Current waiting time is one to three weeks, depending on the size of the project. Sample edits for price quotes are free and still available (usually within 48 hours).
All prices in USD.

Not all editors define the different levels of editing the same way, so the sections below describe the specific services I offer.

I prefer to edit using the Track Changes feature in Microsoft Word, LibreOffice or OpenOffice. This allows you to review each suggested change and either accept it or reject it. I’m always happy to consider other working arrangements but they may increase the final price. Please let me know when submitting your sample if other arrangements will be necessary.

I live in Northern Ontario, Canada, and can edit for U.S. or UK English. Please see the Testimonials page for references.

Proofreading

The proofreading service I offer is best described as error correction.  It covers the types of mistakes that don’t really require a judgement call, just a fine attention to detail. Proofreading includes correcting the following:

• Spelling
• Doubled words
• Missing words
• Homophones (e.g. ‘there’ for ‘their’)
• Missing or obviously incorrect punctuation

Proofreading rates (average, the final rate depends on the amount of work involved):

• Short stories up to 10,000 words: $6.25 per 2,500 words (in 2,500 word blocks)
• Over 10,000 words: $2.50 per 1,000 words (PDF files are $3.00 per 1,000 words)
  

Copy-editing

Copy-editing includes checking for the errors in the proofreading list and also the type of errors that require some level of judgement. I consider consistency of style and the author’s voice to be very important. The suggestions and corrections I make should require only minor rewriting. Copy-editing includes:

• Correcting errors listed under proofreading
• Consistent style throughout
• Ensuring people, places and things are consistent throughout.  This is especially important in some types of fiction, such as science fiction and fantasy, that frequently have a specialized vocabulary.
• Repetitive passages
• Awkward sentences
• Grammar (except where grammar “errors” are part of the author’s style)

Copy-editing rates (average, the final rate depends on the amount of work involved):

• Short stories up to 10,000 words: $11.00 per 2,500 words (in 2,500 word blocks)
• Over 10,000 words: $6.00 per 1,000 words (PDF files are $8.00 per 1,000 words)
  

Non-fiction often requires additional services, such as fact-checking, which I may not provide, and I can only quote a price after discussing with you exactly what your needs are.

How Long It Takes

Below is a list of estimated times for various sized projects. Times are for copy-editing services and are estimates. Proofreading times will be shorter. You will receive a more specific time-to-completion with your quote after submitting your sample.

• Short stories: 1 to 2 days
• Up to 50,000 words: 4 to 6 days
• Up to 100,000 words: 8 to 12 days
• Over 100,000 words: 12+ days

How to Submit a Project

To submit a project for a price quote fill out the form on the Submissions page and attach a sample of at least five pages of the manuscript for review (for short stories see the note below). If I feel your project needs more, or less, work than the service you’ve requested I will contact you to discuss your options.

I will send an email within 24 hours acknowledging receipt of your submission and letting you know when to expect your quote. After editing your sample I will return it with an expected time-to-completion and the price for the work.

Short Story Samples
A five page sample will often be all or most of the content of a short story. In these cases, I will do a quick review of the story and send you a brief summary of the types of corrections and changes I’d recommend along with the price quote, etc.

Payment

Once I’ve returned your sample and you’ve agreed to have the work done I will send you a PayPal invoice.  Payment must be received 24 hours before the scheduled start date for your project. Failure to pay on time may cause your project to be rescheduled to the next available opening.

I prefer payment by PayPal. I am willing to consider other payment options on a case-by-case basis.  Please note that other payment methods such as money orders will cause delays up to several weeks in receiving your edited project.

Projects up to $100.00 require payment in full before I begin work on your project.  I am willing to work out payment plans for projects over $100.00.  In these cases a 25% deposit will be required.

After the Editing

Once your book has been edited and proofread, it will need to be properly formatted. To give your Kindle or e-book the professional touch it deserves, try WriteIntoPrint for MS Word transfers to Kindle and Smashwords – they provide an affordable service, run by a well-regarded editor.