Your Writing advantage

Let’s be honest: Writing is a tough business, and if you’re not already in the writing and publishing groove, you may feel at a disadvantage getting the attention of editors, publishers and readers. Whether you’re a full-time professional author, aspiring to publication, a student hoping to advance your craft, or simply someone who writes for your own enjoyment, making your writing shine requires time, effort, and help. Finding the right help can be challenging, since what works for one writer or project may not be appropriate for another. But whether you’re an established author, or working on your first book, all writers can benefit from professional, sympathetic editing, and a personalized approach. A little polish and a fresh pair of eyes can make a huge difference in the readability and success of your manuscripts.

As a freelance editor and writing coach, I specialize in developmental editing for genre fiction, specifically Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller, and Romance. I’m always interested in writing that blends aspects of two or more genres, and excited when I get to work with new writers and give them a writing advantage.

Beginning in 1991, I’ve worked both freelance and in-house as a non-fiction editor and content developer for a wide range of industries and companies, including the Gemological Institute of America, and Microsoft. I parlayed my non-fiction experience, coupled with personal interests, into fiction writing and editing, and have edited or co-edited short story anthologies and collections. My own novels  and short stories have enjoyed commercial success with major publishers, including Penguin Random House and Macmillan. I’ve taught and developed convention and free-standing workshops, crit sessions, panel discussions, and classes on topics in genre and general fiction writing for Clarion West, Mystery Writers of America, Cascade Writers, Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association Annual Conference, ArmadilloCon, and Norwescon among others.

 

“Writing isn’t about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well. It’s about getting up, getting well, and getting over. Getting happy, okay? Getting happy.” — Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

 

 

Editing

I specialize in fiction Developmental and Line Editing. I don’t take on non-fiction at the moment, but may do so in future.  I do not do Copyediting or Proofing. Below are my standard rates for Line and Developmental Edits assuming a single manuscript or project. Special rates may be available for bundled projects, on-going projects, and other unusual work or circumstances. Contact me for details and quotes.

 

 

 

 

 

Rates

Minimum $180

Dev. Edit: $0.031/word

Line Edit: $0.04/word

 

 

Coaching & Teaching

As all writers are different, all coaching situations will be slightly different, too. I offer coaching packages at monthly rates and strongly suggest a minimum commitment of three months. AVAILABILITY IS LIMITED. Additional coaching hours, reading hours and editing can be added as needed. Monthly packages are billed at the beginning of the month and no refunds will be given after the fifth of the same month. Contact me for further information or a personalized quote. See package rates below.

 

 

 

 

 

Rates

Minimum $100

Coaching/Teaching: $65/hr

Reading add. materials: $40/hr

Just Polish

For self-directed writers and those desiring light feedback

 

  • 1 hour editing, dev editing, and/or evaluation of writing
  • 1 hour of online or phone discussion as one or two sessions
  • Limited email
  • Focused feedback
  • Suggested reading or writing exercises
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Billed monthly

$260 / month

Next Step

Recommended for new writers and moderate budgets

  • 2 hours reading, dev edit, and/or evaluation,  or 1 hour of reading plus 1 hour tailored writing/exercises
  • 2 hours of online or phone discussion as 2-4 sessions
  • Email as needed
  • Focused feedback
  • Suggested reading or tailored writing exercises
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Billed monthly

$450 / month

Motivated

For established writers looking to advance to the next level

  • Up to 4 hours reading, dev edit and/or evaluation, or 4 hours personalized exercises, writing, reading, and editing
  • Up to 3 hours phone or online discussion as 3 sessions
  • Email as needed
  • Focused feedback
  • Suggested reading or tailored writing exercises
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Billed monthly

$650 / month

Dedicated

For writers seeking in-depth assistance

  • Up to 8 hours reading, dev edit and/or evaluation, or 8 hours personalized exercises, writing, reading, and editing
  • Up to 4 hours phone or online discussion as 2-6 sessions
  • Email as needed
  • Focused feedback
  • Suggested reading or tailored writing exercises
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Billed monthly

$1000 / month

Intense

Personalized instruction and tailored editorial support

  • Up to 10 hours reading, dev edit and/or evaluation, or 10 hours personalized exercises, writing, reading, and editing
  • Up to 5 hours phone or online discussion
  • Flexible email
  • Focused feedback
  • Suggested reading or tailored writing exercises
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Billed monthly

$1600 / month