Developmental & Line Editing
I look forward to helping you edit your way to the manuscript of your dreams!
Bring your manuscript into its final form.
It all began with an idea. You fleshed it out, brainstormed, wrote down notes, wrote a draft, then another and another and maybe just one more. You have a completed manuscript. Congratulations! Now it’s time to get a set of professional, trained eyes on your lovingly crafted story to take it to the next level. Read on for details about editing services and prices.
Testimonial
Kiah Sherif provided valuable insight at a time where I felt in a rut, listless, and unable to clearly see my own manuscript anymore. I’d worked on my manuscript for years since graduating from grad school, and found it had become an utter mess, much like an undefined oil painting with so many underpaintings that the artistic design was muddled. What I should have done was contact Kiah earlier, that would have saved much consternation.
Kiah’s edits proved incredibly useful on many levels. Formatting edits helped to put things in their proper place, word choice edits helped to clarify sentences. In short, Kiah provided line edits and overarching edits. She read the manuscript twice, allowing me to see edits from her first and second read. And yet, she didn’t over edit. She would make a point and let it stand, coming back to remind me of that point when called for. She focused characters and made the action of the novel much clearer. She is incredibly conscious of the way she phrases – which is not to say she doesn’t punch when a punch is called for, but her punches come with the greatest kindness. Honestly, I could have used a little more of her edits…
How much does it cost?
Charges are calculated on two criteria: word count and quality of writing. Editing services can cost anywhere from $15 to $18 per 1,000 words. If the manuscript is very unpolished and, as a result, difficult and more time-consuming to edit, the cost can increase to as much as $18 per 1,000 words.
If your manuscript is 60,000 words, the cost can be between $900 and $1080. If your manuscript is 80,000 words— $1200 to $1440. For a manuscript of 100,000 words— $1500 to $1800.
Developmental Editing.
The internet is full of varying and opposing definitions about what developmental editing is. Editing is, in fact, an industry in which there is no uniform meaning for the different terms being used. If you choose to trust Kiah Danielle with your precious and cherished manuscript, these are the elements that will be examined and/or provided:
Organization and strength of the manuscript overall.
Pacing, characters, point of view, tension, plot, pacing, dialogue, tone, and themes.
Weak links, plot holes, unrealistic or stiff dialogue.
Consistency in the plot and in character behavior.
Order of events and/or the most effective order in which to present scenes.
All aspects of the manuscript from the perspective of the reader— what is enjoyable, what isn’t, what is easy to read, what is cumbersome.
An editorial letter with a summary of overall thoughts, suggestions, and comments.
Line Editing.
If you choose to entrust Kiah Danielle with the thing many writers consider as precious as their newborn child, these are the things that will be examined and/or provided:
Word choice and syntax
Whether a sentences needs to be trimmed, tightened, or expanded while keeping in mind the meaning and emotions that need to be conveyed.
Line editing is: an examination of your manuscript line-by-line to make the prose sing.
Line editing is NOT: proofreading (error correction) or copy editing (addressing grammar, punctuation, spelling, basic factual correctness, and editorial style).
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly happens if my manuscript is considered “difficult” or more “time-consuming” than expected to edit?
The editing process will be stopped and you will be notified of the additional charges. You can then decide if you want to continue with the services.
Can I send you a partial manuscript to edit?
Yes. However, I recommend that you complete your book first to get the most value out of the services. If you are seeking only a professional opinion on the overall quality of your ideas and/or your work so far and NOT a detailed review of every aspect of your work, I can provide an editorial letter without in-document comments.
How much is an editorial letter?
If you’re only seeking an editorial letter, the price is $70 per 50,000 words.
An editorial letter is included in a full developmental or line edit. There is no additional charge.
Why should I trust you with my manuscript?
I have a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. I spent three years reading books and the work of my peers in order to break down each element to see what works and what doesn’t. I spent three years learning how to have effective, convincing, and entertaining characterization, plot, pacing, dialogue, tone, themes, and more. In addition, I’m a writer myself, so I understand how important your book is to you. I give feedback in a way that is constructive, but not damaging or cruel. I will be your cheerleader!
More Questions?
That’s okay! Choosing to hire an editor is a big step. If you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed above, please send an email.