Analysis and critique

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I’ll read your manuscript at least twice. First, I sit down with it as a reader. I finish the entire book before putting on my editor’s eyes and going back a second or even third time. This way I know the whole story before I dive in to ask questions. I will provide you with a full written report, typically 10-20 pages, on what I view as the strengths of your work and the areas where some improvement could make a major difference.

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The critique will address the major issues writers face: characters and character development, plot and sub-plots, scene and setting, dialogue and narrative, organizational structure of the work, and that all-important but hard to define style and voice. I don’t just point out problem areas. I give concrete examples and suggestions to help you fix problems, improve weaknesses, and take advantage of your strengths. The report looks at both the art of the story and the craft of the writing.

It doesn’t stop there. You get ongoing follow-up service by e-mail or phone to answer specific questions. I’ll also review some new and revised scenes to see if they resolve the issues noted in the initial analysis.

Rate: 2 cents per word.*

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Line Edit

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A line edit includes a thorough scrub of your finished manuscript for writing issues and recommendations to strengthen your prose. You’ll receive a marked-up copy of your manuscript along with a written report with suggestions, writing tips and techniques specific to your manuscript, all aimed at helping you polish your writing and engage readers.

Rate: 2-3 cents per word.

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Proofread & Copy Edit

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This is a read-through to correct typos, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. You’ll receive a marked-up copy of your manuscript and a clean, polished version.

Rate: 1 to 1.5 cents per word.

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Submission review

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I will review your submission package, including your query letter, synopsis, and the first 30 pages of your manuscript to help ensure a professional presentation when you approach agents and acquisition editors.

Rate: $300

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Coaching & Mentoring

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About done with your first draft, or only partway through, and feel stuck? Your first attempt at a full-length novel? Maybe a writing coach with a mentorship program tailored specifically to your needs and situation would be the right approach to help you get off on the right foot and finish a strong first draft.

Rate: Starting at $500. Contact me for a customized package that fits your needs and your budget.

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Request a proposal

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Contact me by email or through this website’s contact page. Submit the first 20 pages or so of your manuscript (approximately 5,000 words, double spaced, 12-point type, in Word document), and I’ll provide you a free sample edit with a customized proposal and firm price quote.

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Payment terms

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Payment is due prior to commencing work. For longer projects, payment can be split with 50 percent due in advance and the balance due upon completion. Invoices and payments are submitted through PayPal.

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Discount packages

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If you need a combination of services, ask about a customized package to suit your needs.

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*Please note all rates are in U.S. Dollars (and cents!)

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