Nonfiction Editing
for authors, publishers, and businesses
What service are you interested in?
Line/Copyediting Combo |
Copyediting |
Proofreading |
Copyediting
Investment: 3¢/word (USD)
➡️ For technical editing, I offer an hourly rate
➡️ For technical editing, I offer an hourly rate
If what you really need is a copyedit, this service is for you.
This service is perfect for nonfiction authors who have already worked with a developmental editor and/or line editor (or done many rounds of self-editing) and are now happy with all big-picture elements. You're now ready for a meticulous copyeditor to take care of the technical details and make sure everything is consistent so readers stay happily immersed in the story.
This service focuses on:
You will receive:
Prices subject to change based on the nature of the project. Once I see a sample of your manuscript, I can provide a detailed proposal tailored to your needs.
This service is perfect for nonfiction authors who have already worked with a developmental editor and/or line editor (or done many rounds of self-editing) and are now happy with all big-picture elements. You're now ready for a meticulous copyeditor to take care of the technical details and make sure everything is consistent so readers stay happily immersed in the story.
This service focuses on:
- spelling, punctuation, grammar
- word usage and other mechanics of style
- consistency in capitalization and hyphenation
- consistency in abbreviations, numbers, and names
- overall clarity, consistency, and correctness
- flagging any continuity errors
You will receive:
- the edited file with track changes + a clean copy
- a style sheet
Prices subject to change based on the nature of the project. Once I see a sample of your manuscript, I can provide a detailed proposal tailored to your needs.
Want more info about what to expect in hiring me as your editor? Click here.
Line/Copyediting Combo
Investment: 4¢/word (USD)
➡️ For technical editing, I offer an hourly rate
➡️ For technical editing, I offer an hourly rate
Looking for a reliable, diligent editor you can count on to deliver high-quality work on time? I'd love to help.
I've worked both in-house at a traditional publisher and with independent authors alike since 2011.
You can access my resume here or check out my LinkedIn profile.
I've worked both in-house at a traditional publisher and with independent authors alike since 2011.
You can access my resume here or check out my LinkedIn profile.
- I'm familiar with the Chicago Manual of Style and comfortable with both Canadian and US spelling.
- I work in Microsoft Word using track changes and comments. For proofreading PDFs, I use Adobe Acrobat's mark-up.
This service focuses on:
Also includes these aspects of line editing:
Prices subject to change based on the nature of the project. Once I see a sample of your manuscript, I can provide a detailed proposal tailored to your needs.
- spelling, punctuation, grammar
- usage and other mechanics of style
- consistency in capitalization and hyphenation
- consistency in abbreviations, numbers, and names
- overall clarity, consistency, and correctness
- flagging any continuity errors
Also includes these aspects of line editing:
- flag any unclear areas and offer suggestions for improving clarity/flow
- sentence length and rhythm
- the edited file with track changes + a clean copy
- a style sheet
Prices subject to change based on the nature of the project. Once I see a sample of your manuscript, I can provide a detailed proposal tailored to your needs.
Want more info about what to expect in hiring me as your editor? Click here.
|
I absolutely made the right choice
“Erika took my manuscript from good to great! I got a sample edit from four editors for my copyedit and hers was by far the best. She was far better than any others at maintaining my voice while making my writing clearer and more polished. I absolutely made the right choice with her. Her attention to detail was outstanding and exceeded my expectations.” Zach Leezer
author of Rethink Yourself |
line/copyediting of nonfiction book
|
|
I'm so grateful to have had her support!
“From the start Erika was a dream to work with. Her attention to detail and knowledge transformed my manuscript into a beautiful book. I'm so grateful to have had her support, expertise and insight in self-publishing my first book. I can't thank you enough, Erika!!” Leah Brathwaite
author of A New Way of Life: A Guide for Transformation from Living a Lie to Freeing Your Soul (self-help) |
|
Proofreading – Final Pass
Investment: 2¢/word (USD)
➡️ For technical editing, I offer an hourly rate
➡️ For technical editing, I offer an hourly rate
If you’ve worked with an editor, have a formatted PDF from your designer, and want to hire a proofreader for the final quality check, this service is for you.
It helps to have a professional go over your document one last time before sending it to the printer or uploading to Amazon. Proofreading is done by marking up a PDF of the final print-ready file. I use Adobe’s digital mark-up tools. If you’re publishing an ebook, I would work on your final edited Word document.
I will focus on:
You will receive:
The style sheet includes all the style decisions on capitalization, hyphenation, abbreviations, numbering, word list (usually using the Chicago Manual of Style).
Prices subject to change based on the nature of the project. Once I see a sample of your manuscript, I can provide a detailed proposal tailored to your needs.
It helps to have a professional go over your document one last time before sending it to the printer or uploading to Amazon. Proofreading is done by marking up a PDF of the final print-ready file. I use Adobe’s digital mark-up tools. If you’re publishing an ebook, I would work on your final edited Word document.
I will focus on:
- spelling, punctuation, grammar
- consistency in capitalization and hyphenation
- consistency in abbreviations, numbers, and names
- accuracy of running heads (headers and footers)
- widows/orphans and short lines
- end-of-line hyphenation
- TOC, pagination, cross-references
You will receive:
- the marked-up PDF (or Word doc for ebooks)
- a basic style sheet (if you don't already have one from your copyeditor)
The style sheet includes all the style decisions on capitalization, hyphenation, abbreviations, numbering, word list (usually using the Chicago Manual of Style).
Prices subject to change based on the nature of the project. Once I see a sample of your manuscript, I can provide a detailed proposal tailored to your needs.
Want more info about what to expect in hiring me as your editor? Click here.
|
The finished product was a success
“Erika has now edited eight editions of Doyle's Almanac of Newfoundland and Labrador. Back in 2015, as I had never published before, I approached Erika (who had come highly recommended) for help with proofreading, editing, and organizing the first edition of Doyle's Almanac. The finished product was a success, and each edition we have published has a very polished and professional look, which is due to Erika's expertise. She also provides suggestions and tips to improve the clarity of our work. Writing can be difficult; however, with Erika's help the process is made easier. Her work is always within budget and finished on time. I look forward to working with her again next year.” Robert Doyle
Managing editor of Doyle's Almanac of NL |
|
My Editing Process
✨ Just a reminder, I specialize in speculative genres (especially sci-fi, fantasy, horror) and don't edit romance genres (except romantasy). I offer copyediting and proofreading but not evaluations or developmental editing. I do, however, know a ton of great editors who do! Get in touch and I'll refer you.
Here are the steps you can expect when hiring me as your editor.
- Join my waitlist (or fill out my contact form):
- Once you're on the waitlist, every month you'll have access to new editing spots that open up. I don't book farther than three months out for new clients, so this is the best way to stay on top of new openings.
- If you've filled out my contact form, I'll confirm receipt within a business day and ask a few more clarifying questions to make sure we're a good fit.
- If we're not (usually because of a genre mismatch or I don't provide the editing service you need), I am happy to connect you with other editors in my network you could contact.
- Making sure we're a good fit:
- Once you're ready to claim an editing spot, I will offer to do a free sample edit of 1,000 words from the middle of your manuscript (just to make sure we're on the same page with project scope and deliverables). I'll send you a short proposal with cost and timeline.
- I will also give the option to book a 30-min Zoom call to ask any questions you might have and to make absolutely sure it's a good fit for both of us.
- Feel free to ask me all the questions you like and check my testimonials or ask for references.
- Booking me for editing:
- If you decide you want to work with me, I'll send you an editing contract to sign, which puts us on the same page in terms of expectations, timeline, payment deadlines.
- Once you've returned the signed contract, I will send an invoice for a 20% nonrefundable booking deposit to secure your spot in my future schedule.
- Invoicing:
- A week before I start editing, I will send you an invoice for 40% of the total fee.
- The remaining 40% will be due right before I send you the edited manuscript.
- Turnaround time:
- It will usually take me between 2-5 weeks to finish editing your book, depending on word count.
- A 50K novel will be closer to 2-3 weeks.
- 100K or more words tends to be 4-6 weeks.
- And proofreading jobs can be faster, between 1-2 weeks.
- Style guides and dictionaries:
- I most often use the Chicago Manual of Style for fiction editing and the Merriam Webster dictionary (for US spelling). I'm also experienced with Canadian spelling.
- I most often use the Chicago Manual of Style for fiction editing and the Merriam Webster dictionary (for US spelling). I'm also experienced with Canadian spelling.
- Communication expectations:
- While I'm editing your manuscript, I will follow up via email every Friday with an update on my progress, especially for longer projects.
- You can feel free to email me with any questions at any time.
- Deliverables:
- You will receive the edited document in Microsoft Word with Track Changes and comments in the margin.
- A clean copy with all changes accepted for easier reading.
- And a style sheet (a full one for copyediting and a more basic one for proofreading jobs, if you don't have one from your copyeditor already).
- Post-edit clean-up pass:
- Once you receive your edited manuscript back, it's your turn to go through and accept/reject my suggestions, then make any minor additions.
- I will check those additions and send you back a cleaned-up version ready for formatting.
- Optional wrap-up 30-minute Zoom call:
- You'll have an opportunity to ask any questions about my edits or next steps for your book. And of course it's fun to just celebrate being one step closer to publishing your book!
- You'll have an opportunity to ask any questions about my edits or next steps for your book. And of course it's fun to just celebrate being one step closer to publishing your book!
|
Very thorough proofreading work
“Very thorough work, Erika! Appreciate the extra TLC you gave this manuscript. It is wonderful to have you as a resource, and we look forward to future projects!” Catherine Gregory
co-owner of Modern Wisdom Press |
|
Selection of Edited Books
copyediting
self-help, indie author
Amazon link 
copyediting
history, Breakwater Books | Amazon link
|
copyediting
memoir, Breakwater Books | Amazon link
copyediting
history, Breakwater Books | Amazon link
|
proofreading
memoir, Breakwater Books | Amazon link
copyediting
history, Boulder Books Amazon link
|
copyediting
history, Flanker Press Amazon link
proofreading
political science, indie author | Amazon link
|
More Client Testimonials
I absolutely made the right choice with her
“Erika took my manuscript from good to great! I got a sample edit from four editors for my copyedit and hers was by far the best. She was far better than any others at maintaining my voice while making my writing clearer and more polished. I absolutely made the right choice with her. Her attention to detail was outstanding and exceeded my expectations.”
Zach Leezer
author of Rethink Yourself: Change Your Thinking (Not Yourself) to Build Your Self-Esteem
“Erika took my manuscript from good to great! I got a sample edit from four editors for my copyedit and hers was by far the best. She was far better than any others at maintaining my voice while making my writing clearer and more polished. I absolutely made the right choice with her. Her attention to detail was outstanding and exceeded my expectations.”
Zach Leezer
author of Rethink Yourself: Change Your Thinking (Not Yourself) to Build Your Self-Esteem
Erika is an invaluable member of our book production team
“Erika is an invaluable member of our book production team! She is diligent and meticulous in her copy editing and proofreading. She is highly receptive to feedback, appreciating any opportunity to improve. Erika is always willing to support the team, even when tasks fall outside her typical skill sets. She continues to learn and develop by attending editorial conferences and training, and surrounds herself with amazing supportive communities that contribute to her overall success. So grateful that our paths crossed years ago!”
Julie Willson, managing editor, Book Empire
(working on Russell Brunson books and Secrets of Success)
“Erika is an invaluable member of our book production team! She is diligent and meticulous in her copy editing and proofreading. She is highly receptive to feedback, appreciating any opportunity to improve. Erika is always willing to support the team, even when tasks fall outside her typical skill sets. She continues to learn and develop by attending editorial conferences and training, and surrounds herself with amazing supportive communities that contribute to her overall success. So grateful that our paths crossed years ago!”
Julie Willson, managing editor, Book Empire
(working on Russell Brunson books and Secrets of Success)
Her work was always conscientious and meticulous
“While working as a publishing assistant, Erika gained experience in substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading; her work was always conscientious and meticulous. She’s flexible in her approach in that she understands that different types of writing require different types of editing. She also possesses the assets of being both tactful and skilled when she works directly with authors.
Erika is a pleasure to work with. She’s interested in the intricacies and complexities of editing and is also a very quick learner. She listens well to instructions from a managing editor and author, but she’s also creative and intuitive in making her own suggestions for improving a manuscript.”
Annamarie Beckel
Former managing editor, Breakwater Books Ltd.
“While working as a publishing assistant, Erika gained experience in substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading; her work was always conscientious and meticulous. She’s flexible in her approach in that she understands that different types of writing require different types of editing. She also possesses the assets of being both tactful and skilled when she works directly with authors.
Erika is a pleasure to work with. She’s interested in the intricacies and complexities of editing and is also a very quick learner. She listens well to instructions from a managing editor and author, but she’s also creative and intuitive in making her own suggestions for improving a manuscript.”
Annamarie Beckel
Former managing editor, Breakwater Books Ltd.
