Manuscript Editing

Copy-editing services include a thorough review and edit of a writer's completed, revised, typed book-length manuscript (fiction or nonfiction). The emphasis is on correcting inconsistencies or problems (or recommending remedies if the writer wishes to make his own corrections) so that there is correctness and consistency in style, form, voice, content, plot, storyline, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Unless a client requests another style guide, Susan uses the Chicago Manual of Style as a guide for grammatical and structural needs in your manuscript.

Susan edits book-length works (fiction and nonfiction), magazine articles, short stories, and essays. She does not edit poetry. She works with Microsoft Word files or with hard copy. She can mark up needed changes so that the writer makes the corrections, or she can make the corrections and save the corrected file to return to the writer. If there are questions about information in a writer's manuscript while she is working on it, she asks the writer for clarification or assistance regarding content or make a note in the marked-up manuscript that information needs to be clarified. She does not independently research outside materials for content. She does research materials if there are concerns about plagiarism; she will advise the writer that the borrowed materials must be cited or revised.

Effective June 25, 2010, the rate for editing is 2 cents ($.02 USD) per word based on the total word count in a completed manuscript at the time it is submitted for editing. The manuscript will be read twice. Each additional reading of the manuscript (in the event of revision) will be done at the rate of 1 cent per word based on the total word count of the manuscript.

Payment terms include 50% down at the time project is started, with balance due before completed manuscript can be returned. Visit the Manuscript Editing page for more information.

Publication Design

Susan can help you create a publication that will capture the reader's interest and hold it from the cover to the last page. She has worked with several writers to help them make their publishing dreams come true. Book design services include cover design, text design, acquisition of images and illustrations, indexing, and permissions.

She will help you find a printer that's reliable and affordable, and she will coordinate file preparation with the printer of your choice and review the proofs before your book goes to press.

Fees are based on project specifications, which are determined after Susan has had a chance to talk with a client about specific needs, goals, and budget. Please contact Susan with specific information about your book design project so that she can provide an estimate.