Editorial Services
Why hire an editor? Because the words we choose (and how they're strung together) can stand between us and our dream job, our ideal client, an award, or a publishing deal. Essentially, our greatest successes.
I can help you broaden your potential and achieve your goals by partnering with you to communicate effectively, creatively, and consistently—all while maintaining your authentic voice. Edith Mirrielees, the late Stanford professor and mentor to John Steinbeck, stated that good writing doesn't have a "secret formula" and isn't something that can be taught directly. However, she believed that writing could be improved with help.
Colleagues and collaborators describe my editing style as empathetic, transparent, and highly-organized. My approach to editing is careful, flexible, and conscious, and my process allows you to sample my editing services before committing to entrusting me with your full project. Upon project completion, the results you want are guaranteed by either accepting or rejecting my changes and suggestions.
Want to meet to see if we're a good fit? Feel free to book a complimentary 30-minute consultation with me.
You can also fill out the form below to contact me with any questions, and/or email your manuscript for a free 1,000-word sample line + copyedit. My rates are based on the industry (EFA) standard , and are in CDN dollars. I offer flexible payment plans, multiple payment methods, custom packages, and bundle discounts. Please connect early to ensure a spot (my calendar is booked months in advance!)
I am available virtually via Zoom, or in-person anywhere in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, Canada.
Manuscript Review
Often the first step before editing, includes an assessment of story strengths and "hook" potential, suggestions to improve the writing using craft techniques, and editorial recommendations. Responses to two to three major areas of concern and identification of plot holes. Adherence to genre conventions. Extensive notes on plot, dialogue, characterization, themes, description and setting, plausibility. Identifies recurring issues and proposed solutions.
Fiction ~1.0 cent per word (CDN)
Memoir ~1.5 cents per word (CDN)
Developmental Editing
Perhaps the most important editing stage, a developmental edit involves the shaping of the framework (plot points) within a classic story structure to ensure a smooth and cohesive flow, and a compelling narrative that engages the reader and keeps them flipping the pages. Identification of plot holes and "lost" narrative threads. Completion of an emotive protagonist arc. Balancing of pace, raising and releasing of tension, and scene purpose and construction within each chapter. Incl. two Zoom calls and a 1,000-word sample line + copyedit.
Fiction ~3.0 cents per word (CDN)
Memoir ~4.0 cents per word (CDN)
Comprehensive Edit
This option appeals to authors who have timing or budget considerations, those who have already made macro-level revisions to the narrative structure, or those wanting to minimize revision volume and rounds. Includes line and copyediting with elements of developmental editing, and two Zoom calls to introduce and close the project.
Fiction ~2.5 cent per word (CDN)
Memoir ~3.0 cents per word (CDN)
Custom Mini-edit
Perfect for authors submitting queries for traditional publishing, short fiction for literary magazines/journals or writing contests, or those who simply want a first chapter critique. The custom mini-edit is a line + copyedit for the first three chapters, first 10K words, or manuscript excerpts that are particularly challenging that would benefit from a professional eye.
Fiction ~2.0 cents per word (CDN)
Memoir ~2.5 cents per word (CDN)
Line + Copyediting
Elevates the clarity, flow, tone, and readability of the content through sentence-level editing. Corrects grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency. Reduces wordiness and refines language. May include research and fact-checking. Includes creation of a style sheet.
Fiction ~1.5 to 2.5 cents per word (CDN)
Memoir ~2.0 to 3.0 cents per word (CDN)
Proofreading
Considered the final stage in the editorial process. Conducted in the final format/layout (usually pdf). This phase is intended solely for corrections, not changes, for error-free publishing.
Fiction ~1.0 to 1.5 cents per word (CDN)
Memoir ~2.0 to 2.5 cents per word (CDN)