I offer various editing services, from proofreading to copy-editing and manuscript critique. You can see services and rates below.
I work with MS Word and use the ‘track changes’ feature to alter your manuscript, so you can see what I’ve changed and you have the last word on which changes you want to implement and which changes you don’t. This way you retain control over your manuscript. All communication happens through email. You can contast me at editorcharlene@gmail.com.
Payment happens through PayPal only, and must be paid up front.
Copy Editing
In copy editing, I do not generally touch upon the substance of the text. Instead, I focus on grammar, spelling, punctuation, style and formatting. I work to make the copy clear, correct, concise, complete, and consistent (“the five c’s”). This editing isn’t as intensive as developmental editing. I will make sure the text flows, that it is sensible, fair and accurate.
I can copy edit non-fiction as well as fiction manuscripts. All manuscripts are edited twice, but you only have to pay for one read-through. After the first round of edits, you can change the manuscript, and then I’ll take a look at it again. For fiction manuscripts, I can copy edit novels, novellas, short stories, essays, flash fiction and children’s books.
The typical turnaround time for copy editing a novel is 4 weeks. For children’s books, turnaround time is a week.
I charge $0.02/word for copy editing. If you’d like a quote for your manuscript, please contact me at editorcharlene@gmail.com.
Content Editing
Content Editing is the most complex and intensive of all types of editing. Here the editor looks at the big picture and takes into account characters and plot. The focus is on ‘getting the story right’, and making sure the reader isn’t left confused. Sometimes paragraphs are switched around and scenes altered. The editor looks at how characters and plot intertwine, if there is enough suspense and tension, if the characters never go ‘out of character’, and more. The editor looks at the essence of the story and the pace, at character integrity, character action/reaction and dialogue.
The regular turnaround time for a manuscript that needs content editing, is 4-6 weeks. If you need it sooner, we can work faster for an additional fee.
All documents are edited twice, but we only charge for one read-through. After our first edits, you can edit the manuscript as you please, and we’ll take a look at it again.
My rates for developmental editing are $0.03/word. To get a quote of what you’d pay for your manuscript in total, please contact me at editorcharlene@gmail.com.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the least intensive of all editing methods. Here the editor focuses on reading through the manuscript and correcting punctuation, spelling and grammar errors. This is usually the final stage before galleys are published. I accept both fiction and non-fiction manuscripts of all sizes (novella, novel, short fiction, essays, flash fiction) for proofreading.
All documents are proofread twice, but we only charge for one read-through. The typical turnaround time to proofread a novel is one week. For shorter works the turnaround time is 3-5 days depending on length. If you need it as fast as possible, we can work faster for an additional fee.
I charge $0.01/word for proofreading. If you’d like to get a quote on your manuscript, please contact me at editorcharlene@gmail.com.
Editor Charlene 