Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

5442 views

Comments Showing 251-300 of 790 (790 new)    post a comment »

message 251: by Nihar (new)

Nihar Suthar (niharsuthar) | 383 comments Benjamin wrote: "Nihar wrote: "Thanks for all the links guys!

I'm currently an author working on a new book, so I'll be needing some editorial services in the future :)

-Nihar
www.niharsuthar.com
@NiharSuthar"

G..."


Thanks Ben! I appreciate it!


message 252: by Kerry (new)

Kerry Genova (kaydee1106) | 4 comments I am freelance editor/proofreader with fifteen years combined experience. I work for both self-published authors and publishing companies. I have a passion for books and reading stemming back to my childhood. I recognize good structure, development, plot lines, and readability. I have a long list of books I have edited and proofread. I provide quality editing services at affordable prices for authors in all stages of their career.

I offer both copy editing and proofreading services together, not just one or the other, as I feel they go hand in hand. I will check your work for typographical errors, spelling, punctuation, grammar, mechanics of writing, clarity, structure, development, flow, consistency, readability, and provide my overall thoughts and/or critique on the document itself. I like to think of it as editing, proofreading, and beta reading all in one!

My website www.writersresourceinc.com has information on services & pricing, manuscripts I have worked on, and testimonials from authors I have worked with. I will give a 10% discount to Goodreads members.


message 253: by Sophia (new)

Sophia Grace | 27 comments Hello all.

My name Is Sophia and I offer reviews service.
I read most generes.
Contact me for price quote details.

Have a great day
Sophia


message 254: by Tiffany (new)

Tiffany Mason | 3 comments Hello,

My name is Tiffany Mason and new to Goodreads. I was referred over here by a few authors from CS. I have my manuscript for my non-fiction/self-help book and is currently looking for editing services. Originally, I was planning on working with CS with their editing services but have heard from others that CS doesn't give the source files back to the author.

I am looking for developmental editing, copy editing and formatting for my book. I plan on having this book available both Digital and hard copy and will be published in Jan 2015.

Look forward to connecting,
-Tiffany
tiffany@tiffanymason.com


message 255: by Kelly (new)

Kelly Hartigan (xterraweb) | 31 comments Hi Tiffany.

A few of my author friends have used XterraWeb for copy-editing and proofreading. Their rates are affordable. They use Microsoft Word Track Changes and provide comments/feedback. Their website is http://editing.xterraweb.com and their Facebook page is https://facebook.com/XterraWeb and they are running a 10% off special on their facebook page right now.

Many are doing their own formatting. Smashwords has a good style guide for this. You could also check out kindleformatting.com or kboards.com. kboards has a forum just for authors with different topics. Here is a link to the author formatting topic - this gives a list of different ebook formatting services you can check out. http://www.kboards.com/index.php/topi...


message 256: by Nathan (new)

Nathan Walpow (walpow) Hi, All -

Nathan Walpow here. Besides my crime fiction writing, I work as an editor. I was editor-in-chief of the magazine website FourStory for five years and am currently associate editor at Stark Raving Press. I've available for freelance work ranging from heavy-duty content editing through proofreading, both fiction and non-. You can contact me through Goodreads, or via my website.

Thanks,
Nathan


message 257: by Tiffany (new)

Tiffany Mason | 3 comments Hello,

I'm currently working on my book and would love to connect with an editor who specializes in non-fiction/self-help. I'm looking for both developmental and copy editing. If you are a beta reader that specializes in non-fiction, I'd also love to connect! My email is tiffany@tiffanymason.com

Thanks!
-Tiffany


message 258: by Kelly (new)

Kelly Hartigan (xterraweb) | 31 comments Hi Tiffany. At XterraWeb, we typically do copy-editing and proofreading, and would be happy to help you with your copy-editing needs. Depending on how in-depth of a developmental edit you are looking for, we might be able to assist you with that. Our rates are affordable, and we are currently running a special through Facebook for 10% off your next order if you like our Facebook page. You can contact us via email at editor@xterraweb.com or through Facebook at https://facebook.com/XterraWeb. To view our rates and the services we provide, please visit our website at http://editing.xterraweb.com


message 259: by Nicki (new)

Nicki Markus (nickijmarkus) Dear All

As well as being a writer, I have studied editing and am now launching a freelance career in editing and proofreading. I am doing some work for an online publisher, but am also happy to hear from independent authors looking for editing assistance. I have had some experience working with three different publishers and one indie author over the last two years, but since I am still fairly new on the scene, I can offer very reasonable rates.

Please feel free to contact me and I am happy to provide a no obligation quote for any work.


message 260: by Cameron (new)

Cameron | 3 comments Hello Everyone - I'm a dyslexic writer and hope to have my first novella E-published. To do so I need it edited. I had no idea there was so many types of editing. I'm not sure what kind I need. I sadly can't afford any of the editors I looked at on here. So I guess is their any new editors looking to build up their portfolio? I'm not asking for free. That be great but i know not realistic. Just a nice discount.Message or post a comment. ~Thank you


message 261: by Lynda (last edited May 19, 2014 03:38PM) (new)

Lynda Dietz | 354 comments Cameron, if you need the type of editor who will read through your ms to make sure the characters are consistent, dialogue is realistic, there are no plot holes, and everything in general makes sense, you're looking for a substantive/content editor. That type won't fix grammar or punctuation, but should tell you if there are significant issues in those areas. Some people use beta readers for this, and you can often find people to beta free of charge. After a content editor is done with your ms, then it would be up to you to go back through it and fix anything before sending it off to a copy editor.

A copy editor comes in at the very end, when you feel you've gotten your manuscript as polished as you can get it on your own. The copy editor will fix grammar, punctuation, inconsistencies (you don't want your MC's hair color to change halfway through the book unless she's at the beautician's), spelling, and more. The cost of this can vary, depending on how heavy the copy edit is. In all cases, the better shape your ms is, the less you can expect to pay.

I hope this helps in your search!


message 262: by Elizabeth (new)

Elizabeth (GeekGirlWriter) | 4 comments I am in need of a relatively inexpensive editor for my ~68,000 word sci fi romance novel, who is willing to accept payment plans. Mainly I'm hoping for a developmental editor who can help me polish the thing for self-publishing, especially since this is my first romance of any sort.

PM me if you are interested.


message 263: by Rory (new)

Rory | 104 comments Cameron, I think Lynda's comments and advice are right on. So much today, publishers and agents expect to have a very clean and well edited manuscript or they will reject it in a heartbeat. The finger is on us, authors, now days to step up to the game. Best of Luck and thanks Lynda :o) Rory


message 264: by Nikki (last edited May 20, 2014 04:33AM) (new)

Nikki Rae | 18 comments Hey, guys! My name is Nikki and I wanted to tell everyone about my new affordable editing site for independent authors. I've been writing and editing for over ten years and I love helping out my fellow writers.

Beta Reading: $.0015 Per Word
Detailed Copy Editing: $.0025 Per Word
Proof Reading: $.0035 Per Word
Synopsis Editing: $35 Flat Rate

Please check it out! : )

http://metamorphosiseditingservices.b...


message 265: by Lynda (new)

Lynda Dietz | 354 comments Rory wrote: "Cameron, I think Lynda's comments and advice are right on. So much today, publishers and agents expect to have a very clean and well edited manuscript or they will reject it in a heartbeat. The fin..."

Thank you, Rory! I think my favorite authors to work with are the ones who are prepared for an editor to be (in the words of a recent contact) "brutal but honest." It seems those are the writers who have put a lot of effort and time into revisions. The ones who say, "It only needs a light proofing," are almost always the ones who need a lot more work than they realize.

I'll always be honest, but I try my best to be tactful rather than brutal. It's in everyone's best interest.


message 266: by Gavin (new)

Gavin Wichmann | 2 comments Hey, my name is Gavin Wichmann, and I'm trying to break into book editing. I'm a graduating creative writing major with a few proofreading jobs under my belt, but I'm hoping to move further in the freelancing field.

I've been editing people's work for a few years now, from my many workshop classes to the website I wrote and proofread for. At this point I'm ready for something more.

If you have a work that you'd like to get looked over, try coming to me. I can edit it for grammar, or provide a practiced eye for content and development. Really, I'm up for anything, just give me a try.

My preferred genres would be fantasy/sci-fi, but I've read/edited things from many genres over the past couple years. Once again, I'm up for anything.

Prices will be discussed with me, but I won't be charging very much. I'm aware that I'm new to this field, so the price will reflect that. This is more for me to garner experience than it is to make money at this point.

If you're interested, just contact me on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gavin.wichmann
If I'm successful enough I'll have website to contact me from, but this will do for now.


message 267: by Teresa (new)

Teresa Kennedy | 28 comments Hey! I've got a new editor interview up! Come check it out!
http://phantomowl.blogspot.com/2014/0...


Stormi (StormReads) (bmreviewsohmy) | 16 comments Hi everyone, my name is Stormi from Lightning Book Promotions and my sister-in-law is a freelance writer and she is looking into getting into the editing business. She is charging $5.00 per 1000 words. If you would like to get connected with her contact me at stormi@lightningbookpromotions.com.


message 269: by Teresa (new)

Teresa Kennedy | 28 comments I would LOVE to Help! Please check out my website at http://villagegreenpressLLC.com and my latest editor interview here!
http://phantomowl.blogspot.com/2014/0...


message 270: by Vanessa Booked Up (new)

Vanessa Booked Up (vanessabookedup) I am a freelance editor and proofreader - Rebel Book Edits. Here is a link to my site, where pricing and turnaround information can be found:

http://www.rebelbookchicks.com/editin...

(10%discount if you mention this post!) :)


message 271: by Mikaela (new)

Mikaela | 1 comments I am new to Goodreads, but I am certainly not new to literary editing! I have owned A Step Up Editing for three years, and I still have some of the best prices out there.

By using the professional literary editing services provided by A Step Up Editing, your writing will achieve the literary greatness that it deserves! Whether you're looking for some in-depth revision, or if English comes as a second language to you, your material will be polished to absolute excellence! It is often very difficult to see the mistakes in one's own writing, which is why you should never settle for self-editing. Leave behind the worry of imperfection, and discover results you may have never reached alone. With some of the lowest prices and the quickest turn around time for professional editing, you'll always get the most for your money at A Step Up Editing.

My site: http://www.a-step-up-editing.com/
My email: mikaela@a-step-up-editing.com


message 272: by Craig (new)

Craig Stevens | 1 comments Hi,
I'm a newcomer to Goodreads after spells of lurking, so I thought I'd come out of the shadows! I'm a copy-editor, detailed in my work, and always ready with fresh ideas to help you make your work fly.

I'm an Associate of the Society For Editors and Proofreaders in London, and have graduated from two of their courses. Prior to that two thirds of my BA Honours was in Literature and Creative Writing.

Get in touch via my site and you'll find me easy to work with: Vital Editing Services


message 273: by Jennifer (new)

Jennifer (cypressediting) | 1 comments Hello!

My name is Jennifer Zaczek, and I have over six years of in-house publishing experience. I have worked as an editor or proofreader for two publishing companies, two newspapers, a literary journal, and a university writing center.

In March 2013, I launched Cypress Editing and became a full-time freelance editor. I bring a multitude of skills and publishing knowledge to every project and am committed to delivering quality work.

I have a thorough understanding of editorial workflow, and I will do everything I can to make sure you have a polished manuscript ready for publication or submission to a publisher or agent.

Feel free to visit my website to learn more about me and my services: http://www.cypressediting.com. I am happy to provide a free, no-obligation sample edit of 2,000 words, along with a detailed proposal.

Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Jennifer Zaczek
E-mail: jenn@cypressediting.com


message 274: by Bret (new)

Bret James Stewart | 18 comments Hello, Fellow Goodreads Writers,



I have extensive experience editing, proofreading, writing, and ghost writing. My clients have given me excellent reviews, and I rank in the top 1% for English on Elance.

I can provide any or all of the following:

--Lower order concerns
--grammatical editing
--proofreading
--content editing

--Higher order concerns
--segues
--plot
--voice and tone
--characterization

--Writing and Ghost Writing in most genres except technical writing.

Regarding editing, I go through each manuscript twice for accuracy. I excel at punctuation (I find this is where most writers need help). I also offer suggestions about how a book/ms can be improved, and many of my clients feel this is my best service. I am very familiar with MS Word. I generally use comment boxes, but can also utilize Track Changes or whatever editing app you prefer.

I charge a little more than some, but I feel the quality of my work warrants the extra investment. I work full-time as a professional editor and proofreader, so my turnaround time is faster than many. I also only work on one editing project at a time, so you are getting my full attention and, thus, a better job.

I am always available via phone, e-mail, IM, and/or Skype for your peace of mind and to talk about your writing.

Please inspect my Elance portfolio at https://www.elance.com/s/edit/bretjam... to get a feel for the quality of my work and testimonials. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask. I can also provide references, if you want them. Karen-Anne Stewart and Sarah Gaiman are Goodreads authors with whom I have worked.

I have around 10 years experience editing and proofreading. I have done everything from romance to sci-fi to non-fiction to academic work.

For editing and proofreading, I charge $60 per 10k words. This includes all the Lower Order Concerns with a minor focus on Higher Order Concerns. Contact me regarding very short works and/or a custom package, and I will be glad to place a bid.

For writing and ghost writing, I have to know about the project before I can make a bid. Please contact me about your project and we'll talk.

I also write meaningful reviews of books in certain genres. Contact me if you would like to explore this option.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Bret James Stewart


message 275: by Vanessa Booked Up (new)

Vanessa Booked Up (vanessabookedup) Hi everyone,

I am a full-time editor and proofreader, specializing in all romance genres. I am very meticulous and will dedicate the time and attention needed to your book to make it the masterpiece that it deserves to be.

Mention this post on receive 10% off of your first edit with me. I do free sample edits as well to show authors my quality of work.

Please feel free to contact me at nessarebelbookbabe@gmail.com.


message 276: by Kees (new)

Kees Bijker | 8 comments Bret wrote: "Hello, Fellow Goodreads Writers,



I have extensive experience editing, proofreading, writing, and ghost writing. My clients have given me excellent reviews, and I rank in the top 1% for English o..."


Hi Bret,

It so happens I am looking for an editor for my nearly finished SciFi. It is a politico/socio SciFi here on earth in England.

I tried your link "elance" but does not work, please PM me some links that do work and I will have a look and we can discuss more in private.


message 277: by Kelly (new)

Kelly Hartigan (xterraweb) | 31 comments XterraWeb is currently running a summer reading special - 10% off ALL editing services in the month of July.

XterraWeb offers a quality combination proofreading and copy-editing service to e-book authors at an affordable rate (keeping self-publishers in mind) of $1.20 per page (250 words).

Some sample prices are (*note* these prices do not include the 10% discount):
Short Stories 10,000 - 20,000 words: $48.00 - $96.00
Novellas 30,000 - 50,000 words: $144.00 - $240.00
Novels 60,000 - 80,000 words: $288.00 - $384.00

To request a quote or order editing services, please message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/XterraWeb or fill out our order/contact form at http://editing.xterraweb.com/contact-2


message 278: by Natalie (new)

Natalie West | 4 comments My name is Natalie West and I’m a remote editor willing to work with all genres excluding academic volumes.

I cover basic developmental, line, and copyediting (proofreading, checking for inconsistencies, thematic and plot development), but I’m willing to specify to fit an author’s particular needs.

While some of my authors have gone on to publish with houses like Simon & Schuster and Penguin, many have taken the self-publishing route as well.

My summer is officially full, but I’m opening up October to begin booking projects.

Contact me at nataliewestwork@gmail.com with your information and the first ten pages pasted in the body of the email, and we’ll take a look at your story. I’ll send you back a sample chapter for free, and if you feel we’re on the same page, we’ll arrange a rate for the entire book.

- Natalie West

nataliewestwriting.com


message 279: by Justin (new)

Justin Wilkerson | 25 comments I would like to mention I recently made use of XterraWeb's services. Their editing is very efficient and detailed. The whole process was quick and easy and their prices are a lot lower than what many editors would charge. I will more than likely be using XterraWeb for my future editing needs and recommend them to anyone coming to this thread looking for editors.


message 280: by Anna (new)

Anna Faktorovich (anaphoraliterary) | 22 comments I released around 100 titles with my independent Anaphora Literary Press, and I just started offering freelance editing services. Check out the details: http://anaphoraliterary.com/ordering-.... Email me editing requests at director@anaphoraliterary.com. Thanks!
Anna Faktorovich
Battle for Athens by Anna Faktorovich
The Romances of George Sand by Anna Faktorovich
Queen of the Platform by Laura Madeline Wiseman
Rebellion as Genre in the Novels of Scott, Dickens and Stevenson by Anna Faktorovich


message 281: by Lori (last edited Aug 08, 2014 03:34AM) (new)

Lori (wickedbookcovers) | 7 comments Wicked Book Covers offers affordable packages for custom e-books, print books and blog design as well as premade covers that are updated often. Premade covers are just $50 with the option to add on print for an additional $50. Custom packages start at $75.

Some of the premades that are currently available:



Visit www.wickedbookcovers.com!


Now offering formatting, editing and proofreading and hosting for DIYers. You can get a hosted subdomain for as low as $25/year or host your own domain for as low as $3/mo.

For a limited time, as an introductory offer, get 50% off listed editing prices for the first 5 editing orders.


message 282: by Leigh (new)

Leigh Lane (leighmlane) | 152 comments Cerebral Editing specializes in fiction and academic works and offers light to heavy editing for reasonable (but professional) rates.


message 283: by Cheryl (last edited Aug 20, 2014 02:54AM) (new)

Cheryl (Gwyneiira's Book Blog) (gwyneiira) | 12 comments Hello lovelies :)

My name is Cheryl and I am a fairly new editor, still learning the ropes. I have edited for free over at wattpad.com to gain experience and have currently edited one book "professionally".

I've worked as a creative writing teacher and am currently working in a press holding. I aim to take a degree in communications studies with a minor in English language. I am a stickler for all things English and will do my best to help improve your story.

I specialise mainly in all things ROMANCE and EROTICA. I do not do horror, crime, fantasy, paranormal and historical. I do love my steam and alpha males ;)

Rates wise, I charge a basic of $0.50 per 100 words. However, the final charge may vary base on the amount of work I have to do and how in depth I would go but it'll definitely be a reasonable price. I will provide a sample edit of 600 words for authors who are interested in using my services.

For those interested, drop me a message on here or drop me an email at snowywings_cheryl[at]hotmail[dot]com

http://gwyneiirabookblog.weebly.com/e...
I'm also a book blogger and reviewer. More information can be found in the link above.


message 284: by A.L. (new)

A.L. Butcher (alb2012) | 848 comments Hi, I am looking for editors to interview on my blog. If you are interested please don't post here as I may well miss it, please PM me with your email and I'll send out the questions.

Also if you want to guest post about editing please let me know.


message 285: by Ralph (new)

Ralph Kern (ralph_kern) | 1 comments Hi all,

I've released my first novel, and am getting some good reviews however a common theme is a weakness in editing (grammar, word use etc).
I'm looking for a reasonably priced copy editor in the hard SF genre. 104000 words. Prefer ability to pay by paypal for protection (upon advice). I have a second novel of nearing the end of the first draft phase, so there is the potential for repeat business.

Thanks


message 286: by Vince (last edited Aug 24, 2014 06:54PM) (new)

Vince Dickinson | 4 comments For my editorial services, I charge by the word. I have heard of others charging by the page, and many charging by the hour, with an estimate coming before the agreement to do the work. But I wonder how it would go over to charge by the revision.

The advantage of charging by the word is that it sounds fair. An 80,000 word book works out to this rate or that, depending on the editor. And it is fair, if all authors are created equal.

Charging by the hour is fair, with an estimate, because all authors are not created equal. But sometimes estimates are too high or too low. They are based on how much work an editor thinks he or she will do with the manuscript.

But charging by the revision would be about how much work the editor did do. Though it would be difficult to determine an estimate.

I’m curious what your thoughts might be.
Dickinson Copy Editing


message 287: by Amanda (new)

Amanda M. Lyons (amandamlyons) Now taking on editing for fair prices, read more here: http://amandamlyons.weebly.com/blog/n...


message 288: by Kerry (new)

Kerry Genova (kaydee1106) | 4 comments I am freelance editor with over ten years combined experience in both publishing and administrative settings. I work for both self-published authors and publishing companies. I have a passion for books and reading stemming back to my childhood. I recognize good structure, development, plot lines, and readability. I have a long list of books I have edited and proofread. I provide quality editing services at affordable prices for authors in all stages of their career.

My website www.writersresourceinc.com has information on services & pricing, manuscripts I have worked on, and testimonials from authors I have worked with. I will give a 10% discount to Goodreads members.


message 289: by Amanda (new)

Amanda M. Lyons (amandamlyons) I am now open to taking in some side editing at fair prices. I'm an editor at J Ellington Ashton Press and with that experience, the work I've been doing as an author, and some previous work as an SEO article writer before that, I have a proven record of quality work and a unique perspective on an author's needs.

My price will go by page count and at $1 per page that should average about $250 - 300 per novel for average length works. I may be open to negotiation on price, especially for some projects with greater length. I would prefer not to edit anything less than 10 pages and nothing longer than 600 so that I'm not distracted from my work at JEA and, of course, with my own writing. I would prefer to work with word documents because it's much easier to use that program's comments system to note changes and make notes on areas where some work is needed.

When I edit I look for proper grammar usage, solid plotting, engaging storytelling and areas where the author could use cutting to improve the flow. I don't have a specific preference on genre, but I do reserve the right to reject a project if I feel that I would not be the right editor for the work (conflict of interest or projects I find offensive due to topics like sexual abuse of minors utilized in a sexually titillating manner for example). I prefer to look at the work first and if I take it on, to receive half at the beginning of the assignment and the other half on completion. I take payments via Paypal.

If you would be interested in seeking my help with editing or have any questions please e-mail me at nightshade44637@gmail.com with the heading "Editing Inquiry" with your book title. Thanks.


message 290: by Jay (new)

Jay Howard (jay_howard) | 87 comments Life is complicated; preparing your book for publication doesn’t have to be. If you want to work with one person, for one agreed fee, to take your final draft through to files ready for upload then I’d like to hear from you.

Please visit my website for full details of the service I offer and testimonials: https://jayhowardeditor.wordpress.com/

I work with authors who are as keen as I am on getting every little detail right, authors who want to stay involved and in control. I use Word track changes so that every suggested edit can be accepted or rejected. Once all the editing has been done and the final file version agreed I format to doc, epub and pdf formats ready for eBook and print-on-demand publishing.


message 291: by Alexes (new)

Alexes | 122 comments Jay wrote: "Life is complicated; preparing your book for publication doesn’t have to be. If you want to work with one person, for one agreed fee, to take your final draft through to files ready for upload then..."

Sent you an email, Jay.


message 292: by Christine (new)

Christine Zandt (christinevanzandt) | 1 comments Hello - I'm a professional editor and a traditionally published author with a masters in Literature and a commitment to quality.

See samples of my recent editing work in the books "The Perfect Wave" and 2nd edition of "Wall of Trust" (romance) by A. J. Pryor, and the 2nd edition of "Pistils & Poetry" (nonfiction, literature) by Rolf Margenau.

My website is www.write-for-success.com and I am a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association, www.the-efa.org.


message 293: by Nikki (new)

Nikki Rae | 18 comments Metamorphosis has some spots open for the fall!
http://metamorphosiseditingservices.b...
or email us: Metamorphosiseditingservice@gmail.com

Beta Reading: $.0015 Per Word:
This is one of the first stages of revision. If you aren't ready to have your piece completely re-worked and just want a second opinion on the plot, characters, and general suggestions, this is the package for you. We will read your manuscript and then send you extensive notes on how you can make your writing stronger.

Detailed Copy Editing: $.0025 Per Word:
Do you think your manuscript is fine as far as plot and characterization goes, but aren't sure about the grammar, punctuation, spelling, word choice, transitions, or sentence structure? With this package, we cover all of those things!

Proof Reading: $.0035 Per Word:
(For more than one read through, add $50)
Proof Reading is a combination of beta reading and copy editing. We will check over plot and characterization as well fix grammar, punctuation, word choice, and make line edits (sentence structure) suggestions. We will provide comments in the margin of the manuscript for specific suggestions as well as at the end of the piece for general suggestions.

Synopsis Editing: $35 Flat Rate:
If you have a rough draft of your synopsis or need suggestions for one you aren't sure about, we will do our best to make it clear, concise, and to the point. It is our goal to have people read your synopsis and grab your book!


message 294: by Jack (last edited Oct 04, 2014 07:18AM) (new)

Jack Knapp I ran a few numbers, based on the list above, applied to Darwin's World, the book I'm currently revising. DW is about 107 000 words.
Beta reading: $160.50.
Detailed Copy Edit, $267.50.
Proof Reading, $374.50.
Synopsis, $35.
Cheap it ain't.
For some, it would probably be worth the money.
That's not the approach I took. I found free beta readers by publishing my first drafts online. There are various free sites where you can do this, have your book published free, read books by other authors free. I found one that's acceptable to me; the publisher will publish your book as a serial. You get immediate feedback from weekly reader count, and if the readers like it they sometimes send emails (they also do this if you get some details wrong, like setting up explosive charges in a mine; it was a deliberate plot device, but we had a good conversation). Even better, they set up discussion groups where fans can publicly discuss the story.
Think of this as offering freebies, except it's only the first-or-second draft.
As for final proofreading, I'm the best proofreader I know, so I don't really need this. It IS necessary for me to wait a few months before beginning the process so that familiarity fades; I need to be able to look at the words without remembering what I intended to say. But it works. And if in doubt, there are now software apps that offer suggestions, including spell checkers such as what MS Word does automatically. You'll often see grammar checking too, where there are basic things such as subject-verb agreement questions.
If you're getting those prices, good for you.
Question: what's your track record? How many authors have you helped whose books went on to be amazingly successful?
And how many of them fell flat with a resounding thud, leaving you the richer while the author who did most of the work lost money?
Say I sold a hundred copies of Talent, the final book in my Wizards series. How many ADDITIONAL books would I need to sell to recoup my investment? Talent's probably around 80K words, so the cost would be less, $200 for copy editing. I price the book at $4.99, and earn 35% domestically from sales, about $1.75. That works out to an additional 114 plus sales before break-even.
Will improved copy provide that many additional sales?
While your head buzzes with numbers (sorry!), consider this: none of the money you spend in this way addresses the real problem with what we authors produce, getting our books noticed.
Better copy, a worthy goal, no doubt about it.
But marketing is what sells. We've read that over and over again right here on Goodreads discussions. Amazon publishes more than a million new books a year via Kindle; it takes more than lipstick to make your pig stand out in the crowd.
You need that spider crafting her web to say, "Read this book!"


message 295: by Kees (new)

Kees Bijker | 8 comments Jack comment 328:

It is not the fact that editing will sell your book, it is not and we all know this. You need to market your book and that is a dogs job sometimes.

The editing will make sure readers will say nice things about your book, make sure they like reading it and come back to you AND will tell others.
I have seen many, and I mean many, indy pubed books and never got past page 25 or something, now that is not what I want for my work even if it meant I saved money by not editing it.

So I respectfully disagree with your statements but highly appreciate your point of view. If you are a lucky one who can indeed self edit, and I know a few others who can as well, than your are blessed with a skill that others may not have. I found that after starting to edit, with all the good intentions of a pastor on Sunday morning, I end up just reading the damn story and loving it, often even add words instead of cutting them.

One trick to make use of when you choose your editor, ask for a trial edit. This way you can feel the way they tackle your words and see if you can find common ground. Most I found are willing and I am currently having a few done this way to compare.

At the same time you get the prices for the final manuscript and you can see what you get for your money. Yes I will have to sell a few more copies but I rather have a good finished product so I can put the blame for no sales firmly in another area, rather than doubt the quality of your work.

Another way of looking at it is to convert your writing time into money. After doing that, would you say that money for editing is such a lot? It only is if you wrote the book in under a week, I can safely say mine wasn’t at 105,700 words, it took the biggest part of 2 years with many before that as mental preparation.


message 296: by C. (new)

C. Coleman (kiousfedra) | 51 comments I agree with everything you said. Ultimately, I don't expect to recoup my investment in my first book. After working on my epic fantasy series for fourteen years, I hope I have the best story I can devise, told the best way possible, and produced well polished, so I can be proud of it as a reflection of who I am. That is my legacy, it reflects on my name.


message 297: by Lea-Ellen (new)

Lea-Ellen (lea-ellen_night_owl_in_il) | 2 comments Looking for an affordable and experienced editor? Check out the Services Provided tab at Night Owl Editing Services, http://nightowlinil.wordpress.com/.

I offer FREE sample edits and full-service editing. Payment arrangements are also available.


message 298: by Kelly (new)

Kelly Hartigan (xterraweb) | 31 comments Hello. I offer an affordable and professional editing service. I provide a combination of copy-editing and proofreading. I keep very reasonable rates as I primarily work with self-published authors. I will also provide a free sample edit of 1,000 - 2,000 words.

For more information, you may look at my website at editing.xterraweb.com or e-mail me at editor@xterraweb.com.

Thank you.


message 299: by Jim (new)

Jim Vuksic | 1227 comments It took me fourteen months to produce a completed, polished manuscript; of which I was extremely proud. My ego soared.

Several weeks spent working with and learning from the copy editor and conceptual editor, assigned by the publisher to help transform my manuscript into a commercially viable book, gradually deflated my ego as I came to realize that the completed, polished manuscript, of which I had been so proud, was not yet complete nor polished. I now have a profound respect for the knowledge and skills of those who contribute so much to the publishing process; yet receive so little public recognition.


message 300: by Lea-Ellen (new)

Lea-Ellen (lea-ellen_night_owl_in_il) | 2 comments Jim wrote: "I now have a profound respect for the knowledge and skills of those who contribute so much to the publishing process; yet receive so little public recognition...."

Thanks for that, Jim! And congrats on getting your book to that point.


back to top