Historical Fiction Editing and Proofreading Services
I provide the whole range of editorial services for historical fiction – from manuscript critiques to proofreading. Whether you already know which particular service you require or if you're not sure, get in touch and we can discuss which service, or combination of services, is right for you and your book.
Manuscript Critique
Perhaps you know that your manuscript has weaknesses but you don't know how to fix them. Maybe you think you need a full developmental edit but you're not certain or it's not in your budget. If so, a manuscript critique may help to guide you.
I will read your whole manuscript and then write an editorial report (5–10 pages), identifying the main issues and suggesting ways in which your book could be improved.
I will read your whole manuscript and then write an editorial report (5–10 pages), identifying the main issues and suggesting ways in which your book could be improved.
£700 for manuscripts up to 100,000 words
£800 for manuscripts between 100,000 and 120,000 words
(For larger manuscripts, contact me.)
£800 for manuscripts between 100,000 and 120,000 words
(For larger manuscripts, contact me.)
Developmental Editing
In a full developmental edit, I will read your manuscript then write an editorial report (12–20 pages) that will include a chapter-by-chapter analysis, in addition to outlining the main issues and suggesting ways in which your book could be improved. I will also work through the entire manuscript, pointing out strengths and weaknesses as I go and suggesting possible solutions to big-picture problems – related to things like point of view and pacing – where necessary. There will be minimal (tracked) changes to the text itself, as it is your book and you are the author, so it will be up to you to revise your novel; the idea is that you use my suggestions as a guide. Most of my work in the manuscript itself will be limited to (detailed and constructive) comments in the margins.
(If I have already provided you with a manuscript critique and you then decide you would like a full developmental edit, that will be taken into account when I provide a quote.)
(If I have already provided you with a manuscript critique and you then decide you would like a full developmental edit, that will be taken into account when I provide a quote.)
From £20 per 1,000 words*
Line Editing
Once you are happy with the structure of your book and any major problems have been ironed out, it's time for a line edit. This will help to catch any remaining minor developmental issues, such as plot holes and inconsistent characterisation, but the main focus is to improve the style and flow of your writing where necessary, working at sentence level, using Track Changes so that you can easily review and accept or reject my suggestions as you wish. A line edit will also include the copy-editing tasks listed under the 'Copy-editing' service below; however, an additional round of copy-editing is strongly recommended if you are self-publishing rather than submitting your manuscript to agents and publishers (I can offer a final round of copy-editing at a reduced rate if I have already performed a line edit for you on the same book).
A line edit includes the following:
A line edit includes the following:
- Three full passes of the manuscript (an initial read-through to check for plot issues and that the correct service has been offered prior to making any changes; a line editing pass and a copy-editing pass)
- The manuscript will be formatted in a way that meets the requirements of most agents and publishers (and will be ready to be typeset for self-publishing if you go that way instead), and two copies will be provided (tracked changes and changes accepted).
- A book map (a spreadsheet that tracks the plot and timeline chapter by chapter)
- An editorial report (approx. 10 pages) outlining the main issues, with explanations, and offering suggestions of how to fix them
- A style sheet (1–3 pages) listing style decisions made for consistency of spelling, punctuation and capitalisation
From £20 per 1,000 words*
Copy-editing
A round of copy-editing (including two full passes) will make sure your manuscript is formatted appropriately for typesetting or submission to agents, that your writing is clear (dealing with any remaining awkward sentences, for example), consistent (adheres to your chosen style preferences for spelling, hyphenation, capitalisation, etc.), and free from errors of spelling, grammar and punctuation, as far as humanly possible! A style sheet (1–3 pages) will be provided.
From £14 per 1,000 words*
Proofreading
I will correct typographical errors (typos) and errors of spelling, grammar and punctuation. I will also ensure consistency of hyphenation, capitalisation and spelling to ensure your text has a professional finish.
(If I have already provided you with a line and/or copy-edit, this will be taken into account when quoting for a proofread.)
Please note that this service is only available for manuscripts that have been copy-edited.
(If I have already provided you with a line and/or copy-edit, this will be taken into account when quoting for a proofread.)
Please note that this service is only available for manuscripts that have been copy-edited.
From £12 per 1,000 words*
How I Work
I edit in Word, using Track Changes to show my suggested amendments and explanatory comments. If your book has already been professionally edited and then you have had it laid out by a book designer, I can proofread the PDF.
I will keep in touch with you throughout the project, and I will respond promptly to any queries that you may have.
I will keep in touch with you throughout the project, and I will respond promptly to any queries that you may have.
Pricing and Payment
*The above prices are intended to act as a guide to give you a ballpark figure, in case it would help you to have one before contacting me. However, each project is different and will therefore be quoted accordingly, and will depend on the level of work required.
Before providing a quote I will need to see the whole manuscript and, if I feel I am a good fit for the project, I may offer to supply a sample edit. This will enable me to provide both an accurate quote and time frame, and will also allow you to judge whether you would like me to work on your book.
When booking projects, I will usually ask for an advance payment (approximately 30% of the total fee) to secure my next available editing slot. Once I have completed the project and returned the document(s) to you, I will send you an invoice for the balance, which will be payable immediately. I accept payment by bank transfer or PayPal.
Before providing a quote I will need to see the whole manuscript and, if I feel I am a good fit for the project, I may offer to supply a sample edit. This will enable me to provide both an accurate quote and time frame, and will also allow you to judge whether you would like me to work on your book.
When booking projects, I will usually ask for an advance payment (approximately 30% of the total fee) to secure my next available editing slot. Once I have completed the project and returned the document(s) to you, I will send you an invoice for the balance, which will be payable immediately. I accept payment by bank transfer or PayPal.
© 2016–2024 Sarah Dronfield
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