Let me help you refine your story
I offer developmental edits, line edits, copy edits, and plotting sessions. I also offer an editing package combining line and copy edits together.
But what does that all mean? What can you expect from each type of edit?
Developmental Edit
Here I focus on the overall execution of the storytelling — the big picture.
I look at the plot and structure of the manuscript. Does each scene and chapter push the plot forward? Does the plot make sense? Are there any plot holes or loose threads? How is the pacing? Does the story start in the right place and have enough tension and stakes rising throughout to keep the reader engaged? Is the world building solid and immersive? Are the beats readers have come to expect in the genre there?
I also focus on character development. Do the characters have clear GMC [Goal, Motivation, and Conflict] driving their development and the plot? Are they engaging and relatable? Is the dialogue authentic and discernable? Is the POV deep and showing us how the characters feel instead of telling us?
When I’m finished with a developmental edit, you get three documents from me:
~ a detailed evaluation of what’s currently working and what aspects need more attention. I focus on all the elements laid out above.
~ a breakdown of the chapters with notes regarding what issues are showing up where. This works like a roadmap or cheat sheet authors can use to find exactly where to address the issues raised.
~ the manuscript with comprehensive notes made using Word’s comment function.
After the edit, I’m available to answer any questions and brainstorm solutions if needed. We can do this via email, a call, or a video chat — whatever you’re comfortable with.
For developmental edits, I charge between US $17 for 1000 words / $0.017 per word and US $20 for 1000 words / $0.02 per word.
Substantive / Line Edits
A substantive/line edit looks at the manuscript at a sentence level. This is where I fine-tune the big picture.
I check for consistency from scene to scene (motivations, actions, eye color, clothing, etc.). I edit to improve paragraph structure, scene structure, and transitions. I find repetitive words/phrases/structures. I check your dialogue is authentic and flows, tighten wordy sentences, and check for readability, pacing, clarity, and consistency.
All edits are done in the manuscript with track changes on and using Word’s comment function.
For substantive/line edits, I charge between US $15 for 1000 words / $0.015 per word and US $20 for 1000 words / $0.02 per word.
Copy Edits
During a copy edit, I comb through your story and check the grammar, punctuation, spelling, and consistency of style. I follow the latest Chicago Manual of Style and use Merriam Webster as my default dictionary.
For copy edits, I charge between US $15 for 1000 words / $0.015 per word.
Package Deal: Line and Copy Edits combined
For some authors, I can complete a package edit of line and copy edits together. For this edit, I charge between US $18 for 1000 words / $0.018 per word and US $23 for 1000 words / $0.023 per word.
Plotting Sessions
Do you have an idea or an outline but need help making sure all the building blocks of a solid story are there? Need a roadmap or a little direction figuring out a plot point? We can go over what you have and flesh out a detailed outline for you to work with in a plotting session. We can do this in a call or video chat. For a plotting session (roughly an hour and a half), I charge $150.
The Small Print:
* I offer a 1000-word sample edit for us to both see if we’re a good fit.
* I use Word’s “word count” and invoice for the size of the book when it arrives for edits.
* All edits are done using MS Word and manuscripts need to be submitted as a Word document.
* I require a $50 non-refundable deposit to secure a date on my schedule. This $50 will be deducted from the amount due when you send me the manuscript and the first payment.
* Fifty percent of the total fee is payable when the book arrives for edits. Once I have started an edit, no refunds will be issued. The remaining portion is due when the edits are completed.
* I use Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam Webster and make all corrections/suggestions according to the latest editions.
* I accept payment via PayPal and TransferWise. PayPal charges a fee for all business transactions. These will be added to the total of the invoice. There are some other payment methods available, so we can discuss other options if there is a problem with PayPal or TransferWise.
** Disclaimer: I cannot guarantee that using my editorial services will result in an offer of representation from an agent or a contract from a publisher, and I do recommend still using a proofreader after edits with me if you are self-publishing.
To discuss editing packages or scheduling or to arrange a 1000-word sample edit to see if we’d be a good fit, please get in touch with me at shohamh@gmail.com