Ready to work with me?
Tell me a bit about your manuscript in the form below, and I’ll get back to you shortly!
FAQ
Do you work with manuscripts written in UK/AUS/CAN English?
For beta reading, I work with manuscripts written in any variation of English.
For my editing services, I only work with manuscripts written in US English. This is due to the significant differences in spelling and grammar between the English variations.
What’s the difference between copy editing and proofreading?
Copy editing happens before proofreading. A copy edit is an in-depth edit that focuses on corrections of: spelling, punctuation, grammar, accuracy, and style. I create a style guide, research the accuracy of facts, flag potential trademark use, copyrighted material use, and potential plagiarism.
The proofread is the final pass after formatting and before publication. Proofreading is a more surface-level edit focused on: spelling, punctuation, grammar, and formatting.
Why pay for proofreading if you do the same tasks during a copy edit?
Proofreading is the very last step before publication. It’s a surface-level check over a formatted book before it’s published. Because of this, a manuscript that hasn’t been professionally edited before will need the deeper edit that copy editing provides.
Does Fairy Literary offer price negotiation?
I’m happy to negotiate rates on a project-to-project basis! Please keep in mind that my rates are already much lower than the industry standard because affordability is important to me, but if your budget is tight, I still want to try to accommodate you!
What does it look like to work with me?
Step 1:
Fill out the form above with a little bit of information about your manuscript. I’ll send you an email to discuss pricing, a deadline, and I’ll also request a 5-page sample of your manuscript. This allows me to get a feel for your writing and tailor my services to your needs. (You can also request a free 5-page sample beta read or edit prior to or at this point in the process!)
Step 2:
After we reach an agreement on pricing and deadline, I’ll send you:
- a few questions regarding your manuscript
- a contract
- an invoice for a 25% nonrefundable deposit (which applies toward the total cost of services)
I do require the nonrefundable deposit be paid before I begin work on your manuscript. This deposit is 25% of the total cost of services and applies to the total cost of services. For example, if a client’s total was $100, then their nonrefundable deposit would be $25, reducing their final payment upon delivery of the edited manuscript to $75.
Step 3:
Once we both sign the contract and the nonrefundable deposit is paid, you’ll send me your full manuscript as an email attachment, and I’ll begin my work!
Step 4:
As I work on your manuscript, I will provide weekly updates on my progress (unless you request otherwise).
Step 5:
I first read through your manuscript from start to finish. I take notes on your style, character names and descriptions, locations, fictional words, and more. This allows me to check for continuity throughout the book. If I have any urgent questions, I’ll send an email asking for clarification.
For a beta read, I do all of the above, and as I read, I also leave comments within the document with my thoughts and suggestions. I write a detailed report which summarizes your manuscript’s strengths and further expands on my suggestions. If requested, I can also share any trends in repeat grammatical errors.
Step 6:
For edits, I begin my first pass. I regularly consult a checklist to ensure I’m looking for every kind of error, and I’m constantly cross-referencing my editorial decisions with the Merriam-Webster dictionary and the Chicago Manual of Style (both industry standards in the US for traditional and indie publishing).
Step 7:
I begin my second edit pass, ensuring nothing was missed.
Step 8:
My third pass begins. I utilize a checklist and the search bar to double-check for common errors that often slip through the cracks. This includes things like double spaces, dialogue punctuation, than/then, and similar mistakes.
Step 9:
I return your manuscript to you via email and send an invoice for the remaining total cost of services. If you selected copy editing services, I will also attach the style guide I created during my work. If you selected beta read, I will attach my detailed report.
Step 10:
You will review my edits, and optionally, return the manuscript with the implemented edits for a complementary revision. I will do another editing pass, then return the document to you. (I do require that the invoice for the remaining cost of services be paid before I can complete the complementary revision.)
RATES + Services
Beta Reading
$1/1,000 words
(starting at $5/5,000 words)
I will read your manuscript line by line and provide detailed feedback in comments within your document. I will also create a detailed report which summarizes your manuscript’s strengths and further details my suggestions. If requested, I can also share any trends in repeat grammatical errors.
Copy Editing
$5/1,000 words
(starting at $25/5,000 words)
I will provide an in-depth edit, where I check for errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, accuracy, and consistency in both world/character details and writing style. I will also create a personalized style guide which can be passed on to your proofreader.
Proofreading
$2/1,000 words
(starting at $10/5,000 words)
I will provide a surface-level edit, where I check for errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and formatting. This is typically the final edit pass and is done once your manuscript is formatted for publishing.