Copyediting
The Work Involved
When a book, story, or essay is finished at last, it’s time to check grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, syntax, diction, sentence clarity, inconsistencies, and continuity. Rewriting should be minimal at this point.
For projects with footnotes or endnotes, tables, figures, and the like, the copyedit includes making sure that’s all correct.
I use The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th edition.
FYI…Proofreading, not copyediting, is the final step before a manuscript goes to print.
What You’ll Receive
Your manuscript will have Track Changes and margin comments. You can accept, reject, or modify all corrections and suggestions.
Post-Delivery Support
You’re welcome to contact me via email for one month after delivery to ask questions.
Word Counts and Fees
My fee is $40 per hour. I charge for the hours I work, not a flat fee. For a fiction or creative nonfiction manuscript in decent shape, here’s an estimate of the average time it’ll take and cost.
25,000 words (100 pages)—20 hours; $800
50,000 words (200 pages)—40 hours; $1,600
75,000 words (300 pages)—60 hours; $2,400
100,000 words (400 pages)—80 hours; $3,200
For nonfiction books with tables, figures, and footnotes/endnotes, copyediting will take more time.
Note: Copyediting is for a writer who has a finished manuscript they’re ready to send to agents or publishers or for an author under contract who wants to hire someone else for this step in production.
CONTACT ME
If you’re interested in working with me, send an email to ronlyndomingue [at] gmail [dot] com.
Please include the following information.
1. The title, genre, and total word count of your work.
2. A brief synopsis/description of your project.
3. A brief overview of your publication plans (get an agent, submit to a small press, etc.).
4. Attach your manuscript's first 50 pages. Microsoft Word or PDF.
I’ll read your material and contact you within five business days. If it looks like we’re a potential match, we’ll schedule a free, 20-minute phone conversation to talk things over.
