word, depending on the expected turnaround time and the level of work your manuscript needs.
Scheduling: Some services may need to be scheduled several months in advance.
If you are under a tight deadline, please let me know in the contact form!
Combination Edits: Discounts are available for booking more than one editorial service.