Types of editorial service
When it comes to editing, the types on offer – and the fact some people give them different names – can seem overwhelming.
I offer five services:
1. Developmental edit
2. Copy edit
3. Proofread
4. Manuscript evaluation
5. The edit bundle
Developmental edit
This is your big picture edit. I will go through the manuscript looking at plot cohesion, character development, theme, pacing, and dialogue. You’ll get in-line comments, redline suggested amendments, and an editorial report detailing what works well and what could be improved.
A developmental edit will suggest alternative plot lines or character resolutions in areas where the current story isn’t working.
After delivery of the edit, we have a video call to discuss any issues and how you might tackle the edits going forward.
Copy edit
This is your detailed edit. A copy edit works from the basis that you, the writer, are already happy with your plot, characters, pacing etc. It concerns itself with making sure that you don’t have three Tuesdays in a week, that Bob’s brown eyes don’t suddenly become blue halfway though, that a character’s idiolect remains consistent and that repetitions are avoided.
A copy edit comes with redline corrections, inline comments, and an editorial report if necessary.
After delivery of the copy edit, we can schedule a video call if you have further questions.
Proofread
This is purely your human spellcheck. Spelling, punctuation, occasionally grammar. This level of edit presupposes the manuscript has achieved its final form and the last thing you want is to publish it only to find a ‘there’ instead of a ‘their’ or, even, a ‘they’re’.
“But AI can do that”. Wash your mouth out with bees.
Manuscript evaluation
This is your big picture edit. I will go through the manuscript looking at plot cohesion, character development, theme, pacing, and dialogue. You’ll get in-line comments, redline suggested amendments, and an editorial report detailing what works well and what could be improved.
A developmental edit will suggest alternative plot lines or character resolutions in areas where the current story isn’t working.
After delivery of the edit, we have a video call to discuss any issues and how you might tackle the edits going forward.
The edit bundle
This is for writers who want the peace of mind of working with the same editor throughout the editing process. I will perform a developmental edit, complete with everything listed above, and send it to you, and then we will together confirm a schedule for you to take in those edits and return the revised manuscript to me. At that point, I will do the copy edit and send it back.
A video call is included after both edits, for clarity and to ensure the manuscript is in its best form.
Reviews
It’s in such a better place thanks to your work and feedback and I’m so grateful and glad that I went with yourself as the editor.
When I’m ready with the next one, I’ll be reaching out.
— G. J. Dunn, author of Godhood
Thank you for your insights, they are all very welcome and appreciated.
Thank you for your fabulous help and support with this.
— Rick Brindle, author of Charlie Scudsen: An American President
We really appreciate the report and everything you’ve sent though, this is exactly the kind of feedback and advice we were hoping for, and it’s given us a lot more insight into strengths and weaknesses. The points for improvement you’ve highlighted are all very thoughtful and useful, and it was incredibly encouraging to see the bits that landed well too (as well as the fun responses to the twists and misdirects, which we enjoyed!).
— Melissa Powell
Prices
Turnaround times are dependant on a manuscript being no longer than 150,000 words. For longer work, edit times to be agreed.
Developmental edit
£0.0085p per word
✓ 50% on manuscript submission
✓ 50% on completion – manuscript released on receipt of balance
✓ Payment plan available
✓ 8-week turnaround
Copy edit
£0.0085p per word
✓ 50% on manuscript submission
✓ 50% on completion – manuscript released on receipt of balance
✓ Payment plan available
✓ 8-week turnaround
Proofreading
£0.0060p per word
✓ 50% on manuscript submission
✓ 50% on completion – manuscript released on receipt of balance
✓ Payment plan available
✓ 6-week turnaround
Manuscript evaluation
£0.0070p per word
✓ 50% on manuscript submission
✓ 50% on completion – manuscript released on receipt of balance
✓ 8-week turnaround
The edit bundle
1.5p per word
✓ 40% on manuscript submission
✓ 30% on completion of developmental edit – manuscript released on receipt
✓ 30% on manuscript submission for copy edit
✓ 8-week turnaround per edit
