Services

Manuscript Evaluation

What you get with a manuscript evaluation?

  • A summary of your manuscript that you can use for blurbs and marketing materials. This highlights your book’s key plot and thematic elements
  • A detailed breakdowns of the key strengths of your manuscript.
  • A detailed breakdown of the key areas for improvement.
  • An explanation of potential publishing paths and strategies
  • Recommendations on targeted editing services that will best serve you.

 

The goal of the manuscript evaluation is to provide you with a clear path to achieve your goals for you book. I will help you turn your areas for improvement into strengths as I examine your book through the lens of your intended reader and one familiar with the trends in publishing.

 

Who should request a manuscript evaluation?

Fiction writers, creative nonfiction writers, professional writers with a longform manuscript

 

When should you request a manuscript evaluation?

You should request a manuscript evaluation after you have a complete draft and before you pursue professional editing or querying.

Rate

The cost of a manuscript evaluation is a flat fee of $0.0175/word. 

Structural Editing
(Developmental Editing)

What you get with a structural edit

From Editors Canada’s Professional Editorial Standards 2024:

“Structural editing is assessing and shaping the overall organization and content of the material to optimize it for the intended audience, medium and purpose.”

More specifically, I will

  • assess the strengths and areas for improvement of your work’s structure 
  • assess the suitability of your content for your intended audience, purpose and medium
  • assess and query the accuracy of your content, checking for inconsistencies, anachronisms or questionable facts
  • ensure accessibility by creating appropriate headings to organize information and by regrouping content as needed
  • discuss any issues of plagiarism or other content concerns.

 

I will provide comments in the manuscript’s margin and prepare an editorial report outlining structural concerns. For fiction and creative nonfiction writers, upon request I will provide a “story map,” which visually represents your manuscript’s pacing.

 Who should request a structural edit?

Any writer looking to improve the clarity and accuracy of their content.

 When should you request a structural edit?

You should request a structural edit after you have a complete draft and before you pursue any copy editing services.

Rates

The cost of a structural edit will vary based on the condition of your manuscript and on your needs. The cost will be between $0.025/word and $0.04/word.

NOTE: I offer bundled structural and stylistic editing services for a lower combined rate.

Stylistic Editing
(Line Editing)

What you get with a stylistic edit

From Editors Canada’s Professional Editorial Standards 2024:

“Stylistic editing is editing to clarify meaning, ensure coherence and flow at the paragraph and sentence level, and refine the language.” 

More specifically, I will

  • adjust your syntax or wording to improve clarity
  • resolve ambiguities that can impede understanding
  • ensure that all visual elements are clear
  • ensure consistency of tone, point of view and style
  • address concerns with transitions between sentences or paragraphs to improve flow
  • when applicable, address conscious language concerns

 

Who should request a stylistic edit?

Any writer looking to improve the flow, clarity and consistency of their writing.

When should you request a stylistic edit?

You should request a stylistic edit after you have a complete draft. Stylistic editing is often done in conjunction with a structural or a copy edit.

Rates

The cost of a stylistic edit will vary based on the condition of your manuscript. The cost will be between $0.025/word and $0.035/word.

NOTE: I offer bundled stylistic editing services with either a structural or copy edit for a lower combined rate.

Copy Editing

What you get with a copy edit

From Editors Canada’s Professional Editorial Standards 2024

“Copy editing is reviewing material to ensure correct and consistent grammar, punctuation, spelling and usage. It often includes checking that the required elements of the content are accurate and complete.” 

More specifically, I will

  • correct errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation and word usage
  • ensure that spelling, grammar and punctuation is consistent within the manuscript and aligns with your chosen style of English (Canadian, American, British) and style guide.
  • correct or query issues concerning accuracy
  • review captions, alt text, hyperlinks and other paratextual elements
  • ensure all information is complete and query when there are gaps.

 

I can also assist with formatting your book and preparing it for self-publishing on Kindle Direct Publishing or similar platforms.

 Who should request a copy edit?

Any writer looking to publish a complete, polished manuscript.

 When should you request a copy edit?

You should request a copy edit as a final step before you are ready to query, submit or publish your manuscript. 

Rates

The cost of a copy edit will vary based on the condition of your manuscript. The cost will be between $0.02/word and $0.03/word.

NOTE: I offer bundled copy and stylistic editing services for a lower combined rate.

Consultation Call

What you get with a consultation call

This one-hour meeting (by phone or video call) will help me better understand you and your voice, your goals for your book and the current condition of your manuscript. The call will help you better identify your book’s needs and give you the confidence to know what editing your book needs.

Before the call, I will send you a list of questions to help frame the conversation. You are encouraged to bring your own questions to the call. it is equally important that you understand me as an editor. 

Who should request a consultation call?
 
Any writer seeking clarification on the editing or publishing process.
 
When should you request a consultation call?
 

You should request a consultation call before formally working with a structural or stylistic editor. 

Rate

The cost of a one-hour consultation call is $50. However, should we continue to work together, I will waive or refund the consultation fee.

Digital Accessibility Evaluation

What you get with a digital accessibility evaluation

I base my digital accessibility practice on the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and the World Wide Web Consortium’s standards (WCAG). My service covers digital documents, web content and front-facing design. I do not offer coding or backend services.

In a digital accessibility evaluation, I will

  • evaluate the visual elements (layout, colour contrast, use of white space) of your document or webpage
  • evaluate the language of your document or webpage and where plain language principles could make your text more accessible
  • evaluate the alt text of images or other figures in your document or webpage
  • evaluate how your webpage reads on different screens (desktop, tablet, phone)
  • evaluate your document or webpage according to applicable government or industry accessibility standards.
 
I will compile my findings into a report, outlining the strengths and areas for improvement of your content. I will provide recommendations to make your document or website more accessible.
 
Who should request a digital accessibility evaluation?
 
Any writer digitally self-publishing their work or anyone with a website who wants to improve its accessibility to reach a broader audience. 
 
When should you request a digital accessibility evaluation?
 
You should request a digital accessibility evaluation after all editing and proofreading is complete. You can request this service before or after your work has been published. 
 
Rates

The cost of a digital accessibility evaluation will vary based on your needs. I look forward to discussing how you are looking to improve your digital accessibility.

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