Services
Manuscript Evaluation
A manuscript evaluation is a big-picture look at a manuscript. What is working well? What are the challenges? A manuscript evaluation is usually, but not always, done in the earlier stages of writing to address whether chapters need to be added , combined, or reordered.
I provide a written critique of at least 3-4 pages addressing how effectively the manuscript identifies: purpose, themes, audience, organization, tone, length, and special elements or features.
The evaluation includes sample edits in the manuscript where I offer examples and comments to illustrate my recommended revisions..
A developmental evaluation is useful when an author is in a first or second draft of a book manuscript and wants to ensure that the essential elements are included and serve the author’s purpose and serve the reader.
Sometimes an author wants a developmental evaluation if they are at an impasse and need a professional to evaluate and recommend how to rework the manuscript.
$.025 per manuscript word
Developmental Editing
Development editing also attends to the big picture elements listed in Manuscript Evaluation. However, a developmental edit includes thorough chapter-by-chapter recommendations, edits, and comments using Track Changes and margin Comments.
$.04-$.05 per word
Line Editing
Line editing focuses on the sentence structure and organization within paragraphs. It improves readability and flow. Sentences and paragraphs are edited for tone, consistency, style, and word choice..
After line editing, the next step in preparing a manuscript for publication is copy editing.
$.035-$.045 per word
Copy Editing
After the more significant revisions have been made in a manuscript, an author may want to have their manuscript copy edited. Copy editing ensures there are no typos, missing words, or errors in capitalization, spelling, and usage (that or which?).
After copy editing, the manuscript is ready for the publisher or self-publishing platform to format and finalize the book. (A final proofreading takes place when the book is formatted into book pages.)
$.035-$.045 per word
Rates
Rates are based on the industry standard set by the Editorial Freelance Association. the-efa.org
Poetry manuscripts. I offer evaluation and editing for poetry manuscripts. I have a Master of Fine Arts in poetry from the Iowa Writers Workshop. I have worked for literary magazines including Ploughshares, Agni, and Near-Life Experiences, with publications in Agni, The Boston Herald, and Fine Madness.
Children’s books. I edited and developed college textbooks in teaching children’s literature, and was a copy editor for children’s books for Charlesbridge publishers.
Memoir. I taught Life Stories (memoir) writing in Somerville, Massachusetts, receiving three consecutive local arts grants. These classes supported participants in writing about the significant events in their lives and learning to write from their vulnerability and unique voices. I support memoir writers in deciphering the core of their story, and which pieces to expand, add, or pare down to reveal their compelling story.