Edtiting Services
You're a writer and you need some help...
My editing services are for fiction only. This includes novel-length material as well as short stories, in all genres except horror, pornography, or experimental fiction. No poetry, or screenplays. I reserve the right to refuse to edit work that does not suit me. This is because an editor, especially during a manuscript critique, must get "inside" the book and the writer's head.
I do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Please contact me first.
I edit manuscripts electronically, using the MS Word "track changes and comment" feature. In the case of a manuscript critique, I will also provide an overall report on the manuscript.
Send your document or manuscript as an email attachment, in MS Word .doc or .rtf. If you do not work with MS Word, if you prefer an annotated paper copy, or if you have any questions, contact me at mdbenoit(at)gmail(dot)com.
I provide the following services:
Copyediting and Line Editing:
This means correction of problems such as:
- spelling,
- punctuation,
- grammar,
- syntax
- diction (consistency of dialogue),
- tightness of writing
I may also point out inconsistencies in the story's plot, characterization, point of view. I can correct spelling using US, British, or Canadian spelling.
Manuscript Critique
This is also called content editing. I will provide you with a detailed critique of the unity and coherence of your plot, your setting, characters, viewpoint, scene and structure, and the writing mechanics you use. I might suggest changes, provide you with questions on character motivation, use of symbols, significance of character actions. Although I will not rewrite your manuscript, I may rewrite a few sentences as examples of what I mean in my comments. The overall report will contain what you do well and what you might want to concentrate on, as well as an indication of recurring "flaws" (e.g., overuse of the passive voice). In addition, once you receive your manuscript, we can discuss the critique through email at no extra charge.
Coaching
If you feel you have a weakness in a particular area of your writing, I can provide one-on-one coaching on the following aspects of fiction writing , such as:
- Characters and viewpoints
- Scene and structure
- Setting
- Description
- Conflict, action and suspense
- Plot
- Elements of self-editing
Coaching can be manuscript-specific or general. It can take the form of a Q&A session, technique-specific exercises, or I can use a section of your own text for illustration purposes. We can also address other writing issues such as ways of punching through writer's block, or how to edit your own manuscript.
We can communicate via email, or through my chatroom.
FEES
There is a minimum fee applicable towards the final fee:
- editing and manuscript critique: $50CAD or $45USD
- coaching: $70CAD or $60US
| Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service | Canada (in CAD) | United States and International (in USD) |
| Copyediting | $1.00/page | .75/page |
| Manuscript Critique | $1.25/page | $1.00/page |
| Copyediting and Critique | $1.75/page | $1.50/page |
| Additional Editing | $1.00 | $.75 |
| Coaching | $35/hour | $30/hour |
| Other Services, as requested | $35/hour, or as negotiated | $30/hour, or as negotiated |
One page = 250 words
Payment:
I require half of the total fee at the beginning of the editing process. Remainder is to be paid on completion of edited manuscript, prior to sending it back to the author. I can provide sample editing of a portion of the author's text before entering into the contractual agreement.
Payment is through Paypal.
