Hard-Copy Editing*
(Line Editing plus Thorough Evaluation)
When we edit your printed manuscript (hard-copy editing), you get complete line editing, which means we repair errors in grammar, punctuation, syntax, clarity, and compliance with Chicago Style, plus we may make suggestions on how to strengthen the writing and make it more creative. In addition, you receive a printed evaluation that explains all our suggested changes, and it addresses all the elements that will aid in marketability. The evaluation is like a road map to take your manuscript to the highest level it can go.
For fiction the elements we address in the evaluation include characterization; dialogue; point of view; creative issues; beginning, middle, and end; conflict and suspense; scenes and structure; pace; voice; plot; setting; grammar, punctuation, and syntax; format; and other issues, including marketability.
For nonfiction the elements we address in the evaluation include organization; pacing; grammar, punctuation, and syntax; format; beginning, middle, and end; plus other issues, including marketability.
People who choose hard-copy editing are writers eager to improve their books as much as possible, learn from the experience, and apply what they have learned to future books. They are people who like the total control they have over making changes to their manuscripts, or they are folks who plan to have an assistant make the changes to the electronic file.
For hard-copy editing the manuscript must be in standard manuscript format, printed, and mailed. Standard manuscript format consists of 12-point Courier type, double-spaced, with margins of at least an inch on all sides. This format is standard for manuscript submissions to agents, editors, and publishers.
Hard-Copy Editing Cost: $5.95 per standard manuscript page plus shipping and handling.*
Shipping and handling charges
Up to 200 pages - $10.00
201-400 pages - $12.00
401 pages and up - $15.00
For all U.S. deliveries, we return manuscripts by Priority Mail with Tracking and send you a tracking number, so you can track and confirm delivery. Please do not send pre-paid return postage, because you will be unable to estimate the weight of the report that will accompany the manuscript.
Electronic-File Editing*
(Line Editing, No Evaluation)
When you order electronic editing, you send us your electronic file by e-mail to edit. We line edit the manuscript, which means we repair errors in grammar, punctuation, syntax, clarity, and compliance with Chicago Style, plus we may make suggestions on how to strengthen the writing and make it more creative. We use Track Changes so you see all our changes regarding grammar, punctuation, clarity, and Chicago Style, and you have the right to accept or reject those changes. If necessary, we include comments regarding issues only the author can address.
People who use electronic-file editing are people who plan to self-publish, people who do not intend to write another book and therefore don't care to learn anything from the process, or those who don't want to hear any suggestions for further improvement. Publishing companies use electronic-file editing.
The electronic file must be sent as a Microsoft Word file, but it does not have to be in standard manuscript format.
There are no shipping and handling charges for electronic editing.
Electronic Editing Cost: 4¢ per word.
Hybrid Editing*
(Line Editing plus Thorough Evaluation)
Hybrid editing combines all the advantages of hard-copy editing with the ease of sending and receiving the files electronically, plus you don't have to make all the changes to the file yourself.
When you order hybrid editing, we line edit your electronic file to correct all errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, and noncompliance with Chicago Style. We use Track Changes so you see all our suggested changes, while you maintain complete control. We also write a thorough evaluation and send it as a separate Microsoft Word file. The evaluation is like a road map to take your manuscript to the highest level it can go.
For fiction the elements we address in the evaluation include characterization; dialogue; point of view; creative issues; beginning, middle, and end; conflict and suspense; scenes and structure; pace; voice; plot; setting; grammar, punctuation, and syntax; format; and other issues, including marketability.
For nonfiction the elements we address in the evaluation include organization; pacing; grammar, punctuation, and syntax; format; beginning, middle, and end; and other issues, including marketability.
People who use hybrid editing are writers eager to improve their books as much as possible, learn from the experience, and apply what they have learned to future books. They appreciate the ease of not having to make the corrections themselves.
The electronic file you send us must be a Microsoft Word file, but it does not have to be in standard manuscript format.
There are no shipping and handling charges for hybrid editing.
Hybrid Editing Cost: 5¢ per word
Proofreading*
(Final Proofing after Editing)
Proofreading is not -- repeat, not -- a substitute for editing. Proofreading is the final step before going to press, so we proofread only material that has already been edited and revised. Our proofreading ensures all the edits were made correctly and did not create other problems, plus, when we proof designed book pages, we ensure the design is consistent and does not interfere with or detract from the flow of the material.
Proofreading normally results in fewer than four changes per page. If we receive a job for proofreading, but after examining the material determine that it was not properly edited, we reserve the right to refuse the job or offer editing services, instead.
People who choose proofreading are those who have had their manuscripts professionally edited, made all the changes to the manuscript, and want to ensure the changes improved the manuscript. Self-publishers may already have the book laid out and almost ready to go to press, but these self-publishers are the smart ones who take the final step to ensure no mistakes or design flaws detract from the quality of their final product.
If we have already edited your manuscript once, after which you made changes and want to ensure your changes improved the manuscript, you may request this proofreading cost for a second edit. In such a case, please indicate that it is a second edit.
Proofreading Costs:
- 3¢ per word for electronic manuscripts*
- $3.00 per page for hard-copy printouts of manuscripts or designed books, plus shipping and handling*
(Designed books can also be sent as a pdf file. We print it out for and additional 15¢ per page, proof the pages, scan the proofed pages, and send them back as a pdf file, with no added shipping charges.)
Shipping and handling charges
Up to 200 pages - $10.00
201-400 pages - $12.00
401 pages and up - $15.00
*$100 minimum per submission.
Send your manuscript for a full examination today! Click the Editing Request button to start the process immediately.
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