Editing, proofreading and ghostwriting services
To get your message across to your ideal readers, your writing needs to be crystal clear.
Here’s how I can help you to make that happen:
Manuscript/Document Assessment
Not sure what kind of editing your manuscript or document needs?
This assessment involves a full read-through to check for both structural and
language issues.
You’ll receive a written report detailing general improvements that either you or an editor will need to make in each of the three editing stages below.
Cost: prices depend on manuscript length.
Expect between $US250-$US750 for most books
Structural Editing (aka ‘Developmental Editing’)
Structural editing involves making sure your manuscript or document makes sense at a macro level. This means ensuring that:
- You have a clear introduction and conclusion with next steps
- It’s divided up logically into chapter or sections
- Each chapter/section flows intuitively from the last one
- Information within your chapters/sections flows intuitively
- There are no gaps, repetition or irrelevant information
Cost: prices depend on manuscript length and quality.
Expect between $US2,000-$3,000 for two rounds of editing on most books.
Copyediting (aka ‘Line Editing’ or ‘Substantive Editing’)
Copyediting involves making sure your manuscript or document reads smoothly, in language that your ideal reader uses naturally. This involves:
- Ensuring your tone of voice and language match your readers’ expectations
- Checking that each sentence clearly communicates what you want it to
- Flagging (and recommending corrections for) ambiguities, errors and jarring phrases
- Removing unnecessary words to tighten your writing
- Highlighting anywhere your words may undermine your goals for the book
Cost: prices depend on manuscript length and quality.
Expect between $US2,000-$5,000 for two rounds of editing on most books.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final step in making sure your manuscript or document is ready to be released into the world. It involves checking for:
- Spelling mistakes, grammar issues and other typos
- Correct punctuation
- Consistent capitalisation
- Consistent numbering
- Consistent referencing (if relevant)
- Consistent application of styles (if relevant)
Cost: expect $US25/1,000 words for one round of proofreading on most books.
Comprehensive or Full Service Edit
A Comprehensive Edit is a combination of two or more of the editing types above.
A Full Service Edit starts with a manuscript assessment, then includes two rounds each of structural and copyediting, plus a proofread.
Because I’ll get to know your manuscript intimately during the first editing rounds, the cost for a combined edit is generally less than the sum of its parts.
Cost: prices depend on manuscript quality and length, and services required.
Expect between $US3,500-$US6,000 for most books
Ghostwriting
Ghostwriting involves writing a polished book manuscript for you from source material that you provide. For example, this material may be:
- a rough draft of your manuscript
- a program you’ve written
- a set of journal entries, blog posts or articles
- an interview you’ve given
Ghostwriting is a time-intensive process that will involve checking in with you frequently to ensure that the book is developing as you want it to.
Cost: prices depend on the source material you provide, and the length you’d like the finished book to be.
Expect between $US3,500-$US10,000 for most books