Services & Pricing

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Services & Pricing

Copy-editing addresses spelling, punctuation, grammar and syntax, sentence construction, style, and accuracy of the text, as well as micro concerns, such as voice consistency.

Line-editing addresses all copy-editing issues, then delves deeper to eliminate extraneous and overused words, run-on sentences, and redundancies. It also tightens dialogue, improves transitions, tonal shifts, and unnatural phrasing. Prose passages that don't read well because of bland language or confusing narrative digressions are edited for optimal flow. Pacing is improved—if needed—and words and phrases that will help to clarify and enhance the intended meaning are incorporated.

Structural-editing addresses all copy-editing and line-editing issues and may also require mild - moderate restructuring and grammatical revisions on more than a few sentences per page, possibly also tense shifts to ensure universal cohesion.

Creative Consultations are ideal for fiction projects if you’re looking for an editor who will give a comprehensive critique, addressing structure, content, focus, audience, consistencies in voice, tone, and point of view, as well as plot and pacing, realism in dialogue, character development, all stylistic elements, and overall substance.

Development-editing is topic-focused editing for nonfiction projects. (Though this term is often used interchangeably with Creative Consultations for fiction projects, there is a difference). During a substantive edit, I look closely at the nonfiction concept/topic and overall structure of the manuscript, paying special attention to the intended use and how it’s complemented and/or strengthened by the content, organization, design, and style. The purpose is to make the manuscript correct, consistent, and functional for readers, as well as entertaining. Therefore, I also focus on improving the pace and tone, as well as enhancing the intended meaning.

Manuscript Coaching focuses on smaller sections at a time while you're working toward a completed manuscript. You send chapters or short stories weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. I then advise (see Creative Consultations above), copyedit, and motivate as you go. Learn more here.

Proofreading addresses spelling, punctuation, grammar and syntax, as well as character spacing and mystery glitches that are often created during the editing process where multiple readers and/or editors are working with the same file. Proofreading should be the final step before a manuscript is formatted for print or eBook or submitted to potential agents or publishers.

Contact me for a quote on services not shown. (Please note: I do not offer ghostwriting or beta reading services.)

Looking for a "mini-edit"?

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Pricing

My rates are based on the industry standard, as outlined by longstanding, reputable organizations such as the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA).

That said, there is no “one size fits all” for writers. Most jobs are quoted on a per-job basis, depending on the amount of editing, research, reading, and communication time involved. Estimates are shown below for quick reference and transparency. For a specific quote, please submit an inquiry with a 10-page sample of your work here.

Feedback and Editing Services for Fiction and Creative Nonfiction Manuscripts:

Copy-editing starts at $0.02 cents per word
Line-editing starts at $0.03 cents per word
Structural-editing starts at $0.04 cents per word
Developmental-editing starts at $0.04 cents per word
Manuscript Coaching starts at $0.05 cents per word
Creative Consultations are generally included complementary with copy-editing, line-editing, and/or structural-editing; billed separately, see "Full Manuscript Consultations" below.
Proofreading ranges $0.01 – $0.02 cents per word (Please note* Proofreading comes after editing and is the final step before publishing. It is not where to begin with an editor.)
Full Manuscript Consultations (that don’t include editing) are $0.01 - $0.015 per word

For quotes on chapter or section consultations, please email.

*Paid sample edits are 10 pages. Free sample edits are 5 pages.
If you prefer a free sample edit, email me here.

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I'm receiving the most amazing feedback from readers: athletes, parents, and coaches. People love my book and I'm simply thrilled. Vanessa was astute, timely, and her prices are more than fair. I highly recommend Vanessa Anderson and will ask her to work with me again on my next book!

Lisa Mitzel
Author of Focused and Inspired

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Working with Vanessa at Night Owl Freelance was an enjoyable and productive experience. Vanessa is prompt to reply with editing suggestions. And her ability to design a professional quality book, front, back, and interior, exhibit her experience and expertise as an editor and production specialist. Do not overlook this orchid while searching for a rose.

William Flagg Magee
Author & Photographer

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FAQs

How does this work?

Send me an inquiry via email or through the form linked here with details of your project and the word count, then we'll decide if the next best step is a sample edit and/or a project assessment. Either option will include a custom price quote. After that, we'll determine the schedule for your project (based on my earliest opening). Then I'll guide you through each step thereafter.

I'm also happy to schedule a phone call.

Can you help me self-publish?

Yes! I offer a full suite of self-publishing services, including getting your book(s) listed on Amazon and expanded distribution outlets such as BarnesandNoble.com. You can find more information on my publishing services here.

Do you accept payment plans?

Yes. Projects under $300 are billed upfront. Everything else is billed half upfront and half on completion. If needed, I also offer payments divided into three equal installments for projects exceeding $5,000. (The project has to be paid in full before the completed edits are delivered.)

Please email to inquire about other payment options.

Will you accept royalties as payment for editing services?

No. I have no way to track or enforce that. All editing is paid at the time of service.

Can you help me find a publisher?

I'm not a literary agent, which is who you need to work with for that. I highly recommend utilizing the vast database of agents and publishers at pw.org.

Otherwise, I can polish your submission materials to help you get an agent or publisher. More info on that here.

Do you work with writers outside the US?

Yes! I have clients all over the world and many across the pond. I don't do translation, but if you write in English, I can work with you. I am proficient in both US and British English conventions, so you don't have to worry about the manuscript being "Americanized" if that's not your goal.

Planning to self-publish?

Publishing packages are discounted when purchased with editing!