Writing needs and services vary greatly, from simply checking a completed text for commonplace errors (proof reading) to actually writing a book on someone's behalf (ghostwriting). We handle virtually any kind of project.
WRITING SERVICES
General writing services – applicable to all
Proofreading
This catches and corrects the fine mechanical details of a manuscript, to ensure that the grammar, spelling and any other details are correct.
Tutoring
This teaches a writer improved ways of organizing the text, of expressing thoughts, and developing a better style.
Writing services for book publication
The process of publishing a book involves a number of steps, not all of which are needed for every book, of course.
Here we lay out the steps in the order in which they would be done.
1. An editorial assessment
Upon receiving your manuscript we read and report on either a portion of it or all of it. So, we might (by agreement with you) read just the first ten or twenty thousand words and then stop and write you a professional assessment. The report will analyze strengths and weaknesses in the areas of plot, characterization and writing style. It will make suggestions for improvements where suitable. Having a portion of the manuscript assessed is a money-saving option, but of course only a full reading of the manuscript will cover the whole plot of the book.
If the first reading reveals a first-class manuscript, we can jump directly to the final copy editing and proof reading steps (done either as separate steps or combined ones).
An editorial assessment is priced at $0.014 per word, so for example a full reading and report for a 60,000 word text would cost $840. Based on the first 10,000 words, it would cost $140.
2. Developmental editing
This is an in-depth review that examines all elements of the writing, from the vocabulary and phraseology used, to the overall style and readability of the book. It addresses any issues with plot and characterization.
Developmental editing is priced at $0.024 per word and so would cost $1,440 for a 60,000 word text.
3. Copy editing
Copy editing focuses single-mindedly on grammar, inconsistencies, and the substitution of weak words and phrases by more powerful alternatives.
Copy editing is priced at $0.017 per word, and would cost $1,020 for a 60,000 word text.
4. Proof reading
Proof reading checks every comma, period and spacing in the book to make sure that everything is grammatically and typographically correct. It is an essential step for any manuscript that is to be published.
It is priced at $0.01 per word; so the cost for a 60,000 word text would be $600.
5. Copy editing and proof reading combined
It is possible to combine a copy edit with a proof reading, and this would be priced at $0.019 per word, or $1,140 for a 60,000 word text.
There are other helps that might be chosen:
6. Ghostwriting
Someone with a story to tell but no flair for writing might choose to tell the story to a ghostwriter and have that writer craft the manuscript for him. Our fee for this service is $0.70 per word of the final text.
7. Coaching
A writing coach works with an author all the way through, helping the writer to develop the plot and characters, and helping with the writing style, though the author actually writes the book. Our rates are $40 per hour.