Romance Refined's Editing Services and Rates
Editing services for publishers
I'm available as a freelance romance editor for substantive editing, line editing, and copy editing, and I can be hired for one-off projects or regular assignments. Please contact me for more information.
Editing services and rates for writers
Perks of being a Romance Refined client
You and your story will matter to me—not because you've paid me, but because we'll become partners and I'll want you and your book baby to succeed.
I'm active on Facebook and Twitter (1,000+ followers), so when your book is published I'll be bragging about you like crazy, posting/tweeting favorite quotes, and linking to your blog posts and accolades the book receives. If you're active on Twitter, I'll feature your tweets in my weekly e-newspaper called the Romance Refined Reporter. Here on the Romance Refined website, I'll feature your publication news on the homepage and your book cover will be featured in the sidebar of the Romance Conferences page of the site, a page which gets nearly two thousand visitors each month.
Editing rates explained
Freelance editor rates vary wildly, which I know can be frustrating when shopping around. My editing rates are on par with many of my respected peers and have their roots in the editing rates recommended by the American Editorial Freelancers Association and the British Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, bearing in mind that rates for editing fiction tend to be a little lower than for other fields.
Why do I charge by the word instead of by the hour? If I were an author trying to budget and price compare, I would want to know up front exactly how much money to save up! It also means that if a project takes a little longer than expected, I'm the one who takes the hit, not you. (However, once I've dug into the work, if it becomes clear that there will end up being a dramatic discrepancy between expected and actual editorial involvement required, we may have to renegotiate before the project is complete.)
You and your story will matter to me—not because you've paid me, but because we'll become partners and I'll want you and your book baby to succeed.
I'm active on Facebook and Twitter (1,000+ followers), so when your book is published I'll be bragging about you like crazy, posting/tweeting favorite quotes, and linking to your blog posts and accolades the book receives. If you're active on Twitter, I'll feature your tweets in my weekly e-newspaper called the Romance Refined Reporter. Here on the Romance Refined website, I'll feature your publication news on the homepage and your book cover will be featured in the sidebar of the Romance Conferences page of the site, a page which gets nearly two thousand visitors each month.
Editing rates explained
Freelance editor rates vary wildly, which I know can be frustrating when shopping around. My editing rates are on par with many of my respected peers and have their roots in the editing rates recommended by the American Editorial Freelancers Association and the British Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, bearing in mind that rates for editing fiction tend to be a little lower than for other fields.
Why do I charge by the word instead of by the hour? If I were an author trying to budget and price compare, I would want to know up front exactly how much money to save up! It also means that if a project takes a little longer than expected, I'm the one who takes the hit, not you. (However, once I've dug into the work, if it becomes clear that there will end up being a dramatic discrepancy between expected and actual editorial involvement required, we may have to renegotiate before the project is complete.)
Is a substantive edit right for your fiction manuscript? Check my Types of Editing page.
This edit includes an editorial letter, which is a Word document where I'll break down all of the big-picture issues, offer solutions for character and plot conundrums, and praise what makes your story and writing awesome. It will be as long as necessary, but 10 to 20 pages is fairly average. The manuscript itself will have comment balloons in the margins to address issues with a narrower scope, and there will be some light editing in the body of the manuscript to demonstrate possible solutions.
This edit includes up to a one-hour follow-up chat with me by phone call, video call, instant messenger, or email exchanges. It doesn't even have to be an hour all at once! Spread it out however it suits you best. This gives you the chance to ask for elucidation on anything I pointed out in my edit as well as a chance for us to brainstorm ideas together.
*For the rate that will be specific to your manuscript, please book a sample edit.
This edit includes an editorial letter, which is a Word document where I'll break down all of the big-picture issues, offer solutions for character and plot conundrums, and praise what makes your story and writing awesome. It will be as long as necessary, but 10 to 20 pages is fairly average. The manuscript itself will have comment balloons in the margins to address issues with a narrower scope, and there will be some light editing in the body of the manuscript to demonstrate possible solutions.
This edit includes up to a one-hour follow-up chat with me by phone call, video call, instant messenger, or email exchanges. It doesn't even have to be an hour all at once! Spread it out however it suits you best. This gives you the chance to ask for elucidation on anything I pointed out in my edit as well as a chance for us to brainstorm ideas together.
*For the rate that will be specific to your manuscript, please book a sample edit.
Is a manuscript assessment right for you? Check my Types of Editing page.
A manuscript assessment can be carried out on a plot outline, a partial manuscript, or a completed manuscript.
A manuscript assessment can be carried out on a plot outline, a partial manuscript, or a completed manuscript.
Is a line & copy edit right for your fiction manuscript? Check my Types of Editing page.
I am not a vanity editor; I'll never mislead an author by putting lipstick on a pig for a paycheck. As such, in order to work with me for line & copy editing, you must meet one of the following three criteria so I can ensure your story is in good shape before I start the process of fine-tuning it:
I carry out line edits and copy edits simultaneously, meaning a single pass through the manuscript. Most edits will be made using Tracked Changes and Comments within the manuscript, though I'll also includes a short editorial letter, usually 1 to 4 pages, discussing key concepts. This stage of editing is also when I create a detailed Style Sheet and Timeline, which you'll receive at no additional cost; it will be a helpful tool for any further edits you make on your own, and it will be invaluable if you're writing a series.
When you hire me to do both a substantive edit and then a line & copy edit, the line & copy edit automatically includes me looking at your new material from a substantive perspective as well, and I'll let you know whether I think your changes hit the mark or still need some tweaking.
This edit includes up to 30 minutes of follow-up chat.
*For the rate that will be specific to your manuscript, please book a sample edit.
I am not a vanity editor; I'll never mislead an author by putting lipstick on a pig for a paycheck. As such, in order to work with me for line & copy editing, you must meet one of the following three criteria so I can ensure your story is in good shape before I start the process of fine-tuning it:
- You need to have worked with me or another professional editor for developmental editing, substantive editing, or a manuscript evaluation on this manuscript.
- Or, you need to send your manuscript through my beta reader matchmaking service and receive an overall rating of 4 or higher from one of my readers.
- Or, you need to have published at least 3 novels, and the most recent novel needs to have at least 20 reviews and an average rating of 4 or higher on Amazon or Goodreads.
I carry out line edits and copy edits simultaneously, meaning a single pass through the manuscript. Most edits will be made using Tracked Changes and Comments within the manuscript, though I'll also includes a short editorial letter, usually 1 to 4 pages, discussing key concepts. This stage of editing is also when I create a detailed Style Sheet and Timeline, which you'll receive at no additional cost; it will be a helpful tool for any further edits you make on your own, and it will be invaluable if you're writing a series.
When you hire me to do both a substantive edit and then a line & copy edit, the line & copy edit automatically includes me looking at your new material from a substantive perspective as well, and I'll let you know whether I think your changes hit the mark or still need some tweaking.
This edit includes up to 30 minutes of follow-up chat.
*For the rate that will be specific to your manuscript, please book a sample edit.
SPOT CHECK — $40/£30 per hour
When you hire me for line & copy editing, I highly recommend that you also hire me to spot check the changes you make afterwards. This allows me to copyedit your newest material and give you feedback on your changes, ensuring that every bit of your manuscript is consistent in quality and style. It's not uncommon for the manuscript to have two rounds of back-and-forth spot checking so that once again I can give you feedback on changes you may have needed to make after my initial spot check.
For me to be able to spot check, your changes must be easily identifiable with Track Changes. My edits at this level will mostly be done via in-line text changes and comment bubbles, with perhaps a one-page letter of overall comments. Spot checking generally ranges from four to ten hours of work, but of course it depends on the scope of your changes.
If you'd rather I reread the manuscript in its entirety rather than just spot check, we can discuss a rate. Please note, though, that I would not consider it a proofread, for reasons explained in my explanation of proofreading.
PROOFREADING — $0.009/£0.007 per word
I subcontract proofreading to a trusted colleague. If you hire her as part of a Romance Refined service, I will remain your primary point of contact, and I will review the marked changes to the proof. The collaboration means less stress for you! The requirement for a proofread is that it first must undergo copyediting with Rachel. Ask for details.
ARC file creation — $40/£30 per hour
Since many bloggers and publications require long lead times (3+ months) for receiving ARC (Advance Reader Copy) submissions, it's not uncommon for an author to send out ARCs before proofreading and book design has occurred. As such, I can turn my clients' edited Word documents into e-books for all types of e-readers strictly for use as ARCs. The e-books will not be publication-ready but will be suitable for sending to bloggers, associates, friends, etc. to secure advance reviews.
Book Jacket Blurb Copywriting Assistance — $40/£30 per hour
You only have a few paragraphs to grab a reader's attention and convince them to open your book, which makes these words some of the most challenging to get right. I don't write blurbs from scratch, but I'm happy to help you refine your blurb.
If you'd like me to strictly proofread your blurb for grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues, you may include it in the manuscript document and this will be included under your line & copy edit per word rate.
When you hire me for line & copy editing, I highly recommend that you also hire me to spot check the changes you make afterwards. This allows me to copyedit your newest material and give you feedback on your changes, ensuring that every bit of your manuscript is consistent in quality and style. It's not uncommon for the manuscript to have two rounds of back-and-forth spot checking so that once again I can give you feedback on changes you may have needed to make after my initial spot check.
For me to be able to spot check, your changes must be easily identifiable with Track Changes. My edits at this level will mostly be done via in-line text changes and comment bubbles, with perhaps a one-page letter of overall comments. Spot checking generally ranges from four to ten hours of work, but of course it depends on the scope of your changes.
If you'd rather I reread the manuscript in its entirety rather than just spot check, we can discuss a rate. Please note, though, that I would not consider it a proofread, for reasons explained in my explanation of proofreading.
PROOFREADING — $0.009/£0.007 per word
I subcontract proofreading to a trusted colleague. If you hire her as part of a Romance Refined service, I will remain your primary point of contact, and I will review the marked changes to the proof. The collaboration means less stress for you! The requirement for a proofread is that it first must undergo copyediting with Rachel. Ask for details.
ARC file creation — $40/£30 per hour
Since many bloggers and publications require long lead times (3+ months) for receiving ARC (Advance Reader Copy) submissions, it's not uncommon for an author to send out ARCs before proofreading and book design has occurred. As such, I can turn my clients' edited Word documents into e-books for all types of e-readers strictly for use as ARCs. The e-books will not be publication-ready but will be suitable for sending to bloggers, associates, friends, etc. to secure advance reviews.
Book Jacket Blurb Copywriting Assistance — $40/£30 per hour
You only have a few paragraphs to grab a reader's attention and convince them to open your book, which makes these words some of the most challenging to get right. I don't write blurbs from scratch, but I'm happy to help you refine your blurb.
If you'd like me to strictly proofread your blurb for grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues, you may include it in the manuscript document and this will be included under your line & copy edit per word rate.
Would you like to have a live brainstorming session? An in-depth consultation? Industry advice? Please email me to see how I can help!
When you hire me for a comprehensive edit package—substantive edit, line & copy edit, and spot check—I'll give you 3% off the total price for all three services.
If you have been referred to me for editing by an existing client of mine, you'll receive 10% off the first service you book, and the referring author will also receive 10% off the next service they book (unless I work with them via a publisher, in which case I will not offer the publisher a discount).
Military and their dependents get 10% off all services, always.
Offers cannot be combined. The greatest applicable discount will be given.
If you have been referred to me for editing by an existing client of mine, you'll receive 10% off the first service you book, and the referring author will also receive 10% off the next service they book (unless I work with them via a publisher, in which case I will not offer the publisher a discount).
Military and their dependents get 10% off all services, always.
Offers cannot be combined. The greatest applicable discount will be given.
SAMPLE EDIT
All new clients will need to start out with a free sample edit. For your sake, this will give you a chance to make sure you like my editing style, which is paramount for a good author–editor partnership. And for me, I need to ensure your manuscript is ready for professional editing, and if so, determine the rate based on the level of editing it needs, and I also need to be sure your story is a good fit for my genre strengths and reading tastes.
If I'm interested in the project based on your initial inquiry, I'll ask you to send me at least the first 30% of your manuscript, though the complete file is preferred. I'll randomly select a starting point somewhere in the middle where things tend to be the most unrefined, which means we'll both get a meaty example of the edits we can expect.
Substantive Edit inquiries receive a 60-minute sample edit and include one page of line & copy edit markup in addition to the substantive remarks. Line & Copy Edit inquiries receive a 30-minute sample edit. This usually ranges from 750 to 1500 words, which is three to six standard pages.
The sample edit does not include any follow-up chat specifically about the edited material; however, I'm happy to talk to you about my editing services, general editing concepts, workflow, expectations, etc. Grill me on anything about the editing process! I'm here to help.
BOOKING
If the sample edit I provide you fills you with confidence and inspiration, we'll pin down our dates and I'll send you a contract. You'll pay 5% of the total editing fee upfront as a non-refundable retainer to reserve your spot on my schedule, then a 50% deposit 30 days prior to the scheduled start date, and then the remaining balance will be due within 2 weeks of you receiving the edited file. If multiple types of editing are contracted, deposits and balances will be handled separately for each stage of editing. Once a deposit has been paid, cancellations will incur a fee.
I accept payment in US Dollars and British Pounds via PayPal and TransferWise; if your local currency is something other than those two, you'll be billed in US Dollars.
When planning your publication or submission calendar, keep in mind that our work together will usually be scheduled as follows:
1–3 weeks for me to Substantive edit
2+ weeks for author to process the edit and revise
2–4 weeks for me to Line & Copy edit
2+ weeks for author to review the edit and fine tune
2 days for me to Spot Check
1–2 weeks for subcontracted Proofreading
Author revision time will fluctuate for each author—some authors can revise in a week while others need months—but I usually require at least 2 weeks between rounds of edits so I'll have time to complete another author's project (I give my full attention to just one project at a time.)
I work only on electronic files, and edits will be carried out using Microsoft Word's Track Changes feature. Even if you're familiar with Track Changes, I'll still ask that you review the Track Changes tutorial here on my website so you understand the workflow I like to use with my clients. And if you're a technopeasant new to Track Changes, the step-by-step tutorial with screen shots will get you up to speed in a jiffy—it isn't nearly as intimidating as it sounds, I promise!
All new clients will need to start out with a free sample edit. For your sake, this will give you a chance to make sure you like my editing style, which is paramount for a good author–editor partnership. And for me, I need to ensure your manuscript is ready for professional editing, and if so, determine the rate based on the level of editing it needs, and I also need to be sure your story is a good fit for my genre strengths and reading tastes.
If I'm interested in the project based on your initial inquiry, I'll ask you to send me at least the first 30% of your manuscript, though the complete file is preferred. I'll randomly select a starting point somewhere in the middle where things tend to be the most unrefined, which means we'll both get a meaty example of the edits we can expect.
Substantive Edit inquiries receive a 60-minute sample edit and include one page of line & copy edit markup in addition to the substantive remarks. Line & Copy Edit inquiries receive a 30-minute sample edit. This usually ranges from 750 to 1500 words, which is three to six standard pages.
The sample edit does not include any follow-up chat specifically about the edited material; however, I'm happy to talk to you about my editing services, general editing concepts, workflow, expectations, etc. Grill me on anything about the editing process! I'm here to help.
BOOKING
If the sample edit I provide you fills you with confidence and inspiration, we'll pin down our dates and I'll send you a contract. You'll pay 5% of the total editing fee upfront as a non-refundable retainer to reserve your spot on my schedule, then a 50% deposit 30 days prior to the scheduled start date, and then the remaining balance will be due within 2 weeks of you receiving the edited file. If multiple types of editing are contracted, deposits and balances will be handled separately for each stage of editing. Once a deposit has been paid, cancellations will incur a fee.
I accept payment in US Dollars and British Pounds via PayPal and TransferWise; if your local currency is something other than those two, you'll be billed in US Dollars.
When planning your publication or submission calendar, keep in mind that our work together will usually be scheduled as follows:
1–3 weeks for me to Substantive edit
2+ weeks for author to process the edit and revise
2–4 weeks for me to Line & Copy edit
2+ weeks for author to review the edit and fine tune
2 days for me to Spot Check
1–2 weeks for subcontracted Proofreading
Author revision time will fluctuate for each author—some authors can revise in a week while others need months—but I usually require at least 2 weeks between rounds of edits so I'll have time to complete another author's project (I give my full attention to just one project at a time.)
I work only on electronic files, and edits will be carried out using Microsoft Word's Track Changes feature. Even if you're familiar with Track Changes, I'll still ask that you review the Track Changes tutorial here on my website so you understand the workflow I like to use with my clients. And if you're a technopeasant new to Track Changes, the step-by-step tutorial with screen shots will get you up to speed in a jiffy—it isn't nearly as intimidating as it sounds, I promise!
An editor becomes kind of your mother. You expect love and encouragement from an editor.”
― Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, during her time as an editor with Doubleday