Messages

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Self Publishing Discussion / Re: Good freelance editors?

« on: June 29, 2015, 07:56:51 PM »

For anyone looking for writing/editing assistance (earlier in the process than copyediting), I recommend Stuart Horwitz and his company, Book Architecture.
His website contains a great chart (http://www.bookarchitecture.com/services/) that helps you figure out which of his services you might want. He does everything from ghostwriting to writing coaching to developmental editing, as well as assisting with either traditional publishing or self-publishing.
Or, if you prefer the do-it-yourself route to revision and developmental editing, please pick up a copy of his latest book Book Architecture: How to Plot and Outline Without Using a Formula. It's available from Amazon (http://myBook.to/BookArchNoFormula), as well as other retailers. The book introduces three tools—the arc, the grid, and the target—that can be applied to fiction, film and TV, or creative nonfiction. In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that I proofread the book.

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Self Publishing Discussion / Re: Good freelance editors?

« on: June 29, 2015, 07:03:18 PM »

I'm a freelance copyeditor, and here is my brief summary:

My former career was in business, finance, and economics and included significant writing and editing. . .but I've always loved reading and language, so I obtained a specialized copyediting certification and launched a freelance copyediting career. Personally, my favorite genres to read are science fiction & fantasy and mystery. Because I loves language and have this eclectic combination of background and interests, I can copyedit a wide range of materials -- everything from academic journal articles to company press releases to time-travel romances. Regardless of the type of writing, my goal is always to ensure that the manuscript reflects the best of the author's ability and unique voice. I see the editing process as a collaboration with the author, in which I act as a bridge between the author and the reader. For more information, as well as testimonials and a selection from my portfolio, please go to my website (http://louannpope.com).

As others have alluded to, copyediting rates can vary widely. My practice is to ask for a sample of 500-1,000 words—ideally from the middle of the book—and then to provide an edited version of that along with a preliminary estimate based on the extent of editing that seems necessary. The estimate is then subject to change when I receive the full manuscript, at which time the author and I agree on a rate before I begin editing in earnest.

Regardless of whether you'd like to hire me, you may find the FAQ page (http://louannpope.com/faq/) of my website useful. There I have provided explanations of the difference between copyediting and developmental/substantive editing and between copyediting and proofreading, as well as other information about the value of editing.

Louann Pope
Freelance Copyeditor
lp@louannpope.com
http://louannpope.com