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Services
Copyediting is the “correcting stage” of editing. At all levels of my Copyediting service—light, intermediate, heavy, and Indie Author—I’ll be working on the five Cs of copyediting:
- Correctness
- Completeness
- Consistency
- Clarity
- Concision
Inconsistent or non-standard spelling, grammar, and punctuation are attended to, and logic is checked so that the reader can follow the story without distraction.
Ideal for: Authors who want a thorough line-by-line polish while preserving their unique voice and story style.
Turnaround: Typically 2-3 weeks for a 60,000-word manuscript (depends on length and complexity)
Proofreading is the “quality-control stage” of editing where any final errors or layout problems are flagged to make your manuscript suitable for publication. I provide Proofreading services on fully edited and formatted documents. Proofreading is important because it is the last chance to find and fix errors before a manuscript is presented to readers.
Ideal for: Authors who have completed copyediting and want a clean, professional final review.
Turnaround: 1-2 weeks for a 60,000-word manuscript
Step 01
Choose Your Level of Editing
Bronze – Polish Pass
(Proofreading)
For authors who just need a clean, error-free manuscript.
What’s Included:
- Final pass for typos, misspellings, formatting inconsistencies, and minor grammar errors
- Focus on catching issues missed in previous rounds
- Perfect for polishing your manuscript just before publishing
Proofreading is performed on a previously formatted PDF document. It is the final stage of editing. This is where I clean up those last-minute errors before going on to typesetting.
Must have had copyediting done by myself or someone else prior to proofreading. It is not a substitute for copyediting.
*Great for final drafts headed to print or self-pub upload
Silver – Continuity Check
(Copyediting + Style Sheet)
For authors who want to make sure their story holds together
What’s included:
- Comprehensive review of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax
- Sentence clarity, flow, and readability improvements
- Consistency checks (character names, timelines, worldbuilding details)
- Fact-checking for genre-specific elements (e.g. fantasy terminology, romance tropes)
- Dialogue polishing to maintain authentic voices
- TImeline verification (ages, seasons, calendars, moon cycles, pregnancies, travel times, etc.)
- Character detail tracking (eye color, quirks, backstory consistency)
- World-building spot checks (magic systems, geography, politics)
- Customized style sheet (tracks an author’s choices about characters, settings, spelling, punctuation, and other style details to ensure consistency throughout the manuscript)
COPYEDITING SERVICE includes 2 passes of copyediting and a style sheet.
I will copyedit your document using Microsoft Word’s Track Changes feature. This will show all corrections and comments with queries or explanations.
After this round, I will return a finalized copy of the document showing all tracked changes, edits, and any comments or queries.
Copyediting services include:
Grammar
Capitalization
Punctuation
Spelling
Hyphenation
Number Style
Abbreviations
Formatting (italics, headings, lists, etc.)
Extra letter and line spacing
Word usage
Homophones
Pronouns
Verb tense
Consistency in text and story (characters, plot, time, attributes)
Parallelism
Jargon, cliches, and biased language
Awkward, wordy, or confusing sentences
Localized language
And, if applicable:
Table of Contents
Bibliography or References
Footnotes or Endnotes
Gold – Reader Experience Report
(Beta Read + Copyedit or Proofread + Style Sheet)
For authors who want to see how their story lands with readers.
What’s Included:
- Beta Reading gives feedback from a reader’s perspective, focusing on story flow, characters, pacing, and clarity.
- Copyedit or Proofreading (you choose!)
- Style Sheet
I use a pre-made questionnaire to guide feedback—for example, asking: Were the characters believable? Did the story hold your interest? Were any parts confusing or too slow? This helps you get genre-specific, consistent insights they can use to improve the work. It is not a substitute for a developmental edit.
When you are happy with your manuscript, I will provide a copyedit or proofreading (see above) with a customized style sheet.
*Writers get both clean prose and big-picture insight
Special deals
INDIE AUTHOR PACKAGE: Includes 1 pass of fiction copyediting and a basic style sheet for $749 (up to 90K words). Only good for first-time clients.
COMBO PACKAGE: Copyedit + Proofread- Save 10% on both
SERIES DISCOUNT: 10-15% off for multi-book contracts (negotiated individually)
RUSH SERVICE: +25% fee for turnaround under 2 weeks (subject to availability)
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What style guide do you use?
I copyedit and proofread fiction and nonfiction manuscripts using the Chicago Manual of Style (18th ed.) or the style guide of your choice along with Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (11th ed.) for US style or the New Oxford Style Manual for UK style.
What is the "Indie Author Package?"
The Indie Author Package is my newest service for the cost-conscious indie author. This single-pass, basic copyedit gives your work of fiction the refinement needed to elevate it above the rest in a crowded marketplace. This package is for copyediting services to first-time clients only. For $749, a one-pass copyedit will be provided for a manuscript of up to 90,000 words. Only good one time.
How do you determine the pricing?
Every manuscript is unique and deserves the proper attention. I will look over your sample and determine the level of editing it will need as well as the time it will take to complete the process thoroughly.
Prices vary depending on the length of the manuscript, and whether you have any additional requirements from the service. My pricing is guided by the CIEP’s suggested minimum rates and the Editorial Freelancers Association’s rate chart. If we decide to work together, I require a 10% booking deposit that is non-refundable.
How long will it take?
Once I start on your project, it can take 2-4 weeks depending on the length of the manuscript and the plan chosen.
What are the parameters for the free sample edit?
I offer a free sample edit of the following:
1,000 words for manuscripts over 20,000 words
500 words for manuscripts under 20,000 words
10% sample for manuscripts under 500 words
Please submit a sample from the middle of your manuscript.
What do I get back upon completion?
For the Bronze (proofreading) service, you will receive the proofread manuscript with all edits showing on the pdf or physical proof.
For the Silver (copyediting) service, you will receive a fully edited manuscript showing all changes and author queries and a style sheet.
For the Gold (beta + editing) service, you will receive a genre-specific reader’s report and a fully edited manuscript showing all changes and author queries.
How does billing work?
Upon acceptance of terms, you will be invoiced 10% due at booking and another 45% owed by the day before the project begins. The final 45% is due when the final edit is returned. Payment plans can be adjusted as needed.
Which types of payments do you accept?
PayPal, credit and debit cards, direct transfer
What is the difference between copyediting and proofreading?
Both types of editing involve looking for errors and inconsistencies in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. Copyediting also involves word usage and style. Proofreading is performed on a fully edited and formatted document prior to publication and also examines layout.
Click here to see how Tracked Changes works.
*All services require a 10% non-refundable down payment at time of booking.