It can be nervewracking to send your manuscript to an editor. There’s always the fear they won’t get your vision, they’ll interfere with your voice, or they’ll rewrite your sentences and not explain their edits. I get it.
That’s why I value the autonomy of the authors I work with and respect their vision for the story. My edits are always suggestions meant to refine and improve how the story will be received by your readers. That way they stay glued to your writing, immersed and turning the page, and eventually recommend your book to everyone they know. That’s the goal anyway! You want your editor to feel more like a collaborator and cheerleader, not dictating how you should tell your story.
Here’s how I can help make your manuscript the best it can be.
That’s why I value the autonomy of the authors I work with and respect their vision for the story. My edits are always suggestions meant to refine and improve how the story will be received by your readers. That way they stay glued to your writing, immersed and turning the page, and eventually recommend your book to everyone they know. That’s the goal anyway! You want your editor to feel more like a collaborator and cheerleader, not dictating how you should tell your story.
Here’s how I can help make your manuscript the best it can be.
Copyediting Package
This package is a thorough and meticulous look at your book at the sentence level. This service is perfect for indie authors who have already worked with a developmental editor and/or line editor (or done many rounds of self-editing and worked with beta readers) and are now happy with the structure of the book. Let me take care of the technical details and make sure everything is consistent so readers stay happily immersed in the story.
I will focus on:
You will receive:
Investment: between $0.02 and $0.03 USD per word (in line with the EFA rate chart)
The cost will vary per project because every manuscript is different. Once I see a sample of your manuscript, I can provide a detailed proposal tailored to your needs.
Learn more about what to expect in the editing process.
I will focus 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
The style sheet includes all the style decisions on capitalization, hyphenation, abbreviations, numbering (usually using the Chicago Manual of Style), along with details about the main characters, locations, and plot points to keep everything consistent across the whole book. This is also really valuable if you're writing a series and want to keep track of details across many books.
Investment: between $0.02 and $0.03 USD per word (in line with the EFA rate chart)
The cost will vary per project because every manuscript is different. Once I see a sample of your manuscript, I can provide a detailed proposal tailored to your needs.
Learn more about what to expect in the editing process.
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I look forward to leaning on her expertise anytime I need a manuscript reviewed
“Erika’s editing prowess is everything I needed to get my manuscript in tip-top shape for publication. Her thorough and methodical review helped to ensure all levels of the story’s rollout were under consideration for readers. This included line editing elements, such as word choice, phrasing, as well as clarity and consistency in style, grammar, and punctuation. Erika is able to easily piggyback off a writer’s tone and make sure her suggestions reflect their style, an important quality in a good editor. They say it’s the little things that make the big things happen, and Erika’s attention to detail has guaranteed my work is in its best form for a pleasant reading experience. I highly recommend her.” Ryan Hyatt
author of Bob's Pest Control (sci-fi) |
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Full Line & Copyediting Package
This package is a blend of copyediting and line editing. This service is perfect for indie authors who have already worked with a developmental editor. If you're looking for more feedback on your writing and suggestions on how to improve as a writer, this package includes a substantial editorial report.
I will focus on:
I also include these aspects of line editing:
What you'll get:
The style sheet includes all the style decisions on capitalization, hyphenation, abbreviations, numbering (usually using the Chicago Manual of Style), along with details about the main characters, locations, and plot points to keep everything consistent across the whole book. This is also really valuable if you're writing a series and want to keep track of details across many books.
The editorial report goes into detail about your overall strengths and areas to improve in relation to narrative, dialogue, point of view, showing vs. telling, and more. It's a comprehensive learning tool to help you develop your writing craft.
Investment: starts at $0.035 USD per word
The cost will vary per project because every manuscript is different. Once I see a sample of your manuscript, I can provide a detailed proposal tailored to your needs.
Learn more about what to expect in the editing process.
I will focus on:
- 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
I also include these aspects of line editing:
- make note of any POV issues
- offer suggestions for removing excess filter words or stage direction
- check dialogue formatting and tagging + solid action beats
- sentence length and rhythm
What you'll get:
- the edited file
- a style sheet
- an editorial report
The style sheet includes all the style decisions on capitalization, hyphenation, abbreviations, numbering (usually using the Chicago Manual of Style), along with details about the main characters, locations, and plot points to keep everything consistent across the whole book. This is also really valuable if you're writing a series and want to keep track of details across many books.
The editorial report goes into detail about your overall strengths and areas to improve in relation to narrative, dialogue, point of view, showing vs. telling, and more. It's a comprehensive learning tool to help you develop your writing craft.
Investment: starts at $0.035 USD per word
The cost will vary per project because every manuscript is different. Once I see a sample of your manuscript, I can provide a detailed proposal tailored to your needs.
Learn more about what to expect in the editing process.
“I think it is rare that a writer finds an editor who is perfectly in sync and able to handle the task of turning a rough diamond into a polished gem, yet this is how I felt after working for a month with Erika on my new manuscript. Eric Colbourne
author of Chronicles of Fair Island |
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Proofreading Package
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If your book has already been professionally edited and formatted, you're ready for a final quality check before publication.
It helps to have a second pair of eyes 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. Proofreading includes checking:
If you don't already have one, I will create a basic style sheet for your project. Investment: between $0.01 and $0.02 USD per word |
What to expect in hiring me as your editor:
- After you fill out my contact form to request a sample edit, I'll confirm receipt within a business day and ask you to send me your full manuscript so that I can assess the project scope.
- Within four business days, I will send you a 1,000-word sample edit with a project proposal and cost estimate. I will also send you a link to my calendar to book a 30-min call to ask any questions you might have and to make sure it's a good fit for both of us.
- If you decide you would like to move forward, I will send you an editing contract to sign, which puts us on the same page in terms of expectations, timeline, payment deadlines, and an invoice for a 20% booking deposit to secure your spot in my schedule.
- Right before I start editing, I will invoice for 40% of the total fee and the remaining 40% will be due right before I send you the edited manuscript.
- Depending on the length of your manuscript, it will take me 1-4 weeks to finish editing your book. To give you an idea, the turnaround for a manuscript of around 50k words would be 1-2 weeks. A manuscript of 100k words would be closer to 3-4 weeks.
- You will receive the following files: the edited document in Microsoft Word with Track Changes and comments in the margin. I also provide a clean copy with all changes accepted just for easier reading. I also provide you with a style sheet (full one for copyediting and a basic one for proofreading jobs) and an editorial report (with the Copy and Line Editing package).
- You then go through the manuscript and accept/reject my suggestions, then make any minor additions. Send the document back to me and I will check those additions and send you back a cleaned-up version ready for formatting.
