Service Menu
Each piece of work I do with each writer is different, so my service menu does not look like a price list in a shop.
It's important to give the writer what they need, which always differs from writer to writer - My aim is to get the shape of the story right. To make the characters make sense, and fit. To have a plot that flows and ends satisfyingly. To have an understanding of the themes of the book and how the structure, dialogue and overall body of writing emphasises this.
I do this kindly, but not to inflate anyone's ego. I am honest if I think something doesn't work. I am honest if I think something will never work. Many of my notes are presented as strengths, difficulties and questions. In between reading my notes and the Zoom, you can contact me with questions.
Developmental editing is a dialogue. Two professionals, both with the intention of making the book, and writing, the best it can be, and to be in keeping with the author's intentions. To get an idea of what that might feel like, please look at the testimonials here:
Developmental edits and manuscript appraisals
These are my speciality and account for the majority of the work I do with clients. The process involves reading a manuscript at least three times and offering an overall commentary/ appraisal/ developmental and restructure suggestions - what works and what doesn't,
I am honest, but also kind and accepting of what you want the book to be. I focus on characterisation, theme and pace etc.
I do not write on the manuscript for a developmental edit. It's written notes and conversation via Zoom.
Prices are £850 for up to 80,000 words, £950 for up to 90,000 words and £1050 for up to 100,000 words.
This comes as 6 - 10 pages of notes, and an hour-long Zoom meeting discussing the notes and any questions via email during the editorial period. (Price is negotiable for word counts above 100,000 or below 60,000)
This is often the helpful option when a writer is at querying stage or has had a few interests/ rejections, got their manuscript as far as they can on their own, or their agent has suggested a rewrite. It's perfect for self-published authors too, before they get their work copyedited.
Having worked with a few writers in a different way, I am now offering the same service but with 2 pages of shorter questions and suggestions for £650 for up to 80,000 words and £750 for up to 90,000. It is the same comments I would make in the longer notes, but in this version the author fleshes out the notes based on what we say during the Zoom discussion around the skeleton.
There is also a no notes option. This is £400 for up to 90,000 words and £500 for up to 100,000. I read the book twice, make my own hand-written notes, which we talk through during the Zoom - but all of the typed notes would be made by you during our discussion. This is the option I use when working with agents, for whom I read manuscripts for, as they are able to write the notes they want, but I've found it works for writers who like to make their own notes, too.
If a writer would like me to read their rewrite based on my notes and have a Zoom meeting after (no notes) - that’s £350 for any word count.
Three chapter and shorter edits
I also do appraisals of first 3 chapters and synopsis for submission for £350. This comes with reading submission letter if wanted.
If an author wants me to read the whole book, commenting on the first three chapters only, that is £750 for up to 90,000 words. This comes with comments directly on the manuscript’s first 3 chapters.
I can also do appraisals of shorter pieces, parts of novels, or short stories. Please get in touch to talk through options.
Build a book
I work with authors, at all stages of their career,, who find they don't want to wait until a book is finished to get feedback; for them, piece by piece feedback helps them craft and finish a book.
If this I you, then I offer a 5000 piece at a time service, where I will read 5000 words and make some comments if appropriate on the manuscript, following up with a Zoom meeting. Each session is £150, with most books requiring around 8-10 sessions. Because of the time I have to put aside, I do say that half of the overall amount should be paid upfront, but that is negotiable and it's worth getting in touch to talk through different ways of doing things.
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