I offer the following editing and editorial services. I work with small publishers who need extra help, independent (self-published) authors, and content producers.
My editing testimonials and clips can be found here.
Proofreading
This means correcting typos and grammatical errors only. Proofreading should be the last service before your book or content goes live. For complicated layout I recommend having me proofread the laid out text as layout can introduce errors, as can converting to PDF.
The goal is to keep the text clean, but this does not include checking for flow, more suitable words, etc.
Any genre except religious material, extreme horror, or material that expresses hate against any group of people.
Rate: 0.8 to 1 cent a word, depending on the complexity of the text.
Copyediting
This means correcting typos and grammatical errors, advising on better word choices, and light rewriting for flow and clarity. Copyediting should take place after other editing has been done (or trust me, you only have to do it again), but before the text is laid out for publication.
When I copyedit I will also query any things that appear unclear, point out issues of conscious language, and make note of continuity errors…such as a character being blonde on page 85 and brunette on page 146. I ask that clients provide a brief style sheet containing the spellings of names, non-English words, and jargon, expressing preference for US/UK spelling and Oxford comma or no and, for fiction, the basic “stats” of characters because it’s amazing how often hair colors change.
Any genre except religious material, extreme horror, or material that expresses hate against any group of people.
Rate 1 to 2 cents a word per pass, depending on the complexity of the text.
Line Editing
Line editing means looking for problems at the level of each line of the text. This includes typos, grammatical errors, word choices, etc. However, it goes beyond copyediting in that it includes syntax, conciseness, and flow. I also look at whether the author’s voice and the character’s voices are consistent. Things like whether one character is saying something that I would expect to hear from another. I check for authorial tics, such as repeated phrases or describing things in the same way.
Line editing does not mean changing your voice, it means making sure that your voice shines through.
I line edit for fiction only, and typically only for science fiction, fantasy, erotica, or any combination of the three.
Rate 2 to 4 cents a word, depending on how much work it needs.
Sensitivity Reading
Sensitivity reading is reviewing a book with regard to the reader’s own lived experience. The name, in my mind, is a bit unfortunate (I prefer diversity reading or authenticity reading, but the term won out). It is not about making sure your book won’t offend anyone, but about ensuring that you portray the lived experience of people who differ from you demographically in a way that is more authentic and accurate, much as you might ask a gun expert about ammunition or a horse expert about how far a horse can go in a day.
I do sensitivity reading for bisexuality and autism. (And you can ask me those horse questions too).
Rate 1 cent a word.
Editing Policies
The nitty-gritty:
- 50% with the files, remaining 50% within 30 days of me turning in the work. Sooner will get you priority in the future.
- I do not start work on unfinished books. I require the entire book before I will begin. Content, blog posts, and articles I will do in batches.
- I don’t take bookings within two months of the inquiry date unless the book is finished. I don’t want to jinx you!
- For all services except sensitivity reading, I do a free, no obligation test edit of a sample of no more than 4,000 words taken from the middle of your book before I provide the final quote. Not the beginning. Not the end. Absolutely everyone, including me, pays more attention to the beginning and end of their book.
- I do not use generative AI.
- I do not edit raw AI-generated text. I prefer not to edit AI-generated text at all, but at least rewrite it first.
- For all book services except sensitivity reading, I do appreciate being credited somewhere, either as the editor or in the acknowledgments. Sensitivity readers are not credited…and alas there’s a reason for that.
- For all book services except sensitivity reading, I want to know when it’s out so I can give you a shoutout and add you to my clips.
- I do not edit fanfic. If you are working in an established franchise or with somebody else’s IP, I require proof that you have the license before proceeding. This includes adaptations of any kind. (I don’t need a copy of the contract, a note from the rights holder is more than sufficient, but I have to cover my legal butt here).
I do not currently offer developmental editing or line editing outside the genres listed above. However, I may know somebody who can help you out!
To contact me, use the contact form on this website or email poveyjennifer(at)gmail.com.