​CONTENT/DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING
COPY EDITING
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
HIGHLY COMPETITIVE RATES

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ABOUT ME

Former acquisitions and content editor for the romance line of Samhain Publishing.
I am an experienced, passionate, and meticulous content/developmental and copy editor in all subgenres and heat levels of romantic fiction, as well as mystery/suspense, historical, and general fiction. I also have extensive experience in academic and non-fiction editing, and arts journalism.
I'd love to work with you at any stage of your writing career to ensure that your book is as strong as it can be prior to submission or self-publication.

MY EDITORIAL SERVICES

CONT​ENT / DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING

Is my plot believable?
Are my characters relatable?
Is there enough external conflict?
Internal conflict?
Too dramatic?
Is the ending satisfactory?
Will my readers invest in the journey and the characters?
Is there enough emotional pay-off?
How will most people react to that?
Is this too risky?
Am I playing it too safe?

These are all issues that are addressed in content edits, which look at the way your story and the characters work as a whole. 

During content edits, I'll provide feedback on all aspects of your manuscript—pacing, characterisation, structure, dialogue, conflict, and authenticity. I'll help you to develop and polish your natural authorial voice, and to make sure that your final book is the story you want to tell, in the best possible way you can tell it.

COPY EDITING

The importance of correct punctuation.

As well as chasing after wayward commas, during copy edits I'll comprehensively proofread your manuscript using tracked changes, looking for grammatical and typographical errors, continuity problems, misused or overused words, lack of clarity, and all the things that it becomes impossible to see in your own work once your head is wrapped up in your characters.

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You can opt for content/developmental edits + copy edits, copy edits only, or comprehensive proofreading.

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BUT HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Rates are based on the length of your manuscript and your exact requirements.
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Package A: Content/Developmental Edits + Copy Edits:
$0.007 per word
Includes comprehensive content and copy edits, and an edits letter providing feedback on any potential plot, consistency and pacing issues, etc. I'll complete a first round of content and copy edits, after which the manuscript will be returned to you.
After any desired changes have been made, I'll do a second round of edits, reviewing the revised manuscript at least twice to ensure that you're good to go!

Package B: Copy Edits: 
$0.005 per word
Comprehensive copy edits, addressing typographical and grammatical errors, overuse and misuse of words, lack of clarity, continuity issues, repetition, etc. I'll do a minimum of two passes before I return the manuscript to you, ensuring your book is ready for submission or publication.

Package C: Proofreading: 
$0.004 per word
One pass of careful and comprehensive proofreading, checking for typographical, syntax and formatting errors. 

Prices are in US dollars.
​Payments are accepted internationally, through Paypal.
Please refer to the Terms of Service page.

AND HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

Each round of edits will usually be completed within two weeks; however, a higher word count may require extra time to ensure consistent quality. An exact timeframe will be discussed on an individual basis. If opting for content and copy edits, the manuscript will be returned to you after the first round of edits, for review and to implement any changes that you wish to make.

YOU'RE NOT GOING TO REWRITE MY BOOK, ARE YOU?

Absolutely not. Explicit grammatical, typographical, and punctuation errors will be corrected using tracked changes, but in the case of content changes — additions, omissions, and rewording — I'll be offering suggestions, advice, and a second opinion. This is your book, your writing is your own, and I'm very aware of the importance of maintaining your authorial voice.

DO YOU OFFER AN EDITING SAMPLE?

Yes. It's very important that you're comfortable with your editor's style of work, so I'm happy to provide a sample edit of your first chapter, up to 5% of the total word count, before you decide whether to proceed.

CONTACT
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If you would like to discuss your requirements in more detail, check schedule availability, or request a sample edit, please contact me using either the Contact page or directly by email: laura@lauraelliottedits.com, and I'll be in touch as soon as possible.