Guidance and Services (Fiction and Technical)
Experienced Editorial Guidance for Fiction Writers
With more than fifteen years of professional editorial experience spanning both technical and fiction publishing, I bring a sharp editorial eye, a deep respect for the writer’s voice, and a practical understanding of what makes a manuscript work.
I work with fiction writers at every stage of the process—from developing an early draft to preparing a finished manuscript for submission or publication. My goal is not to rewrite your story, but to help you make it the strongest version of itself.
As your editor, I treat your work with deep respect, honor your unique voice, and trust the creative journey we share. I keep all drafts, ideas, and personal details strictly private from start to finish. Please contact me with your specific needs and see if we’re a good fit to work together.
Consulting
Providing focused, one-on-one guidance on story development, revision strategy, structure, character, pacing, or any other aspect of the writing process where you need an experienced perspective. $55/hr, but reach out first to give me an idea of where you are on your project and what you hope to gain from a consultation.
Professional Beta Reader
A Professional Beta Read offers an affordable, big-picture assessment of your manuscript from an experienced editorial perspective. I read the complete manuscript and provide a concise editorial summary letter outlining its key strengths, areas for improvement, and practical recommendations for revision. Feedback may address story structure, pacing, style, clarity, character development, plot logic, and overall writing craft. For example, I may identify an opening that needs a stronger hook, characters who feel underdeveloped or unnecessary, confusing plot points, excessive worldbuilding or description, overused adverbs, or character voices that need greater distinction. This service does not include edits within the manuscript, line-by-line feedback, or sentence-level corrections. Instead, it gives you a clear overview of what is working, what may be holding the manuscript back, and where to focus your next round of revisions.
Rates – Up to 50,000 words – $250. Longer works are $250 per 50,000 words.
Developmental/Line Editing
Developmental and line editing is the heart of my editorial work and the stage where we take a close, thoughtful look at how every part of the manuscript is working. I read the book line by line, examining story structure, pacing, language, character development, narrative voice, and overall cohesion. Rather than serving as a copyedit or final proofread, this phase is designed to strengthen the manuscript at both the story and sentence levels. Together, we focus on whether the plot is clear and logical, character motivations feel convincing, scenes move the story forward, and the reading experience is engaging and satisfying. I also provide detailed guidance on word choice, repetition, clarity, style, dialogue, and consistency of voice. I may flag grammatical issues when they affect readability, but comprehensive grammar correction comes later, once the larger revisions are complete. In short, this is where we shape the manuscript into the strongest version of the story before preparing it for final polishing and publication. Because this is an in-depth process, it typically takes two to four weeks from the time I begin the project.
Rates – $0.0225/word, rounded up to the next 100 words. Example – a 80,627-word novel would cost $1,815.75
Copy Editing/Proofreading
Copy editing and proofreading are the final polishing stages that help prepare a manuscript for publication. Copy editing takes place after developmental and line revisions are complete and focuses on correctness, clarity, and consistency at the sentence level. During this stage, the editor reviews grammar, spelling, punctuation, usage, syntax, capitalization, dialogue formatting, and consistency in details such as names, timelines, terminology, and style choices, while taking care to preserve the author’s voice.
Proofreading follows after the manuscript has been formatted for print or eBook and serves as the final quality check, catching remaining typographical errors, missing or repeated words, punctuation slips, and layout issues such as awkward page breaks, inconsistent headings, or spacing problems. Authors can expect careful corrections and queries for anything unclear, contradictory, or requiring their judgment, along with a cleaner, more consistent manuscript that is ready for publication.
Copy Editing: $0.0225/word
Proofreading: $0.015/word
Interior Layout/eBook Creation
I provide interior book formatting for both print and eBook editions using Microsoft Word and Atticus. Starting with your completed MSWord manuscript, I create a clean, professional interior designed for a consistent and reader-friendly experience across formats. A standard novel layout is typically $250 and includes formatting for elements such as chapter openings, headings, body text, scene breaks, and front and back matter.
Books with more complex design needs may require a custom quote. Optional enhancements—including custom chapter-header symbols, decorative sketches, or interior illustrations—are available for an additional fee based on the scope and complexity of the project.
After more than fifteen years in professional editing, I understand that every writer and every manuscript requires a different approach. My editing is thorough, collaborative, and tailored to your goals—with the aim of helping you tell your story with greater clarity, confidence, and impact.
Technical Writing or Editing
Technical Editing or Writing inquires are priced and managed separately. Minimum rate is $70.00/hr plus travel/expenses. Projects shorter than 3 months only. Please use the contact page and provide a summary of services you require and estimated time requirement. Provide a POC for your project with their email and direct phone number and I will reply as soon as possible. Thank you for your interest.
Project Management/Other Consulting
Consulting on grant writing, pitch development, proposal development, strategic communications, technical documents/manuals, writing workshops or other similar professional projects. $85/hr or a project flat rate. Please use the contact page to set up a time to discuss your specific needs.