FREELANCE EDITING SERVICES

EDITING SERVICES

Sending your unedited book off to a publisher or agent, or if you're self-publishing without editing, is more dangerous than walking a high wire without a safety net. If you don’t present a professional manuscript to an agent or publisher, you won’t get a second chance. An unpolished book won’t impress or entice readers either. The decision to hire an editor doesn’t mean you aren’t an accomplished writer. Even the most experienced authors rely on their editors to catch mistakes. As an author, I know how easy it is to miss errors. You read what you know should be there. You see the scene in your head, but have you written it so your reader will see it?

My Qualifications:
I’ve been a published author since 2009. I’ve had twelve books published by two publishers. Prior to 2009, I edited a newsletter for a company and created brochures and materials for both in-house and out of company use. I've edited for two publishers in the past. I currently edit for Champagne Book Group.

Reviews and Recommendations:

EMILY ELIFF

Brenda designs her services to best bit the writer's needs. From spotting passive voice, the dreaded loll when your reader stops reading to finding those wiggle words that make your writing weak. She helps whip your story into place. I found her friendly and easy to work with. After two previous editors, I am happy to say my stories have finally found a new home.

JOYCE PROELL

Brenda has edited for me. She's great at culling unnecessary words and tightens the pacing.

LACI JIRASEK

I couldn't imagine a better experience with an editor. Every suggestion made my book a million times better. I'll definitely be sending all of my books her way.

HEATHER ERICKSON

She is professional and is very good at what she does.

How Does it Work?

I prefer to edit any genre of romance, general fiction, cozy mystery, or women’s fiction, but I'm open to other genres as well. Send me the first five pages and let me give you my opinion on whether we will be a good match or not.

Sample Editing and Cost Decisions:
Designate Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 and send me five pages. Give me word count and genre. I will advise on the estimated time to complete the edit. The cost will be assigned at that time. Whether you choose to work with me or not, I’ll return the five pages to you, edited to Level 1 free of charge.

Many editors charge by word count. You'll pay more that way. My prices are reasonable by the page.

Level 1:

One read-through

Areas covered:

Sentence structure

Word usage

Punctuation

Over used words/clichés

Identifying awkward sentences

Identifying confusing sentences

Cost: $1.00 per page

Level 2:

Includes Level 1 plus:

General story structure

POV issues

Deepening POV

Pacing

Character Arc

Conflict and Tension

Passive writing issues

$2.25 per page

Level 3:

Levels 1 and 2 with a second read-through and a final critique of the completed manuscript.

$3.00 per page

Payments will be made via PayPal.

Level 1, payment is due upon agreement.

Level 2, 50% is due upon agreement. Balance is due upon completion of edit.

Level 3, 50% is due upon agreement. Balance is due prior to final critique.

Technical Stuff:
Save your manuscript as a Microsoft Word document in Times New Roman font, 12 point, and double-spaced. Set your margins at one inch. Indent your paragraphs. I will use Track Changes in the editing process.

Let's get that book out of your computer and in front of readers! I look forward to working with you.

Contact me with questions:

brenda@brendawhiteside.com