Services & Rates
I prefer to work on a computer, although I can certainly work from a printed manuscript. My preferred application is Microsoft Word 2003, but I can work with any document saved in the .rtf format. All documents will be marked up using Word’s “track changes” feature, so that you can easily decide whether or not you agree with my edits or wish to go back to your original choice. Rates based on word count are determined before editing, using Word’s internal word count. This allows you to use whatever formatting you prefer in your document and to be sure of the project cost before work begins. If you need me to use a specific style guide, let me know. Otherwise, my default choice is the 15th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style. In addition, I can incorporate any corporate style guide you may have.
General Fiction or Non-fiction, any genre:
I can offer you a manuscript critique, basic proofreading, or copyediting.
A manuscript critique will consist of a few pages (see sample) suggesting characters and scenes that may need additional details, organization changes, plot points that need elaboration or possibly even removal, etc.
Basic proofreading means the project is simply reviewed for grammar and spelling.
Finally, copyediting is proofreading combined with editing for style, organization, and generally tightening up the text - adding, deleting, or moving as necessary. The author's voice is maintained, while clarity is enhanced. If at any point more than three consecutive sentences require complete rewriting, I may return it to you with an explanation. I can rewrite, but I charge an additional fee.
General Fiction or Non-fiction rates:
Manuscript Critique: $0.005/word
Proofread Only: $0.01/word, $30 min
Copyedit: $0.015/word, $50 min
Rewrite: $0.02/word
Technical Writing:
For technical projects, I offer basic proofreading, copyediting, document rewriting, and technical drawings.
Copyediting includes editing for style, organization, and potentially increasing the document’s accessibility to non-technical end users. If at any point more than three consecutive sentences require complete rewriting, that portion will be charged at the document rewrite rate, subject to your approval.
I can also perform a document rewrite, turning a proposal into a detailed design specification (DDS), or a design specification into a user manual.
Finally, I can create and edit technical diagrams using Visio, creating a drawing from your sketch or incorporating “as-built” markups into an existing drawing. For a substantial project, AutoCAD may be available; contact me to discuss this. I do have proficiency in 2D AutoCAD, including panel design and electrical drawings.
Technical Writing Rates:
Proofread Only: $0.01/word, $30 min
Copyedit: $0.015/word, $50 min
Document Rewrite: $0.02/word, $100 min
Drawings: $50 each, minimum
RPG books:
For tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs), I can do a light proofread for grammar and spelling, or I can perform a more detailed copyedit for style, organization, and rules. I am familiar with multiple game systems, including both the third and fourth editions of D&D (including third party licensing), Shadowrun, True20, and Mutants and Masterminds. I’m a gamer and have no problem learning the system while editing the book. If you provide me with any maps to be included in the project, I will confirm that the locations in the text match those on the map.
RPG Rates:
Proofread Only: $0.01/word, $30 min
Copyedit with rules: $0.013/word, $50 min
Graphic Novels and Webcomics:
Comics are priced per standard 8.5" x 11" (A-size) page. If you have an introduction or other essays that you are including in your graphic novel, I can also proofread or copyedit that at the same rates as RPG books. If it is submitted as part of the same project as the comic, no minimum will apply.
Webcomic Rates:
Proofread: $0.80/page
Other Documents:
I can proofread or edit other documents, such as software applications, power point presentations, brochures, flyers, websites, and magazine articles. If it has text, I can edit it!