Fiction Editing Services
for self-publishing fiction authors
Which fiction editing services do you need?
Have you written a romance or YA novel that you plan to self-publish?
Like traditional publishing, self-published books go through the editing process, though you might opt not to go through all four. You’re the boss.
There are four levels of fiction editing services, which include developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading.
Do you need someone to read your manuscript after your self-edit?
A beta reader can give you feedback on your story before you hire other fiction editors. They can help you save money by recommending which type of editing you should seek next.
Copyediting
Copyediting comes before proofreading. Along with checking for correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar, I will also verify basic facts and ensure the details of your story are consistent throughout the manuscript. I will not rewrite or reorganize sentences or give feedback on the content of the story.
As a copyeditor, I will focus for the following:
- Correct spelling
- Correct punctuation
- Correct typos
- Correct grammar
- Make style consistent
- Flag content inconsistencies
- Develop a style sheet for consistency and for the proofreader to follow
- Research facts, names, numbers, and dates
- Check trademarks used
Price: $0.016 per word
Turnaround time varies due to document length and current workload.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final touchup before publishing. It is a surface-level check. I will not rewrite or reorganize sentences or give feedback on the content of the story.
As a proofreader, I will focus on the following:
- Correct spelling
- Correct punctuation
- Correct grammar
- Format
- Check obvious facts
- Follow a style sheet for consistency while maintaining your voice
Price: $0.012 per word
Turnaround time varies due to document length and current workload.
Beta Reading
A beta reader is someone outside of your immediate network (such as family and friends, known as alpha readers), who reads your manuscript and gives you feedback about various elements of the story. A beta reader does not edit or proofread the writing.
As a beta reader, I will focus on the following:
- Theme and genre assessment
- Setting and time
- Characters
- Plot and conflict
- Point of view and tense
- Dialogue
- Tone, voice, and style
- Craft
Price: $1.00 per 1,000 words
Turnaround time varies due to document length and current workload.
How it works
File Formats
I will work with Microsoft Word files, using the Track Changes feature. I will also accept PDF files, to be marked up in an annotation app.
Reference Books
I refer to the Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. I also refer to The Best Punctuation Book, Period.
Genres
I work with romance and young adult, as this is what I enjoy reading and writing. I can also work with mystery/suspense.