Author Services

I offer three main services: copyediting, line editing, and proofreading. Check out the descriptions below of the packages I offer. If you have trouble deciding what fits best for you, just fill out my contact form (or email me at erika dot steeves @ gmail.com) and I'll be happy to help you!

 Copyediting 

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:
  • 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
  • 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: starts at $0.025 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. 
She’s gone above and beyond

“I’ve had the enjoyable experience of working with Erika on my novels, and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for editing services.  She’s gone above and beyond to deliver a highly valuable service which improved my work from amateur to professional.”
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Alastair Mitchell 
author of Satoshi's Fortune and All Jokes Aside Vol. 1-2

Copyediting & Line Editing

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 (or done many rounds of self-editing and worked with beta readers). 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:
  • 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

​You will receive:
  • 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 $0.04 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 can’t wait to work with her for my next novel!

“Working with Erika was so helpful in polishing my novel. I think the edits are marvelous and made the story much sharper and engaging, shoring up my weaknesses. It’s been so nice to see my thoughts translated into something quicker and more crisp. The editorial assessment was so helpful. So many light bulbs went off in my head. The feedback she offered taught me how I can improve my writing, and it’s inspired me to write better already.”
​
Luke Atkinson 
author of Blood Oath (No Man's Land Book 1)

Proofreading

If your book has already been 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:
  • spelling, grammar, punctuation
  • consistency in capitalization and hyphenation
  • accuracy of running heads (headers and footers)
  • widows/orphans and short lines
  • end-of-line hyphenation
  • TOC, pagination, cross-references

​If you don't already have one, I will create a basic style sheet for your project.

Investment: $0.02 USD per word 

What to expect in hiring me as your editor:
​

  • After you fill out my contact form and attach a 2,500-word sample from the middle of your document, I will send you an email confirming receipt. 

  • 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 short 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 50% deposit to secure your spot in my schedule.
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  • The remaining 50% of the payment is due when I send you the edited manuscript.

  • Depending on the length of your manuscript, it will take me at least 3 weeks to finish editing your book.
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  • 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 (for all packages) and an editorial report (with the Copy and Line Editing package).
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  • 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.