Book editing
You have poured your heart and time into your writing. Now you might be too close to it or simply know that a professional editor will help your writing evolve to be the best it can be. And your book is ready to evolve to be the best. My most common manuscript genres are: mind/body/spirit (think health & wellness, spiritual & religious, self-development & self-empowerment), business/marketing and life story/memoirs.
I offer 5 types of manuscript editing, with each type being one editing layer and level of focus, from macro to micro:
1. Manuscript Assessment (a.k.a. Non-fiction Manuscript Appraisal or Critique)
2. Structural & Content Edit (a.k.a. Comprehensive, Developmental or Substantive Edit)
3. Line Editing
4. Copy Editing
5. Proofreading
These services can be booked as a stand-alone service or are bundled into packages. These packages offer you choices that consider your publishing plans, budget and manuscript needs. They also reflect how much work you want to do yourself and how much you’d like me to do for you! (I'm sometimes called 'The Manuscript Rescuer' or 'Book Mamma' where I can step in for you for that extra manuscript repair support. )
The relationship between editor and author is creative and relies on our mutual respect and honest feedback. I will offer all feedback thoughtfully, respectfully and honestly. You the author will need to be open to critique and revision, particularly in a Structural & Content Edit and a Manuscript Appraisal. But we are a team, and we will work collaboratively and flexibly. Good communication between us both is a must. You should feel some relief knowing you don't bear alone the burden of the creation, development and refinement of your manuscript. You have someone on your team!
If you've just beginning to write your book, or are part-way through, and have hit a 'road block' or have issues arising with your voice, message, flow and so on, book in for a 1-on-1 Brainstorm with me. Two heads are better than one!
All editing services consider: the author's voice, style and message; target readership; and purpose of publication. US or Australian or UK standards are applied as requested. Approximate costs are provided below but each project will receive an individual quote after the submission is received.
NOTE: 9 times out of 10, I will recommend that we begin with a Manuscript Assessment to ensure that 'big picture' issues are dealt with, and any rewriting on your part happens, before your editor works directly with your words.
non-fiction MANUSCRIPT ASSESSMENT
(a.k.a. Manuscript Appraisal)
This is an entry level 'edit' that takes a big-picture view of your writing. In a report, several pages long, an assessment addresses the key considerations of a manuscript in the context of the subject matter, core message, author goals and intended audience. No hands-on editing is performed except as examples or as minimal comments on the manuscript. Manuscript/document strengths and weaknesses will be reported, and suggestions for improvement made.
Our Manuscript Assessment may not advise on the marketability of your manuscript to publishers or literary agents.
The manuscript should not be a first draft. You must have self-edited and re-wrote your manuscript several times to get it in the best possible shape prior to submission. This will ultimately save you money in editing costs and us both time and stress.
You may need to complete ‘homework’ I recommend in the report, for example, rewriting, filling major content gaps or reorganising content, before the manuscript can be submitted for hands-on editing.
Areas addressed
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overall structure, flow, logical development
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clarity, consistency and repetition
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gaps in content
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word count
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book title and subtitle
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chapter headings and sub-headings
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appropriateness to target readership
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language, style, tone and voice
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recommendations for improvement
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alignment of content with author goals and intent
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use of research
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accuracy, authenticity and credibility
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editing requirements
Stand-alone Cost
$AU
From 0.075 c to 1 c / word
depending on document length and complexity. Min. cost $250
line editing
Copyediting
A hands-on, thorough and in-depth edit of your whole manuscript focussing on content clarity, tone, logic, cohesiveness, consistency, design, style and structure to ensure it is functional for the intended medium, market, purpose and readership. Also called a substantive or developmental edit.
One of the most complex and time-consuming edits. A second run allows a review of suggested re-writes.
This edit will not only improve the manuscript but also your writing skills for future projects. This edit may result in your manuscript being reshaped, revised and developed. You no longer have to handle the creation, development and refinement of your manuscript all by yourself!
Areas addressed
Non-fiction
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gaps in content, missing parts
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superfluous, redundant or irrelevant text – noted but not corrected
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pacing, ‘bogged down’ or too light
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message: mixed? appropriately weighted? information and arguments presented clearly and relevant?
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factual errors and inconsistencies
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tweaking or re-writing of content for clarity and tightening
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text presentation e.g. tables, bullet points, illustrations, activities, summary or other reader aids to improve message delivery.
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structure, sequence, flow and logical progression of ideas – sections, chapters and paragraphs
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relevancy of book chapters titles, subheadings and chapter length
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alignment of book content and style with author’s goals
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consistency and appropriateness of author’s voice, style and tone
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general copyright or referencing issues
PLUS in memoirs:
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characterisation
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dialogue
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timeline
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telling vs showing
You will receive
2 x runs
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in some cases, a mini-editorial report
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your manuscript with detailed trackchanged revisions and comments for improvement. Paragraphs and sentences may be moved, adjusted or re-written to help communicate suggested changes.
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after second run to lightly review any re-writes, 1 x clean copy of manuscript with no trackchanges will be sent back
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1 x 30 minute-phone or Skype follow-up
Stand-alone Cost
$AU
3.5 - 4 c / word
(min. $100)
depending on document length and complexity and whether included in one of our PACKAGES
If working on an hourly rate, the cost of macro editing is on average
(AUS) $60 / hour.
An intensive edit working at sentence and paragraph level to bring order, flow, smoothness and consistency to your language. May include ghostwriting.
Addresses unclear or ‘clunky’ writing, wordiness, overuse or appropriateness of clichés and metaphors, incorrect facts and redundant text. Expect some re-writing.
Inconsistencies in tone and voice, referencing and paraphrasing issues will be picked up.
Some spelling, grammar and punctuation may be corrected but are not the focus.
Especially useful for writers requiring extra support. Your writing skills can be improved.
Areas addressed
Non-fiction & Fiction
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awkward, unclear or bland writing
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sentence length and variety
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paragraph flow and transitions
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clichés and weak words
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wordiness, redundancy and where paragraphs and sentences can be tightened (without losing the author’s voice)
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telling versus showing
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dialogue tags
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verb tense usage
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changes in point of view
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passive vs active writing
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remaining big-picture issues
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incorrect facts or inconsistent facts
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tonal shifts and unnatural phrasing
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pacing
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words or phrases choice to improve clarity and enhance meaning
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paragraph length
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some errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling
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structural and developments issues may be pointed out
You will receive
2 runs
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1 x copy of manuscript showing detailed trackchanged revisions and comments for improvement at the word and sentence level
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after second run to lightly review any re-writes, 1 x clean copy of manuscript with no trackchanges
Stand-alone Cost
$AU
3c - 3.5 / word
depending on document length and complexity and whether included in one of our PACKAGES
If working on an hourly rate, the cost of line editing is on average
(AUS) $58 / hour.
A word-by-word technical edit to review and correct language to ensure consistency and accuracy in grammar, spelling, punctuation, word choice, text formatting, sentence syntax, paragraph length and more.
A final opportunity to flag ambiguous or incorrect facts and pick up internal inconsistencies.
Applied once a document is sound in content and structure and possibly after line editing.
Sometimes a Line Edit and Copy Edit will be combined into one service for a reduced fee.
Areas addressed
Fiction & Non-fiction:
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spelling and typos
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punctuation including exclamation and question marks, dialogue marks, hyphenation
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basic grammar
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repetition
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typographical errors
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basic format consistency
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bullet points
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use of italics
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capitalisation
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headings & subheadings
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referencing
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paragraph spacing
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line and word spacing
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numerals
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hyperlinks
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contents list
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basic fact checking
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word choice
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basic sentence structure & phrasing
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basic tone and voice
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paragraph length
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basic consistency, cohesiveness and completeness
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check for potential legal liability e.g. copyright or referencing issues
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basic tone & voice
You will receive
2 x runs
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1 x copy of manuscript showing detailed trackchanged revisions and comments for improvement at the word and sentence level
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after second run to lightly review any re-writes, 1 x clean copy of manuscript with no trackchanges
Stand-alone Cost
$AU
3c / word
depending on document length and complexity and whether included in one of our PACKAGES
If working on an hourly rate, the cost of copyediting is on average
(AUS) $55 / hour.
A precise and detailed polish-up of a final draft, PDF proof or eBook proof to catch typos and ensure consistency and accuracy in grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting and design.
A last chance for quality control to ensure your final manuscript or PDFs will go to print in the best shape possible.
Areas addressed
Fiction & Non-fiction:
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spelling and typos
-
punctuation including exclamation and question marks, dialogue marks, hyphenation
-
basic grammar
-
repetition
-
typographical errors
-
basic format consistency
-
bullet points
-
headings & subheadings
-
referencing
-
capitalisation
-
numerals
-
hyperlinks
-
contents list
Also in PDFs...
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headers & footers
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page numbers
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drop caps
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paragraph spacing and formatting
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line and word spacing
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capitalisation
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illustration and picture placement
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copyright and publishing details
You will receive
1 run only
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1 x copy of manuscript showing detailed trackchanged revisions and comments for improvement at the word and sentence level
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1 x copy of manuscript with no trackchanges
Stand-alone Cost
$AU
2 - 2.5c / word
depending on document length and complexity and whether included in one of our PACKAGES
If working on an hourly rate, the cost is on average
(AUS) $50 / hour.
line editing
copy editing/
comprehensive proofreading
basic proofreading
STRUCTURAL
& CONTENT
EDITING
Book editing packages
A light makeover
2 runs
A general but detailed tidy up to get your book in shape for printing. Good option for family histories and memoirs only being distributed within the family. Not recommended for quality books for sale.
Includes:
Copyediting
Proofreading
3 runs
2c – 5c / word
depending on document length
and complexity
A comprehensive service
4 runs
The full editing works for a top-quality book for sale to a wide range of readers. Ensures your book is in the best shape possible and gives the best impression to improve your book’s sales prospects. Includes:
Structural & Content Edit
1 hour mentoring session
Copy Edit
4.5c – 5.75c / word
depending on document length
and complexity
PLUS YOU RECEIVE:
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1 hour 1-on-1 coaching/brainstorming
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Basic manuscript formatting in MS Word and notes for your book designer
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Liaison with your designers and publishing support team on your behalf
MOST POPULAR
A do-it-for-you approach
6-7 runs including re-writing
The full ELBOW GREASE but with added Line Editing and Re-writing & Ghostwriting where needed. This is where we get you and your voice, pull our sleeves up, and do the re-writes and smoothing out your writing for you. Especially good for time-poor entrepreneurs, language that needs intensive re-working and for writers for whom English is their second or third language. Includes:
Structural & Content Edit
1 hour mentoring session
Line Editing
Re-writing/ghostwriting
Copy Edit
6c – 8 .5c/ word
depending on document length
and complexity
PLUS YOU RECEIVE:
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1 hour 1-on-1 coaching/brainstorming
-
Basic manuscript formatting in MS Word and notes for your book designer
-
Liaison with your designers and publishing support team on your behalf