Editing Services
So, you've spent months, maybe even years, meticulously putting together your book. You're pretty sure you've woven a part of yourself into your manuscript by this point, along with your blood, sweat and tears. By now, you've probably read it over and over again to the point where you are sure that you know it from memory. Now, you have to give your hard work away to an editor, someone with a fresh perspective on your book and professional advice on how to polish its slightly roughened edges. That is where I come in.
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I know it can be difficult to trust someone with your time, your writing and, of course, your money, but I can promise you that I will make sure you are 100% satisfied before letting you send off your manuscript into the big, extraordinary world of publishing. I also offer a free sample edit for each client. My services come with open, honest and readily available communication, and although my standard editing process includes only two edits/read-throughs, I can dive back in to address any of your concerns after you've reviewed my initial revisions. Not sure where to start? Consider booking a consultation.
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My process
Each and every editor has their own process when it comes to editing. Some do it on paper, others on a word processor, like Google Docs or Microsoft Word. The editing profession is filled with lots of discourse about the right and wrong way to go about things, and each of us have a set of rules we follow that can vary.
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I primarily use MS Word and track my revisions by using the Tracked Changes feature, which is advantageous for various reasons. On my first pass, I highlight sections that need extra attention while going through my usual editing process, which is dependent on the needs of my client. On my second pass, I pay special attention to those highlighted sections and catch any corrections I missed during my first pass. During those two passes, I leave comments directly on the document if any need to be made.
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Editing packages
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PROOFREADING:
Rate: R180 | $10 | £8 | €9 per 1000 words
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Proofreading is one of the least intensive forms of editing. It is usually conducted during the final stage before publication. Meaning, the document needs to be formatted and ready to go. Proofreading should only be considered once your manuscript has been edited by a professional.
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This package includes:
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correcting spelling, grammar and punctuation
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identifying inconsistencies and formatting flaws
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providing one last read-through to make sure that the book is publish-ready
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two passes
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a review, if wanted
Only a general opinion on the book will be provided; there will be no constructive notes, no plot notes (besides on inconsistencies) and no advice provided.
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LINE EDITING:
Rate: R270 | $15 | £12 | €14 per 1000 words
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You've written and written until your fingers couldn't write anymore. Your book is complete, the plot is tied together and now it is time to get into the nitty-gritty. Line editing, as its name implies, entails meticulously reading each and every line of a manuscript and correcting grammar, punctuation, tone, flow, and so on. This package focusses on language and the use thereof. After doing your initial self-edits, line-editing comes in to sift through your manuscript and pick out any residual mistakes.
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This package includes:
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correcting spelling, grammar and punctuation
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identifying plot/character inconsistencies
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paying close attention to sentence/paragraph structure and flow
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checking voice/tone consistency
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two passes
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a review, if wanted
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DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING:
Rate: R360 | $20 | £16 | €18 per 1000 words
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Do you have an idea, an uncompleted book or need guidance about where to go after you've written your book? Then developmental editing is for you. This is the most intensive form of editing out there and is especially useful for authors who need extra help. This package includes the basic editing that is provided with line editing, as well as character and plot development, writing advice, pacing, plot holes - anything and everything that makes up a book. Some call developmental editing "looking at the big picture" which is exactly the purpose it serves.
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This package includes:
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grammar, punctuation, spelling, tone, voice
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character and plot development
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pacing and flow
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assessing market potential
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readability
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two passes
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a review that goes hand in hand with market potential
How long will it take?
Each manuscript is unique and requires different levels of attention. For example, proofreading will take significantly less time than developmental editing. It also depends on the writer; some authors write better than others in terms of correct language use, grammar, etc. This determines how long it will take to edit on top of the level of editing the manuscript requires.
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Here are some estimated timelines (although each is subject to individual evaluation):
Proofreading:
Up to 20000 words: 1-2 weeks
Between 20000-50000: 1-3 weeks
Between 50000-80000 words: 2-3 weeks
80000+ words: 2-4 weeks
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Line editing:
Up to 20000 words: 1-2 weeks
Between 20000-50000: 1-3 weeks
Between 50000-80000 words: 2-4 weeks
80000+ words: 2-6 weeks
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Developmental editing:
Up to 20000 words: 1-2 weeks
Between 20000-50000: 1-4 weeks
Between 50000-80000 words: 2-6 weeks
80000+ words: 4-8 weeks
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Sample edit
Each new client of mine is offered a complimentary sample edit of up to 2500 words of their manuscript. This is purely for authors to feel out my editing style before they decide to commit to a package with me and to build trust.
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If you are interested in booking a free sample edit with me, you can either email me directly at michaela@thewordsmitheditorial.com OR fill out a contact form and I will get back to you at my earliest convenience. No strings attached.
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