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I am available for writing consultation, editing, copywriting, research, ghost writing, and more. I enjoy working with all size projects from letter writing to manuscripts. Please allow me to create a quote for your specific needs by including as much information about your project as possible. I look forward to connecting with you.
Editing
$60 PER HOUR
“Editing” is a term loosely used as a catch word to describe the process of preparing a manuscript for publication. Editors may actually go through a series of steps (or types of editing) to accomplish this. The list below briefly describes the different types of editing to help you in selecting the services you need: copyediting, general editing, and substantive editing. Often, it is difficult to draw the line between editing and copyediting because editing involves a number of the elements of copyediting.
For any writer, the world of professional editing can be very intimidating — especially when trying to figure out what services may benefit your writing the most. Indeed, there are so many types of editing out there, it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin!
Don't fret the details! The beauty of having a personal editor is they can help you navigate the editing process and flexibly move between services as your need varies.
When trying to estimate what editing services may cost it is best to ask for a quote. The amount of time required to edit a manuscript depends on how it has been prepared and on the audience for which it is intended.
Copyediting
Mechanics of Manuscript
Copyediting is concerned with the mechanics of the manuscript: capitalization, spelling, hyphenation, grammar, syntax, word usage, and accuracy. During this process, the editor will check for uniformity of style for headings, subheadings, tables, etc. All references to tables, figures, pictures, maps, etc. will be check for accuracy. Notes, citations, bibliographies and reference lists, and the content of tables may also be part of the process. This process will not look at comprehension or organization (see Substantive editing).
Revise sentences for clarity and concision
Restructure passages to ensure text flows smoothly
Edit text to change or adapt its tone
Make revisions to improve the overall quality of writing
Leave helpful feedback and suggestions in comments
Spelling
Grammar
Capitalization
Word usage and repetition
Dialogue tags
Usage of numbers or numerals
POV/tense (to fix any unintentional shifts)
Descriptive inconsistencies (character descriptions, locations, blocking, etc.)
General Editing
Item Subtitle
This is the process that most people think about when they think about editing. It looks at both the content and the mechanics (copyediting) in one process. This works best for shorter manuscripts (less than 100 pages) and promotional materials (e.g. brochures, press releases, meeting programs).
Substantive Editing
"Big Picture" Details
Substantive editing, sometimes called Developmental Editing, refers to a comprehensive evaluation of a manuscript. The editor will refine your ideas, shape your narrative, and help you fix any major plot or character inconsistencies. Basically, they’ll look at just about every element of your story and tell you what works and what doesn’t.
The editor looks at the organization and presentation. It may involve rephrasing or reorganizing of a manuscript as well as mechanical issues such as syntax.
An author’s own style is respected during this process; however the editor may make suggestions to the author to improve readability.
For manuscripts being submitted to journals, etc., the editor will also insure that the manuscript follows the established style of that periodical.
Line Editing
Focus of style and flow
People often use this term synonymously with copy editing, but they’re not exactly the same. To clarify: line editing looks at content and flow of prose. Sometimes referred to as stylistic editing, since it concentrates on style rather than mechanics.
A more precise form of copy-editing, a line edit would only take word usage, POV/tense, and descriptive inconsistencies into account, and provide more detailed suggestions as to how to strengthen the prose itself.
Try our service for FREE
Email your sample to tryforfree@yourwritingdoctor.com
Not sure what to expect? Hesitant that a professional proofreader will be worth the expense? Not sure how the personal relationship with a editor will be better than on-line services?
Email a 500 word sample of your writing and Your Writing Doctor will proofread it for free.
Your Writing Doctor's Process
To get started please email your document to Your Writing Doctor, include your editing requirements & your choice of official referencing style if you have one.
Your Writing Doctor will send you a quote. The quote will include which services will benefit your writing the most.
Your Writing Doctor will not accept a project if I feel we do not have expertise in the area (e.g., all writing projects, and the editing of Masters Theses or Doctoral Dissertations, will be considered on a case by case basis).
All work will be handled confidentially and in a timely manner; and I will be accessible via e-mail throughout the process. I realize how important deadlines are and will make sure you meet them.
It is preferred that all submissions, other than galley proofs, be originally submitted double-spaced in 12 point font Times New Roman with one inch margins on white 81/2 x 11 inch paper. Keep formatting to a minimum at the beginning of the process.
When the proofreading is complete I will send you two copies of your work: a “clean” copy that is ready for use and a copy with all the edits tracked and saved. You’ll then be able to check and approve every change, so you’re always in control of the final draft.
Your Writing Doctor is able to work with Microsoft Word Documents, PowerPoint Presentations, Mac Pages Files, flash drives & hard copies. Please inquire with other document types.
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Scripts | Books | Poetry
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