Services

Standard proofreading and copy editing service

Some editors charge separately for proofreading and copy editing. With my Standard service, your manuscript will be checked for minor errors, such as spelling, punctuation, or spacing. It will also be given a light copy edit, which includes corrections in grammar; word usage; highlighting repetition; maintaining proper style (for example, whether or not to spell out numbers, periods within quotation marks); and tweaking aesthetics (such as using em dashes instead of hyphens).

I’ll edit your entire manuscript, including front and back matter, as well as blurbs. Minor fact-checking is also included.

Style choices follow the Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Edition. Dictionaries used include Dictionary.com, Webster’s, and Oxford University Press.

Enhanced line editing service

Line editing refers to prose. It’s about the craft of writing, and that means paragraph structure, sentence flow, word choice, and language-related techniques. It’s a more intensive type of editing where sentences are reworded to improve voice, style, and readability. It is not, however, developmental editing, in which an editor works closely with the author to craft and reshape their story. I do not offer those services.

Which editing service should you choose?

For new clients, send a sample based on the length of your work (see Rates to find out how many words to send) and I will edit it for free, then return it to you with the suggested service. This gives us the ability to offer you the exact service you need, while providing you with a high-quality, error-free product you can be proud to sell in return. You can then decide if my editing style works for you.

Turnaround time

I have a full-time job, so for Standard editing services, you can expect a three-day turnaround time (based on US Central timezone) on manuscripts 30,000 words and under. For manuscripts above this number, please email me so I can estimate the time it will take.

For Enhanced editing services, you can expect a three-day turnaround time (based on US Central timezone) on manuscripts 20,000 words and under. For works above 20,000 words I will provide you with an estimated date.

Conditions For Bookings

For a 1-day booking, if you submit less than 80% of your estimated word count, you will be charged for the full estimated word count. For example, if you book 35,000 words for a single day, and you submit 28,000 words or less, you will be charged for the full 35,000 words.

For a 2-day booking, if you submit less than 85% of your estimated word count, you will be charged for the full estimated word count.

For a 3-day booking, if you submit less than 90% of your estimated word count, you will be charged for the full estimated word count.

Availability when you need it

You can reach me seven days a week, Central Standard Time in the US (with rare exceptions), and your emails will be answered in a timely fashion. If you have a question, concern, or just want to know how your manuscript is coming, contact me. I do ask that if your manuscript due date is arriving, that you be reachable in case I have questions.

UK/ANZ to American English

Some authors based in the UK/ANZ but selling in the US Amazon store would prefer it if their manuscripts sounded more “American.” I can certainly change grey to gray, waistcoat to vest, lorry to truck, and so on. Or, if you prefer, UK/ANZ English can be kept intact. Simply mention whether or not you would like the conversion when contacting me.

Choose Word or Google Docs

Manuscripts are generally edited in Microsoft Word with Track Changes and Comments on. If there is something in your manuscript that may require additional attention, you’ll find it listed in Comments. After your manuscript is edited and emailed back to you, you’ll also receive a list of frequently overused words or editing suggestions for your future works.

If you work in Google Docs, I’ll contact you so you can add the Jersey Devil Editing email to the list of people who can edit your document and share it. I work in the Suggesting mode so you can choose to accept or reject changes.

Anonymity assured

Your pen name is safe with me! I never share author information, and I especially don’t keep records that connects real names to author personas. That means you won’t have to worry if your real name is listed when you pay.

What if you have to cancel?

If you’re not going to be able to make your booking date, please notify me as soon as possible. A cancellation fee of 75% of the estimated word count is applied if notice is given 4 to 7 days before your booking date. A fee of 100% of your estimated word count is applied if you cancel within 3 days or less of your booking date. For 70,000 words and above: cancellation fee of 75% of estimated word count applied if notice is given 8 to 10 days before booking date; 100% fee applied if notice is given 7 days or less before booking date

How are payments accepted?

I charge exact rates for my services. So using the Standard service, after Jersey Devil Editing has completed editing your manuscript, you will be charged for exact word count. For example, for 26,923 words, you would be charged $148.08 You can expect an invoice within a day or two via PayPal. I would appreciate it if your invoice is paid within 3-5 days after receiving it. Payments not received within 5 days will incur a late fee.

All fictional genres welcome

I am solely a fiction editor. If you have a memoir or a how-to book, editors with that experience are available elsewhere. When it comes to fiction, I accept and edit everything your imagination can invent, from werebears to stepbrothers to LGBTQIA+, with the exception of body horror. Extreme themes already banned by Amazon will also not be considered.