Services

Manuscript Evaluation

Are you looking for feedback on a completed draft? Do you want professional guidance ahead of your next round of revisions?

 What you get with a manuscript evaluation?

  • A summary of your manuscript that you can use for blurbs and marketing materials.
  • 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.

 

As I read your manuscript and compile my report, I will do so through the lens of your indented reader and with the perspective of a professional. This is what distinguishes a manuscript evaluation from a beta reading.

 

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.

 What is the cost of a manuscript evaluation?

I offer a flat fee of 0.75¢/word, rounded down.

Structural Editing

Do you want to improve your book’s pacing and development? Do you want to improve your organization and cohesion of your professional manuscript? 

 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.

 What is the cost of a structural edit?

The cost will depend on your needs, as structural edits can be varied. On average, i charge a rate of $0.05/word.

 NOTE: I offered bundled structural and stylistic editing services, which would reduce the cost of a single service.

Stylistic Editing

Do you want to improve your manuscript’s language and flow? Do you want to elevate your unique voice? Do you want to ensure you are communicating clearly and effectively to your audiences?

 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.

What is the cost of a structural edit?

The cost will depend on the current status of your manuscript. On average, i charge a rate of $0.04/word. 

 NOTE: I offer bundled stylistic and structural, or bundled stylistic and copy editing services, which reduces the cost of a single service.

Copy Editing

Are you almost ready to publish? Are you looking for that final pass to clean up any technical errors or inconsistencies in your manuscript? 

 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. 

 What is the cost of a copy edit?

The cost will depend on the current status of your manuscript. On average, i charge a rate of $0.04/word. 

NOTE: I offer bundled bundled stylistic and copy editing services, which reduces the cost of a single service.

Digital Accessibility Evaluation

Do you want your digital content to be accessible to all readers? Do you want a professional evaluation of your visual elements and language?

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.
 
What is the cost of a digital accessibility evaluation?
 
The cost of a digital accessibility evaluation will depend on the complexity of your needs. On average, I charge $50/hour.

Consulting

Sometimes it helps to talk about your work. Whether you are struggling with an aspect of your first draft or seeking advice on revisions, publication, or marketing strategies, I can help.

Request a consultation today.

What You Get with a Consultation

You can arrange a consultation by phone, video call, or email, depending on the format you are most comfortable with.

What does a consultation involve?

  • I will send you initial guiding questions to better understand your needs.
  • You are encouraged to share any pressing questions or concerns you would like to discuss.
  • During our discussion, I will address your questions and provide actionable advice on the writing or editing process, publication paths, and marketing strategies.
  • If there is anything I am unable to address during the consultation, I will provide follow-up research and advice.

After our consultation, I will provide a summary report with action items.

Who Should Request a Consultation?

Any writer who wants a partner in their work or is seeking specific advice about the writing, editing, or publishing process.

Why Request a Consultation from Me?

I strongly believe that writing and editing are acts of community. I value the human connection in an otherwise remote and too-often isolated business. I bring extensive knowledge of the writing and editing process and stay current with trends in publishing and marketing.

What Is the Cost of a Consultation?

The average cost of a consultation is $40/hour. Everyone’s needs and budgets are different, and I am happy to work out a price that is fair for both of us.

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