Interested in a copy/line editor for your manuscript?
I provide copy editing, line editing, and proofreading services for fiction writers interested in polishing their prose before submission to editors/agents or before self-publishing.
Why Me?
I have a Bachelor’s degree in English, and graduate degrees in Library Science and Law. I have published four historical romance novels, with several others in various stages of completion. I have served as a freelance copy editor since 2018, have been a member of a very active critique group since 2014, and have judged dozens of contest manuscripts.
In addition, as a practicing lawyer for over 25 years, I have written and edited literally thousands of documents. I am meticulous, freakishly attentive to detail, and extremely thorough.
I am a member of EFA and ACES, and active in Great Lakes Fiction Writers and Northeast Ohio Sisters in Crime.
I don’t offer developmental edits (although I will point out problem areas I see), but if you want to be sure your story is typo-free, your commas, semi-colons, and dashes are in the right place, and the words you are using are historically accurate, I can help.
I enjoy romance, mystery, and young adult fiction, but will edit just about anything except nonfiction and poetry.
Proofreading:
A final look at a finished and edited work to correct errors of spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
Copy editing:
A substantive review of a manuscript to correct errors of spelling, punctuation, grammar, and syntax, ensure consistency in spelling, hyphenation, fonts, capitalization, etc., and to note ambiguous or confusing words or sentences.
Line editing:
In addition to copy editing, line editing is intended to flag issues involving overused or unnecessary words, run-on sentences, overuse of passive voice, areas that need to be tightened, pacing, structure, use of filler words or confusing narratives, to ensure consistency in language and spelling, and to correct errors of spelling, punctuation, grammar, and syntax.
Actual rates will be quoted based on my review of a 500 word sample of your manuscript, and typically range from $0.02 to $0.05 cents per word, depending on the type and amount of editing required. Rush jobs requiring turnaround in less than a week will incur an additional charge.
My default style guide is the Chicago Manual of Style, and default dictionary is Merriam-Webster.
Interested?
Email me at [email protected] to discuss the specifics. I will edit a sample of up to 500 words for free and send you a quote if I am able to take on the work.
I will invoice you through PayPal. I will require a deposit of half the anticipated cost to begin, with remaining payment due upon completion.
Turnaround time will depend upon the length of the manuscript and my other obligations, which I will communicate to you when you inquire. All edits will be done using Microsoft Word’s Track Changes.
If after work begins I feel I cannot give your work the attention it deserves, for whatever reason, I will return your manuscript as well as your deposit.