Services

Why do you need an EDITOR?

There is nothing that will destroy the credibility of your writing faster than a book filled with errors. You don't get a second chance to make a great first impression.

You can't undo an overabundance of negative reviews, either. So let's get to work!

What will we do for you?

We will take your file and turn it into a well-edited, polished manuscript. First, one of us will take your manuscript through an in-depth copy/line edit, working as your chief copy editor. Each paragraph, each sentence, every word will be reviewed, corrected, and changed only for clarity.

Line editing extensively streamlines your story for grammar. We focus on paragraph and sentence structure, word choice, dialogue, and consistency of tone.

The line edit includes copy editing—such as attention to grammar, punctuation, formatting, and consistency in names, dates, and other plot elements and flow. You should hire a copy editor for line editing of your work prior to publishing. All writers can benefit from line editing, and it’s especially important before you submit to agents or self-publish.

After the initial edit, the file is returned for you to go over and accept (or question) the changes or reject (carefully) those you feel you must. You will then return the file to the chief editor, who will then forward the file to the co-editor.

You will receive a full copy edit and proofread, performed by two seasoned editors.

The proofread is to give a final review of the story in order to catch anything missed in the initial edit—misspelling, incorrect word usage, contextual spelling, contractions, missed punctuation, and more.

ALL edits will be provided using Microsoft Word Track Changes. If you aren't familiar with Track Changes, please follow the below link for more information: Track Change How-To Tips

For more about our services and to learn a little more about the different types of editors, visit our blog, "Copy Editors, Line Editors, Proofreaders, Oh My".

Now you ask what will it cost you?

Not a whole lot when comparing to other editors and proofreaders.

RATES are based on the fees of your editor (Colleen or Rogena) plus a minimum fee of $7 per 1000 words for the final RED pen of proofreading.
(min. $0.007 per word — U.S. currency)

Preferred payments: 50% to schedule with the balance due before the initial edits are returned. We offer payment plans when you schedule early and plan ahead, allowing the fee split into three or four payments. Ask how we can fit your budget..
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Deposits for both edit and proofread are due when we schedule your manuscript. Remaining balance for both will be due before the initial edited manuscript is returned. The proofread will be returned thereafter.

*Fees billed and paid in US dollars

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FORMATTING

For fiction, we also offer basic yet professional formatting for all platforms for a discounted rate with the booking of a Two Red Pens combo package.

Basic yet professional formatting offered for clients. We now use Vellum for most formatting. Clean and professional across all platforms. Available files for retail platforms for Draft2Digital, Kindle KDP/Amazon, CreateSpace, iTunes, Smashwords, and more. Mobi, ePub, and PDF.

Pricing for fiction books is based on the number of words, chapters, etc., and for the discounted price of as little as $125 (reg. $175), you can have a professionally formatted book to publish.
Nonfiction formatting will start at the discounted price of $200 (reg. $250) for both eBook and paperback. Additional cost for large number of chapters, bullet lists, multiple illustrations, tables, end notes, and anthologies.
Making numerous changes after formatting is complete will be charged at a minimum of $50 and up to complete format price.
Changing the trim size of the paperback after original formatting will be charged at a minimum of 50% of original price and up to the cost of a complete format.
We now use Vellum for fiction and simple nonfiction. Other formatting still created using MS Word for more freedom to create beautiful books. We are fans of crisp, clean lines for a professional yet minimalist look.

Here is a list of issues we will look at when reading your manuscript during the structural and copy editing process:

GRAMMAR

Past tense vs. Present tense
First person / Third person
Are nouns, pronouns, and verbs used correctly?
Subject Verb Agreement—Singular subject/Singular verb
Sentence too long? Not long enough or cut short?
Prepositions included where needed
Incorrect number usage—numerical/word/decimals

PUNCTUATION

Proper Dialogue Punctuation
Quotation marks—Single vs. Double
Semicolons / Colons
Commas
Apostrophes / Plural-Possessive
Tense & Point of View Issues

CONTENT EDITING & INCONSISTENCIES

Minor Content Editing & Suggestions
Grammar Inconsistencies
Story & Plot Inconsistencies

SPELLING & PROOFREADING

Typographical errors / Misspelled words
In-depth Grammar editing
Contextual Spelling: effect vs. affect / there vs. their
Improper use of contractions, misused words, and much more...

Rules-based Editing Style
We follow the rules of the Chicago Manual of Style (17th Edition) and Merriam-Webster Unabridged (paid version) and Merriam-Webster Collegiate, available free online. We also use the Oxford (Serial) Comma. If editing for clients who use Australia, United Kingdom, British English, we also use Oxford, Cambridge, and Macquarie Dictionaries. Both Colleen and Rogena are experienced in editing international manuscripts to meet your needs.

Writing can be beautiful because of the words an author chooses to use; but it can also be beautiful because of the choice of punctuation.
—Adam J. Calhoun