What services do you offer?
I offer line editing, copyediting, and proofreading services. For descriptions of the different levels of edits, click here.
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My edits aren't strictly for grammar, punctuation, and spelling. If something doesn't make sense, I'll query it and I might suggest a fix. If I see a fact that looks wrong, I'll query it. I do not do a full fact check unless it is part of the scope of work.
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When I proofread, I look for more than typos; I look at the whole page. I spent several years working for a typesetter, so I know what errors can creep in when something is typeset.
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In addition to copyediting and proofreading, I also offer coaching to help your project move from your head to a published product.
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I respect an author's style and all feedback is constructive.
What do you charge?
The Purple Pencil Packages are the only services with a fixed price. If you have a larger project, contact me for a quote. My rates are based on the scope of work, the word count, the schedule, and my expertise. Rush jobs will incur higher rates. Larger jobs require 50% up front, 50% on completion. Most jobs are payment in full on completion. I will not allow bargaining to reduce my rates. If you have a set budget, tell me and I'll try to find a way to work with you. If I can't take on the job, I can help you find someone at no charge.
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If you have ongoing copyediting needs, we can discuss working on retainer.
What's involved in a phone call?
A phone call before the start of the project helps me understand your needs and determine the scope of the project. Not all projects require a phone call before starting.
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When I've completed my work, we can have a phone call or chat via Zoom to go over edits.
How do I get on your schedule?
Most of the time, particularly May–August, getting on my schedule isn't a problem. Things usually start getting tight in September and start tapering off in January. However, fitting smaller projects into my schedule can be done; it just might not be right away. Book an introductory call and we can talk about working together.
Accuracy
While the goal is 100% accuracy, it is impossible for a human being to catch every error. Most professional editors strive for an error detection rate of 95%. This is why going through the full editorial process is so important; even then, errors will get through.