Of course, each writer and each manuscript is different. But in general, here's how each service works:

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Developmental Editing (starts at $3,000; send me a sample to get a precise quote)

• You send me the latest version of your manuscript as a Microsoft Word file.

• I perform the developmental editing in Word with Track Changes on. I check for and fix issues such as character arcs, plot, structure (including chapter order), logic, argument, supporting evidence, etc.

• I write you a summary of any patterns of issues I’ve found.

• I send the edited manuscript and the summary back to you.

• We have a one-hour phone chat to review the patterns and resolve any big questions.

• If necessary, we repeat the previous steps until all the developmental issues have been resolved.

• Your manuscript is now ready for substantive editing.

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Substantive Editing (starts at $3,000; send me a sample to get a precise quote)

• If you did the developmental editing with me, you take up to one week to make the necessary revisions in Microsoft Word with Track Changes on.

• Whether or not you did the developmental editing with me, you send me the latest version of your manuscript as a Word file.

• I review and incorporate your changes from the developmental edit (if applicable).

• I perform the substantive editing in Word with Track Changes on. I check for and fix issues such as flow, tone, cohesion, diction, etc.

• I send the edited manuscript back to you.

• If necessary, we repeat the previous steps until all the substantive issues have been resolved.

• Your manuscript is now ready for copyediting.

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Copyediting (starts at $3,000; send me a sample to get a precise quote)

• If you did the substantive editing with me, you take up to one week to make the necessary revisions in Microsoft Word with Track Changes on.

• Whether or not you did the substantive editing with me, you send me the latest version of your manuscript as a Word file.

• I review and incorporate your changes from the substantive edit (if applicable).

• I perform the copyediting in Word with Track Changes on. I check for and fix issues such as grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, commonly confused words, etc.

• I send the edited manuscript back to you.

• Your manuscript is now ready for design and proofreading (which I highly recommend doing in that order in case errors are introduced during design).

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Service Bundles

• If you purchase two editing services from me (such as developmental editing + substantive editing or substantive editing + copyediting), I offer a 10-percent discount on the second service.

• If you need more than two services, see the information for Book-Editing Package (below).

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Book-Editing Package (starts at $10,000; send me a sample to get a precise quote)

• This package includes all three levels of editing: developmental editing, substantive editing, and copyediting.

• You send me the latest version of your manuscript as a Microsoft Word file.

• I perform the developmental editing in Word with Track Changes on. I check for and fix issues such as character arcs, plot, structure (including chapter order), logic, argument, supporting evidence, etc.

• I write you a summary of any patterns of issues I’ve found.

• I send the edited manuscript and the summary back to you.

• We have a one-hour phone chat to review the patterns and resolve any big questions.

• You take up to one week to make the necessary revisions in Microsoft Word with Track Changes on.

• You send me the latest copy of your manuscript as a Word file.

• I review and incorporate your changes.

• I perform the substantive editing in Word with Track Changes on. I check for and fix issues such as flow, tone, cohesion, diction, etc.

• I send the edited manuscript back to you.

• You take up to one week to make any other needed changes.

• You send me the latest version of your manuscript as a Word file.

• I subcontract the copyediting to another professional editor so you have multiple sets of eyes on your manuscript.

• The copyeditor does the copyediting in Word with Track Changes on. He/she checks for and fixes issues such as grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, commonly confused words, etc.

• I review the copyeditor’s work and run your manuscript through several automated checkers to catch any errors that have slipped through.

• I send the edited manuscript back to you. 

• Your manuscript is now ready for design and proofreading (which I highly recommend doing in that order in case errors are introduced during design).