Coaching
Got a great story idea, but unsure how to develop it? Want advice on strengthening your plot? Need input on character development? Want feedback on a chapter (or the whole manuscript) but not ready for the nitty-gritty, critical mark-up of editing? Coaching is for you. Get an experienced author/editor's guidance as you take your manuscript from a spark in your head to a completed first draft.
Manuscript Assessments
Manuscript assessments are appropriate for any completed document that is not yet edited. The editor will read your work and provide a detailed list of recommendations for improvement. The editor will not perform any edits during an assessment. An assessment is a budget-friendly way to get a professional's input on your writing.
Structural Editing
This level of editing is for a completed manuscript in its early stages. Your editor will provide feedback and suggestions on your plot, settings, character development, and continuity, helping to shape your manuscript and crystallize your story. Suggested changes may be minor or massive, but most edits at this stage will be implemented by the author.
Stylistic Editing
This level of editing is the most challenging and is where your editor helps you figure out how best to tell your finished story. We'll analyze your writing from chapter to paragraph to sentence to word, ensuring your message is clear and concise, perfectly expressing what you want to say. Prepare to rearrange, add, and cut sentences and syntax.
Copyediting
This level of editing encompasses the little details. Your editor will ensure accuracy and consistency in every line of your work. Now we correct the mechanics of spelling and punctuation and ensure your grammar is flawless, as well as cleaning up any details that slipped through the cracks in the previous edits.
Proofreading
This is the final touch on your manuscript. Ideally, proofreading is performed on the formatted .pdf file, because your editor should now find only minor errors, and few of them! This is the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" pass. You will only hear about critical must-fix errors like spelling mistakes or misinformation. If your manuscript has endured the previous editing passes by Play On Words, you won't see many (if any!) mistakes at this stage.
Combo Package
Most documents, particularly books, require more than one editing pass, and this can get very expensive. My authors appreciate my Combo Package—Structural, Stylistic, and Copyediting—all for one price. I will do three full passes on your document as we work through each editing level, fixing everything from the bones of your story to the fine details, at a significant discount from contracting each level separately.
Sample Edits
Committing to work with an editor on a large project is a costly undertaking. I get it. That's why I offer a free sample edit for projects over 10,000 words.* Send me a sample of your work, and let me show you how I can make your writing shine!
*First-time clients only. Some restrictions apply. Contact Play On Words for more details.
Non-Fiction and Other
Play On Words' specialty is fiction, but the above editing services are offered for non-fiction documents including books, social media posts, emails, advertisements, promotional material, and newsletters. Short stories and compilations thereof are welcome. I offer copyediting and proofreading services for poetry. Contact me to find out how I can help with your project!
The Five Cs
Every level of editing I offer at Play On Words is designed to help you achieve the five Cs of writing: Completeness, Consistency, Concision, Clarity, and Correctness. Complete customer satisfaction is my goal for every client, and I strive to provide a friendly, fun, collaborative experience as we work together to make your book the best it can be.
My Promise to You
My goal is 100% client satisfaction, and I guarantee my work. You have 30 days after your contract is complete to review your document. If anything seems incorrect or out of place, let me know, and I'll take another look at no charge.
Pricing
Pricing for edits is determined individually based on each document's merits when the editor views it. The editor will make recommendations for services based on the document's needs. Most independent authors require multiple levels of editing and multiple editing passes to polish their manuscripts to a publishable standard. You can purchase each service individually, or choose Play On Words' best deal: the combo package.
Coaching is billed at an hourly rate. If you only want to ask a few questions, you can get assistance over several weeks for less than the cost of dinner out with a friend. If you want the editor to read and comment on 86 chapters, you're going to pay a bit more.
Proofreading and manuscript assessments are priced based on the document's word count.
More details on services, pricing, and policies are available upon request. I'd be happy to discuss your editing budget and the most appropriate services for your document.