Editing Services
Editing Policies:
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1) Book editing services include a free sample edit of the first 1,500 words of the manuscript upon request.
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2) A 50% deposit is required upfront to ensure availability. The other 50% will be due upon completion of the editing.
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3) A standard editing contract is sent to every client. The contract must be signed and the deposit must be paid in order to book editing services.
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4) All invoices are sent through PayPal. Contracts are sent through eversign so authors can sign electronically.
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5) If you're on a tight deadline, include that in your request and it may be accommodated for an additional fee.
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6) Returning clients receive a 25% discount.
1
Manuscript Critique
Rate: $0.006/word. For example, a 50K word manuscript would cost $300.
Turnaround time: 3 weeks unless the word count is over 80K.
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A manuscript critique is a general assessment of your manuscript that should be completed before developmental editing. At this stage of the editing process, the manuscript may have been through a round or two of self-edits, but most likely needs major revisions. During this critique, Poisoned Ink Press will provide feedback on the overall story. This includes pointing out any major plot holes, issues with pacing and characterization, whether the beginning is a good "hook," if there is too much exposition, and other aspects of the manuscript that stand out.
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Manuscript critiques include a detailed editorial letter of three to five pages.
A manuscript critique is not as detailed or extensive as a developmental edit, but it can be an affordable alternative for authors who want constructive feedback and a starting point for editing.
Manuscript critiques do not include feedback on grammar, punctuation, or spelling.
2
Developmental Editing
Rate: $0.018/word. For example, a 50K word manuscript would cost $900.
Turnaround time: 3 weeks unless the word count is over 80K.
Developmental editing improves the "big picture" elements of the story. This is one of the first steps of the editing process and is usually completed after a manuscript has been read by beta readers and/or critique partners. The manuscript has most likely been through multiple rounds of self-editing. Developmental editing focuses on story elements such as the story structure, plot, conflict, character development, pacing, show vs. tell, character analysis, point-of-view (POV) issues and head-hopping, genre standards and audience, and other story elements.
Developmental editing includes an editorial letter fifteen to twenty pages long, which summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript with suggestions to enhance them.
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Developmental editing does not include feedback on grammar, punctuation, or spelling.
3
Copyediting
Rate: $0.015/word. For example, a 50K word manuscript would cost $750.
Turnaround time: 3 weeks unless the word count is over 80K.
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Copyediting is the next step in the editing process after developmental editing has been completed. At this point, plot holes, character arcs, and other major story elements should have been addressed and resolved. Copyediting entails examining the manuscript for errors with grammar, syntax, punctuation, and spelling. Copyediting ensures consistency in the point-of-view, whether the story is told in past tense or present tense and first or third person. It also includes checking for consistency in plot details and improving the flow of the story.
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Copyediting includes a style sheet, which summarizes the characters and settings, noting spelling and character features for consistency, as well as editing suggestions. For example, if a character's name is spelled Erin on pg. 8 but Eryn on pg. 102, this will be noted.
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While copyediting, Poisoned Ink Press references the Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster. Copyediting suggestions will be left using Microsoft Word's track changes feature.
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Copyediting does not include feedback on major story elements.
4
Proofreading
Rate: $0.012/word. For example, a 50K word manuscript would cost $600.
Turnaround time: 3 weeks unless the word count is over 80K.
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Proofreading is the final step in the editing process. At this point, the manuscript should have gone through several rounds of editing and should be formatted for publication. The writing should be solid and should not require extensive changes. Proofreading is the last look at the writing for any typos or errors that may have been missed in the other rounds of editing.
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Proofreading suggestions will be left using Microsoft Word's track changes feature.
Proofreading does not include feedback on the story, characters, or any major story elements.
5
Book Blurb Editing
Rate: $35 for one round of editing or $60 for two rounds of editing.
Turnaround time: 1 week.
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The book blurb is the summary of your book that goes on the back cover. The book blurb needs to be enticing and make the reader want to purchase your book. For this edit, the focus is on confirming the blurb fits the genre and introduces the main character and the conflict without giving too much away. It should leave the reader wanting more.
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*Book blurb editing can only be booked by authors whose books I've edited. It cannot be requested without a book editing service completed.
6
Author Bio Editing
Rate: $35 for one round of editing or $60 for two rounds of editing.
Turnaround time: 1 week.
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The author bio is used on the back of your book and on your author website. It should be a brief bio about the author, including details like any accolades or awards they have received, their degree if relevant, and a personal fact or two. This edit focuses on ensuring the author bio is succinct but interesting.
