2018 Editing Rates

HOW IT WORKS

The first step is to submit your first chapter. Short-story partials can also be submitted, but should not exceed 1,500 words. There is zero obligation to purchase my services at this stage. After reading through your writing sample, I will email you a page of editorial notes and comments. This will let you assess if my editing approach is right for your story.

Next, we will discuss the story and make a plan for completing edits. This will include a timeline for the project. Email correspondence is preferred, but I can be available on the phone.

At this point, you will receive an invoice for services. Before edits can begin, a minimum deposit will be required. Deposits will never be less than $10. Projects quoted at less than $100 are subject to a 50% deposit, $10 minimum. Between $101 and $250, a 40% deposit is required. All other projects are subject to a 30% deposit. Payment schedules will be clearly outlined in the invoice, including milestones for completing the work. You can request to be shown completed work at any payment milestone.

Your story does not need to be complete before requesting my services. “When to buy” details stated below are recommendations, not requirements.

I only edit fiction. If for any reason I do not feel as though I’m a good fit for your story, I will help you assess what should happen next on your writing journey.

 

Description of Services:

Draft Stage Evaluation [ $1.00 / 1000 words ]

When to buy:
After your 1st or 2nd draft is complete.
What it is:
Lots of notes. This service is a top-down approach to the viability of your story. It looks at narrative voice, character development, and general plot structure. The goal is to help writers step outside their bubble and look at their story with fresh eyes, while pointing out moments that really work versus instances where threads were left dangling.
Turn around:
Up to 4,000 words: 2 days
4,001 – 15,000 words: 4 days
15,001 – 50,000 words: 8 days
50,001 words+ : 14 days some exceptions

Proofread [ $1.50 / 250 words ]

When to buy:
Before you let the world at large read your story.
What it is:
Proofreading deals with grammar, syntax, and punctuation. It cleans up all the little details that might’ve faded into the background as you’ve been powering through your other edits. There will be some notes on consitency and story beats, but it isn’t the focus. This type of edit should be done before self-publishing or sending your manuscript to agents.
Turn around:
Up to 10,000 words: 3-5 days
10,001 – 25,000 words: 6-8 days
25,001 – 50,000 words: 10-12 days
50,001 words+ : 14 days+
more accurate estimations available upon request if writing sample is provided

Developmental Edit [ $2.00 / 250 words ]

When to buy:
After draft 1, before draft 10.
What it is:
Developmental edits are also called substantive or content edits. They can be done at any time after draft 1 is finished, although it is up to the writer to identify when a developmental edit is best for their story. This is a big-picture look at a story. Notes will focus on character arcs, plot structure, and pacing. There will also be an eye for consistency toward narrative voice and story details. Solutions or suggestions to correct problematic areas will be provided.
Turn around:
Up to 10,000 words: 5 days
10,001 – 30,000 words: 6-10 days
30,001 – 50,000 words: 11-18 days
50,001 words+ : 20 days+
more accurate estimations available upon request if writing sample is provided

Please contact me at writingonpoint@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to request editing services not listed on this page. This can include, but is not limited to, added editorial stages for implementing suggested developmental changes, consitency editing between multiple books in a single series, or a partial proofread after a full proofread has been purchased (typically needed when story changes have been implemented after the first proofread). Custom services are subject to the same desposit structure outlined near the top of the page.