I edit all types of fiction, though I specialize in romance and fantasy. I don’t edit picture books or nonfiction. Below are the different types of editing I offer and general prices. Note that I often book a month to two out, so planning ahead of time is always recommended. All new clients get 10% off their first edit.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

Get a free 2,000-word sample edit to see if we’d work well together. The editor-author relationship is important in the development of a manuscript. You need to find someone you can trust to carry out your vision, someone you feel comfortable communicating with, someone you can express your needs to and know they’ll listen. Not every author and editor mesh perfectly, and that’s okay.

You’ll usually get the sample edit back within 24 hours, and from there, you can make a more informed decision.

FREE

Proofreading is the final step of editing to make the manuscript as error-free as possible. It involves checking for errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, subject-verb agreement, and word usage. In order to qualify for proofreading, the manuscript needs to have been edited first.

$.006 per word

Line editing entails going line by line and looking at word choice, sentence/paragraph structure, voice, pacing, and tone.

Copy editing checks for consistency and accuracy, while also correcting any errors in grammar, spelling, and syntax.

$.007 – $.008 per word

A manuscript critique deals with higher-level concerns like structure, plot, style, character development and relationships, and voice, as well as suggestions on how to fix issues surrounding these topics. Comments for first impressions will be made throughout the manuscript, and a document of feedback will be included, ranging anywhere from three to ten pages. A manuscript critique is a level above beta reading and a level below developmental editing.

*Recommend to new authors or those who struggle with plot holes and character development.

$.006 per word
$.01 + copy and line edit (a $.002 discount for bundling)

Please read before contacting.

• If you’re concerned about pricing, please ask me about a payment plan. I will more than likely be happy to oblige. I try to be as accommodating as I can be.
• I work exclusively through Word using track changes and comments for suggestions, questions, or remarks. This means that no unauthorized changes will happen without the author’s permission. This also means I will not accept a manuscript that is not a Word document.
• I’m open to any and all questions or comments on the edit once you’ve received it and read it over. A good rapport makes the best work, and I love working with authors on more than one project. Please come to me with concerns, comments, or questions. I would love to discuss the book with you further.
• If you require a faster turnaround than quoted or need to be scheduled sooner, I can usually accommodate. However, it throws off my schedule, so I charge an extra 20% of the overall cost.
• Payments are accepted through PayPal only. Upon starting the edit, I will send an invoice with payment details, and payment is required before receiving the edit. In addition, because PayPal charges a processing fee, that fee will be added to the final amount. To get a general calculation, here’s a good resource.

If you’re interested, please reach out through my contact page or email me at saraburgess@telltailediting.com and tell me a little bit about your work, including word count, genre, a brief synopsis, and what service you’re interested in.

I look forward to working with you! Happy writing.