I have been writing fiction seriously since 1997. I have sold several short stories, primarily to periodicals, and have written and edited two short story collections and two novellas. I have been in a number of critique groups over the past 20 years, and have assisted fellow authors improve their writing and get their short stories and novels published.
My primary genre is speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, and dark fiction/horror), but I have also worked with nonfiction. I am available to work with short story, novella, and novel length work. I have worked with middle-grade, young adult, and adult content.
For this type of work, I often suggest a trial period. This usually involves paying for an hour of work and seeing what you get for that. Then you can decide if you want to hire me to do the full project or for a set amount of time. I recognize that budgetary constraints are a real issue and can work within what fits for you.
Prices and Services
Overview Reading – $32 per hour
This is less intensive than a proofread or a critique, and focuses on identifying big picture successes and general areas to focus on (like plot and character) rather than every comma-splice and typo. If you haven’t gotten to work with other writers or beta readers, this may be a good route to go because it starts you on the process of improving your writing without drowning you in the details.
Because I’m not aiming to capture all the intricate grammatical issues, an overview read takes significantly less time that other fiction services.
Basic Proofreading With or Without Line Editing – $37 per hour
Proofreading includes grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and formatting issues. Line editing covers tightening or minor adjustments of language for clarity. It is your choice to receive just proofreading or if you also want line editing as well. Books and stories that have already gone through a designer but are just having one last review before printing tend to get only the proofreading done. Books and stories that have not gone through layout and design often get both proofreading with the line editing.
You can expect me to get through 4-12 double-spaced pages (1000-3,000 words) per hour, depending on the state of the manuscript. This proofing can be done on paper or digitally (via e-mailed attachment or Google Doc).
Developmental Editing With or Without Critique – $45 per hour
Developmental editing includes basic proofreading and in-depth revision recommendations that cover consistency, order and style. I will identify missed opportunities and areas for expansion and cut redundancy or unnecessary content. If desired, you may request an in-depth critique of the manuscript, which includes an assessment of plot, style, character, narration, description, dialogue, and consistency (see below for a sample).
You can expect me to get through 2-8 double-spaced pages (500-2,000 words) per hour, depending on the state of the manuscript, with a little extra time on the end for constructing the critique if included. The proofing component can be done on paper or digitally (via e-mail or Google Doc), and the critique will be e-mailed as a separate document.
Sample critique of a short story:
The Write Mann, LLC 