Every editor is different, and there may be variations between the services they offer, both in name and in scope of work. What’s important to me is that you find an editor with whom you’re comfortable working and that you understand exactly what you’re getting. I aim to provide a balanced approach of constructive feedback, unhinged cheering in your comments to keep you motivated, and a summary of the next steps to help you proceed with your revision.
All pricing is in Canadian dollars.
Canadian customers will be charged applicable taxes accordingly (GST/HST).
(International customers are tax-exempt.)
Manuscript Evaluation — $0.015/word
Think of a manuscript evaluation as a light developmental edit. It’s perfect for writers who need fresh eyes on their manuscript but don’t necessarily want to invest in a full developmental edit.
Perhaps you’re new to writing and aren’t sure what your next steps are. Or maybe you’re stuck in an endless loop of revision and can’t tell if your story elements are working.
A manuscript evaluation looks at the big picture and will point out plot holes, address story structure, pacing, character development and arcs, dialogue, worldbuilding, and more.
Deliverables:
- An editorial letter assessing story strengths and weaknesses, providing concrete next steps for revision, and linking to reading resources (if applicable) to help hone your craft.
- A 1-hour Zoom call to discuss the report and email support.
(A manuscript evaluation should be completed before a line or copy edit.)
Line Editing — $0.022/word
Line editing, also called stylistic editing, is a sentence-level look at your manuscript through an artistic lens to ensure clarity and readability while maintaining your authorial voice.
Note: A line edit is not a copy edit and will not address spelling, punctuation, or grammar.
A line edit will address:
| • Reorder sentences for better clarity and flow | • Flag clichés, filler words, pet phrases, mixed metaphors |
| • Tighten passages by reducing wordiness | • Dangling modifiers |
| • Tense consistency | • Stilted and unrealistic dialogue |
| • Point of view / head-hopping | • Filtering |
| • Language — mood, tone, emotional impact | • Show vs tell |
Deliverables:
- One round of editing (two passes minimum) with suggestions marked using Track Changes and comments.
- An editorial letter going over strengths, weaknesses, areas for improvement, and linking to writing craft articles (if applicable).
- A 1-hour Zoom call to discuss the report and email support.
A line edit should be performed after a manuscript evaluation and/or developmental edit, but before a copy edit.
Can be booked as a package with a copy edit to save 15%.
Copy Editing — $0.018/word
A copy edit looks at your manuscript through a mechanical lens, addressing issues such as spelling, punctuation, grammar, usage, consistency, and more. References include the Chicago Manual of Style and a dictionary of choice (the Oxford Canadian Dictionary for Canadian English, the Oxford Dictionary for UK English, and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary for US English).
A copy edit will address:
| • Spelling | • Capitalization |
| • Grammar | • Homonyms |
| • Punctuation | • Repetitiveness/redundancy |
| • Hyphenation | • Basic fact-checking |
| • Correct word usage | • Internal consistency in spelling, punctuation, setting, and character details |
Deliverables:
- One round of editing (two passes minimum) with corrections marked using Track Changes and comments.
- A style sheet tracking editorial style and worldbuilding details (essential for maintaining manuscript consistency).
- A 1-hour Zoom call to discuss the report and email support.
A copy edit should be performed after a line edit but before a proofread.
Can be booked as a package with a line edit to save 15%.
Proofreading — $0.014/word
Proofreading is the final step before publishing and is not the same as a copy edit. A proofread provides a fresh set of eyes on your manuscript to locate any remaining gremlins that have evaded the copy editor and to ensure spelling and punctuation adhere to your style sheet. We want to make sure your characters are ladling soup into bowls and not bowels (unless your protagonist is a demon empress and their choice of dinnerware is intentional).
Ideally, you will submit the manuscript as a PDF so I can ensure consistent formatting (chapter headers, scene breaks, paragraph styles, checking for widows and orphans, etc.). However, if you prefer, I can proofread your manuscript in Word.
Deliverables:
- One round of editing (two passes minimum) with corrections marked on the manuscript in Adobe Acrobat (free version) and as comments or using Track Changes in Word.
- If needed, a Zoom call. Email support.
It’s a good idea to have your manuscript proofread by someone other than the line or copy editor so you can truly have fresh eyes on your work. For this reason, I do not offer proofreading as a package with other services.
Line & Copy Edit Package — $0.034/word
Two rounds of editing, one great price. I perform a line edit and then return your manuscript for your review. You have a month to incorporate the edits into your manuscript, and then I will perform a copy edit on your revised manuscript.
Regarding Rates:
My rates comply with Editors Canada and the EFA. In fact, as I’m new to the industry, they’re on the lower side to reflect my experience.
Editors Canada Rates
Editorial Freelancers Association Rate Chart (note: the prices in the EFA rate chart are in USD).