You know those catchy phrases writers like to toss around at conferences and in critique groups: Compelling characters. An original voice. A plot that evolves naturally. Then there’s pacing and structure, point of view and tone. Oh, and all those things have to work together, with nary a misspelled word to ruin the experience. But sometimes you don’t know what your manuscript needs. Or, even if you do, you don’t know exactly how to achieve it.
As a freelance editor and book doctor, that’s where I come in. (I’m also a writer, so believe me, I GET IT.) I’ll help you pinpoint what’s working well in your manuscript, and what still needs work. Then, I’ll make concrete suggestions for revisions. Ultimately, though, it’s your book, not mine. My job is to help you realize and execute your vision. So what can I do for you?
The Whole Kit and Caboodle:
Sometimes writers turn out copy that’s a little murky. Or verbose. Or dull. Let me rephrase: All writers do this, at some point. You need a middleman before it reaches your final audience. I will be your ultimate unsuspecting reader–and I mean that in a good way. I’ll look at your manuscript as a whole, reading for the story and characters, as well as the writing, and how they work together. You see trees, but I’m looking at the forest.
A line edit is premature at this stage, because I may recommend major changes that involve restructuring the plot or rethinking elements of characterization. This doesn’t mean you’ll get back a clean manuscript–far from it. It will come back heavily decorated in red, where I’ve asked questions and made comments. You’ll also get an intensive written critique, in which I’ll offer you specific feedback and things to consider during the revision process.
Just the Caboodle:
Who’s with me? Most writers have agonized over that question at one time or another. You know your story better than your phone number, but the trick is to make sure your readers are keeping up. In those first few chapters, you build the foundations of plot and character. If those aren’t working, the book isn’t working. For this service, I’ll read up to 10,000 words of your novel and give you an intensive written critique. Although I don’t read the entire manuscript, you’ll get an idea of how you’re doing, and can apply my comments and suggestions to the rest of the book.
Picture Books:
Go ahead, make me laugh. Make me cry. Make me want to read it again. Because that’s what a good picture book should do. I’ll help you craft a story, keeping in mind the considerations of the picture book format.
Got questions? Something else in mind? Contact me and we’ll figure it out. I’ll try to work with you to give you the service you want.
Pricing: It varies, depending on the length of the book and how much work it involves. I bid every job individually, but if it helps to have a rough figure in mind, think about 2.5 cents per word for a full developmental edit.
Contact me at: pdianebailey@gmail.com