Having your work edited is a key step in the writing process. An outside eye is vital, even for the finest writers. When you already know what a sentence says, it is easy to overlook missing words, misspellings, and unclear language. When you are passionate about a project, it is nearly impossible to be objective about which sections work and which do not. That’s where I come in.
I edit:
…and anything else my clients send me. No job is too big or too small. I work in both American and British English, and I specialize in helping writers who are self-publishing. |
"Stephanie's editing skills are phenomenal. She edits my screenplays and immediately grasps the feel and mood that I'm trying to convey. She gets all of my various characters' voices, and her corrections don't alter them. I have some very descriptive scenes that can get confusing, and she polishes them to read effortlessly. I will use Stephanie every time I need an editor." Piero Capobianco, screenwriter |
Rates
Subject to change for rush jobs or manuscripts requiring very heavy editing.
Structural Edit (Shape): $5.00 per 250 words (industry standard manuscript page), with a $30 minimum
The first step in editing any text is to evaluate its structure and substance. I will identify places that need developmental changes – elements that are unclear, unfinished, underdeveloped, or overdeveloped. I’ll give you notes and suggestions on style, flow, organization, and clarity of thought.
Line Edit (Sand): $3.75 per 250 words, with a $25 minimum; includes proofreading
Once the shape of a piece is in place, it’s time to smooth the edges, remove any excess words or sentences, and check for snags and rough spots. I will make sure your text is free of confusing language, sentence structure errors, redundancies, wordiness, inappropriate word choice, incorrect verb tenses, and inconsistencies. Maybe the text just needs a little sanding around the corners, or maybe it needs a thorough shave. I can sand with a delicate touch or a firm hand.
Proofread (Polish): $2.50 per 250 words, with a $20 minimum
The final thing any manuscript needs is a good polish to make sure it shines. I will read the text closely for spelling and grammar mistakes, omitted words, formatting errors, and typos. If I spot something that was overlooked in an earlier stage of the editing process, I will leave you a note in the margin suggesting a solution. This is that last once-over to ensure that your text is error-free and professional.
Different rates apply for academic application edits.
Not seeing what you need? Get in touch. I'm always happy to arrange a personalized service.
Structural Edit (Shape): $5.00 per 250 words (industry standard manuscript page), with a $30 minimum
The first step in editing any text is to evaluate its structure and substance. I will identify places that need developmental changes – elements that are unclear, unfinished, underdeveloped, or overdeveloped. I’ll give you notes and suggestions on style, flow, organization, and clarity of thought.
Line Edit (Sand): $3.75 per 250 words, with a $25 minimum; includes proofreading
Once the shape of a piece is in place, it’s time to smooth the edges, remove any excess words or sentences, and check for snags and rough spots. I will make sure your text is free of confusing language, sentence structure errors, redundancies, wordiness, inappropriate word choice, incorrect verb tenses, and inconsistencies. Maybe the text just needs a little sanding around the corners, or maybe it needs a thorough shave. I can sand with a delicate touch or a firm hand.
Proofread (Polish): $2.50 per 250 words, with a $20 minimum
The final thing any manuscript needs is a good polish to make sure it shines. I will read the text closely for spelling and grammar mistakes, omitted words, formatting errors, and typos. If I spot something that was overlooked in an earlier stage of the editing process, I will leave you a note in the margin suggesting a solution. This is that last once-over to ensure that your text is error-free and professional.
Different rates apply for academic application edits.
Not seeing what you need? Get in touch. I'm always happy to arrange a personalized service.
When is it time to hire an editor?
You've done the fun part. You've crafted a convincing argument, a compelling sales pitch, a cast of beautifully human characters, a plot that captures the imagination. You have developed your ideas, given them form, and labored to bring them to life.
A good writer is extraordinarily creative, sensitive, and thought-provoking. You can be all these things without having a perfect grasp of grammar, an eye for detail, or an ear for the nuances of rhythm. Perhaps you know your own argument so well that you can't see where you're skipping steps. You're so focused on building the perfect storyline that you don't spot the occasional jerky sentence. You know your prose is beautiful and elegant, but you can't quite feel which phrases need trimming. Perhaps you're not entirely clear on how to use apostrophes or what the difference is between compliment and complement. |
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"Language Magazine's readers feel it is their responsibility to use their expertise to find faults within the text of our publication. Thankfully, since Stephanie took over proofreading several years ago, they have been thwarted in their efforts. She is not only thorough and precise, but also adaptable to different styles and particular demands. I recommend her without reservation."
Daniel Ward, publication editor
Daniel Ward, publication editor