Creative Consultation
45 minutes $60
Feedback up to 6000
words double-spaced
(reply by email) $195
First Job
NEW CLIENT
Discount Rates MARCH:
Retainer received by March 31st, discount edit rates apply to entire first job.
Line Edit, Heavy-Content Edit, Rewrite, Polish, Light Edit, Final Proof:
To 20 pgs, 5,400 wds: $46/hr
(regular on paper $52/hr, on computer $60/hr)
To 100 pgs, 27,000 wds: $42/hr
(regular on paper $48/hr, on computer $55/hr)
To 200 pgs, 54,000 wds: $40/hr
(regular on paper $46/hr, on computer $50/hr)
200 to 400 pgs: 108,000 wds: $39/hr
(regular on paper $44/hr, on computer $50/hr)
400 to 600 pgs: 162,000 wds: $38/hr
(regular on paper $42/hr, on computer $50/hr)
Over 600 pgs: $36/hr
(regular on paper $40/hr, on computer $50/hr)
- See right column for retainer
- Add $20 for return shipping Priority
- If phone consult afterwards, add $50.
Word processing errors in original increase time.
Full balance due when work completed.
Any rate changes posted here.
20+ employees: edit services add $10/hr
You turn over all your drafts and materials, paper and computer files. I bring it into shape, organize it, create a natural reading flow that is dynamic and enthralling. I thoroughly refine the reading flow and structure, organize the themes and concepts for smooth and absorbing reading. I distill the best of your writing, delete the repetitions, and creatively enhance what you've already written.
Submission Format
12 pt. font, every chapter starts on a new page, all paragraphs tabbed in (not flush left), fully double-spaced, paper clipped by chapter (prefer 1.25" margins, page number top right).
Completed projects are included in website count. Book title and author name are listed with testimonial and a brief task description to show other writers work that has been done. When you publish or receive awards, with your notification your testimonial is linked to your publication website.
Replies by next business day
Edit Services
Creative Consultation
- 45 minutes $60
- Construction written feedback on up to 6000 words double-spaced and emailed (reply by email) $195
- Order below in left column
Manuscript Critique
- Entire manuscript: organizational structure and reading flow, writing voice and style, content strengths and weaknesses; such as: plot effectiveness start to finish, characters, dialogue, narrative. Includes page notes, some minor editing (e.g., verbs, punctuation, tightening, paragraphing), suggested improvements, ideas where to cut/tighten, develop/expand, marketability, typed summary and recommendations, and follow-up phone or brief email discussion. Flat rate 1 cent-per-word (e.g., $10 per 1000 words; or in the submission format $2.75/pg, or out of format $3.35/pg). Prepay full sum and include $20 to return Priority mail. Send check or money order with print copy (see format below). Returned on completion. Status of progress notified by email. Request mail address. Sample Critique
Submission Format
12 pt. font, every chapter starts on a new page, all paragraphs tabbed in (not flush left), fully double-spaced, paper clipped by chapter (prefer 1.25" margins, page number top right).
Same Hourly Rate All Editing
Volume Discounts
MARCH DISCOUNTS
The larger the manuscript, the lower the hourly rate.
The following EDIT DESCRIPTIONS include Retainer sum.
AVERAGE PAGES, WORDS PER HOUR
"Pages" based on double-spaced with header, 12 pt. font, 1.25" margins, 270 words/pg average
First Book, First Edit
Comprehensive line edit. Substantial revisions. Trims redundancy, wordiness, circular writing. Improves organization and reading flow, consistency in verb tense and point of view, active voice, character perspective. Usually includes creative rewriting and additions, to use at your own discretion. This is a first phase in developing a book toward publication. Nonfiction is faster than fiction.
On paper, retainer $3/pg (.011 cents-per-word). Average 5-8 pages per hour (1200-1800 wds/hr; some 900-1100), tightens 15%-25%.
On computer, nonfiction only (e.g., wordy, redundant, needs reorganization for reading flow, some rewriting), retainer $5/pg (.019 cents-per-word) (e.g. Rebecca Joubin, 153,535 words, 570 pages, tightened 23% to 117,952 words, 437 pages. 145 hours).
Light Edit
Works well for experienced writers and authors previously published traditionally. This faster pace requires exceptional writing, organization, narrative voice.
Nonfiction, on computer, retainer $4.30/pg (.014 cents-per-word). (e.g., Polly Letofsky, 177,960 words, 660 pages tightened 9% to 159,885 wds, 592 pgs. 127 hours = avg 1400 wds/hr, 4.65 pgs/hr).
Nonfiction, on paper, retainer $2.50/pg (.01 cent-per-word).
Novels, on paper only, retainer $2.50/pg (.01 cent-per-word). (e.g., Tim Rizzi, 137,000 words, 507 pages, 65 hours) (e.g., Roger...)
Final Proof
Typos, punctuation. Computer or paper. Writing clear, well-organized, already final edited. Experienced writers. Avg 9-15 pgs/hr (2100-3600 wds/hr)(MS Track Changes). Retainer $1.65/pg (.008 cents-per-word).
Heavy-Content Edit
This is fairly typical with about a third of new writers on a first edit. Writing needs work, is disorganized. Needs sequencing (ideas, chapters, scenes, events), focus, logic, clarity; may include creative embellishments and rewriting. Pulling together your dominant theme, tightening concept, smoothing reading flow, enhancing clarity. Improve verb tense, point of view, voice, tone, place and time (setting); character development and perspective, dialogue, dramatic narration and action scenes. Heavy critiquing.This is an important early phase in developing a manuscript; includes rewriting. Heavy trimming averages 25%-35%.On paper averages 800-1300 wds/hr. (If on computer, fastest time 1000 wds/hr.) Retainer $5/pg (.018 cents-per-word).
Rewrite Nonfiction, one draft
Creatively improves the writing, structure, grammar, and presentation. Improves clarity and strengthens dominant message and voice. On computer, once-through (not a full polish). Averages 700 wds/hr. Retainer $8/pg (.028 cents-per-word).
Creative Rewrite Fiction,
one draft On computer, average .45 hrs per original page. Retainer $9/pg (.03 cents-per-word).
Full Polish, to publish
Full polish to clarify statements and ideas. Goal clarity, smooth transitions and meanings of ideas, logical sequence of information, emotional impact. May include reorganizing order of chapters/sections (moving some content into other sections and rephrasing). Includes recommendations for you to do repairs/add copy for missing content/ideas. This improves your writing and manuscript as is (does not add to or "develop" contents). Refined on computer (e.g., 300 pgs mystery novel, 200 hrs. Averages 400 wds/hr.
Retainer $13/pg (.05 cents-per-word).
Replies by next business day
