Professional Editing Services

Whether you're writing a novel and want some initial feedback or you've completed your book and need it fully edited, I can help bring your story one step closer to publication. Below is a list of services I provide along with my rates. Don't forget to read some of my client testimonials!

Alpha & Beta Reading

Rate: $5 for every 1,000 words/$50 for every 10,000 words

Alpha reads are typically done when you're in the middle of writing and need feedback on what you've compiled so far. Beta reads, on the other hand, are done when your manuscript has been finished. You can easily find volunteers who will do both for free, but they might not meet your deadlines or provide you with the quality feedback you're looking for.

As a paid alpha or beta reader, I work for you. You'll receive a contract that outlines a firm due date along with professional deliverables. I'll let you know whether things like plot, characterization, description, setting, dialogue, or flow are lacking, and I'll point out any problems readers may have in comprehending or believing your story.

Developmental Editing

Rate: $.023 per word

Developmental editing is a "big picture" analysis of your manuscript to pinpoint its shortcomings. Typically the first stage of professional editing, it's similar to a beta read, but it's far more in-depth and educational. Not only will it help you tie your entire book together, but it will make you an even better writer in the future.

I'll ensure every piece of your story makes sense, including plot, characters, structure, dialogue, and setting, letting you know what areas may need to be expanded or streamlined. You'll get back a 5-10 page report with detailed notes about how to improve your novel, including any pervasive editing issues I've identified.

Copyediting

Rate: $.02 per word

This package is what most people tend to think of when they think of professional editing. Every book needs a copyedit. My package includes both line and copy editing. Line editing is a sentence-by-sentence and paragraph-by-paragraph review of your work, focusing on sound and flow. It tackles things like repetition, jargon, cliches, fragments, and wordiness. Copy editing checks for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic formatting issues.

I'll make sure your quotes are in the right place, your tenses are on point, and your facts are checked. Enter this stage of editing after you've incorporated beta reader feedback and/or had a developmental edit done.

Comprehensive Editing

Rate: $.025 per word

By far my most popular editing package, comprehensive editing combines developmental editing with copyediting. Done at the same time, it's a great option for authors looking to save time and money.

You'll get back a fully edited manuscript with Track Changes and Comments along with a detailed 5-10 page report with developmental and educational notes. Plus, there's no limit on our consultations. Comprehensive editing is a collaborative process from the day you send me your manuscript to the day you publish it.

Proofreading

Rate: $.015 per word

Proofreading is typically done right before publication. It's the last set of eyes on a manuscript, and it tackles any lingering spelling, grammar, punctuation, or basic formatting issues. It can be done on a proof (hence the name) or in a Word document prior to formatting your book.

If you're a new client and I haven't read your book before, I charge the rate noted above. If you're an existing client and I have already edited your book, I charge a flat rate of $100 for novels under 100K words, $150 for novels 101K-150K words, and $200 for anything over 150K words.

Ghostwriting

Rate: $5,000-$25,000

Do you have a partially written book you need help finishing or an idea for a novel you don't think you can write yourself? Let's chat about my full or partial ghostwriting services. You'll get all the credit, but I'll do most, if not all, of the writing.

Because ghostwriting is such intense work, I only take on projects I feel passionate about. Ghostwriting typically involves a series of initial consultations (virtual or in-person) to go over any existing materials and to develop goals and a timeline. From there, we will communicate regularly as the project progresses. I typically charge clients a flat rate, however, so there won't be any surprises.

1. What style guide do you use when editing?

I use the Chicago Manual of Style as my style guide, which is preferred by the fiction and nonfiction publishing industries.

2. What genres do you edit?

I edit romance, literary fiction, women's fiction, contemporary fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, horror, thrillers, mystery, YA, and memoirs. Those are also the genres I tend to read. If you've written something in another genre, I would be happy to chat with you about whether I am the best fit for your project. If I am not, I can refer you elsewhere.

3. Do you edit novels with profanity, sex, or other triggers?

Yes. I don’t have any restrictions on the types of projects I will accept.

4. What’s your background, and how do I know you’re qualified to edit my book?

I began my career in the nonprofit arena, using storytelling to raise funds for various charities for more than twenty years. In that capacity, I authored and edited numerous fundraising appeals, foundation proposals, articles, annual reports, donor spotlights, social media campaigns, and e-blasts. In 2021, I left and began doing freelance writing and editing, both of which have always been my passions. I’ve done content and entertainment writing for several firms, and I was a deputy editor for Write My Wrongs Co for several years, where I edited books for authors hoping to self-publish. Currently, I also do contract work for WriteByNight based out of New York City. In addition to my professional career, I’m finishing up my own contemporary fiction novel, so I know what it’s like to be a writer, handing off your baby to a stranger and not knowing what to expect. You can rest assured I’ll handle your manuscript much like I would my own—with love, care, and integrity. Be sure to check out my client testimonials!

5. Will you do a sample edit so I can decide if I want to hire you?

Yes. I will do a 1,000-word editing sample upon request. Typically, I ask for the very beginning of your novel (chapter one). While I understand that may be your most perfected chapter, this policy is to guard against authors who try to get their books edited for free by splitting their novel up into small pieces and getting sample edits done by a variety of editors. In addition, please take a look at my pricing BEFORE sending me your sample so there are no surprises when I give you a quote for your project. I will only do sample edits for customers legitimately interested in engaging my services.

6. Do I have to sign a contract?

Yes. The contract protects both you and me. It will lay out due dates, payment terms, scope of work, cancellation policies, etc. I will not begin work until your contract is signed and deposit made.

7. What types of payment do you accept? Do you offer payment plans?

My preferred methods of payment are PayPal or Venmo. I am happy to work with you on a monthly or bimonthly payment plan if your budget is limited. Keep in mind that may extend the timeframe for your project.

8. Do you only edit books, or do you do other types of jobs as well?

I’m a freelancer, so I’m definitely interested in other writing and editing opportunities. Feel free to contact me to discuss your project and custom pricing.

9. Do you ever change your pricing? Do you offer any discounts?

I adjust my rates every November 1 to account for inflation, the rising costs to run my business, and to keep in line with industry standards. I try to keep my rates below the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) averages because I work with a lot of first-time authors. I occasionally offer specials that can earn new clients 10-15% off certain editing packages. Look out for those announcements on social media, and mention them to me prior to signing your contract.

10. How far in advance do you book?

That all depends. Typically, I am booked about 2-3 months out, but clients don't always give me their projects on time, or they may cancel altogether if life gets in the way. Openings pop up here and there, so I encourage you to reach out to inquire.

11. Are you a member of any professional organizations? Do you have any certifications?

Yes. I am a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), the Freelancers Union, the Virginia and Northern Virginia Writers Clubs, and the Women's Fiction Writers Association. While I do not have any certifications, I attend 2-5 conferences per year for writers and editors to stay abreast of what's going on in the field.

12. I have some additional questions. How do I contact you?

Click on Contact at the top of the page to use my web form, or email me at elizabethmerckauthor@gmail.com.