I cannot edit or proofread fiction targeting young adults or children as the requires extra editing knowledge and experience (such as correct word choices) that I do not have. Please keep in mind that copy editing and proofreading do not include editorial assessment, content editing, or developmental editing. In other words, copy editing and proofreading do not cover story element issues like poor character development or plot holes. However, if in the course of copy editing or proofreading, I just cannot help myself and make a “reader in good faith” comment regarding a story element, it will be bonus feedback done at no extra charge. I charge by the word instead of the hour as it more accurately reflects the work done.
Copy editing is 0.015 USD per word plus 2.99% (to cover PayPal fees for receiving money for goods and services); proofreading (having another set of eyes check your document after it has been edited by another) is 0.01 USD per word plus 2.99% (to cover PayPal fees for receiving money for goods and services).
I can copy edit or proofread your whole document or just a section. I would need the document emailed to me—Microsoft Word is preferred. The manuscript should be double-spaced (except for the captions beneath any figures or tables). I will not make any changes to the body of your document. I will use the comment feature instead.
Rush orders: A proper copy edit or proofread for fiction can take 1/2 hour to 1 hour per page; however, it can take even longer depending upon the number of issues are in a page. I also do not work around the clock (a sleepless editor is not an effective editor). I only want to do my best for you and that can be difficult to do for a large project with a short deadline– a rushed job. When you contact me asking for a rushed copy edit or proofread, I will need to see the document before I agree. I retain the right to refuse a rush order for large documents as I will not have enough time to do a proper job. If I agree to a rush job, it can cost an extra 50%. I cannot do overnight jobs except for documents 8 pages or fewer. Overnight jobs will cost double (an extra 100%).
What You Get
- The document is checked for grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation errors.
- The document is checked for consistency in spelling, abbreviation, capitalization, dash and hyphen use, font use, numerals, and symbols (for example, check for British and American English variants of a word being used interchangeably except when required). However, dialogues are not checked.
- The document is checked for unclear passages and sentences.
- Revisions are suggested for decreasing wordiness.
- Revisions are suggested for improving the flow and structure of the text.
- Proofreading corrections made by you are checked for accurate revisions (if requested).
What You Do Not Get
- Dialogues are generally not checked (if I do notice a spelling error that appears not to be a way to indicate a dialect or speech issue, I will make a comment about it just in case).
- Documentation system, pagination, content accuracy, or the correctness of format are not checked. Check the writer’s guidelines or style guide for your publisher, school, etc. regarding format and content questions. Consider joining a writer’s group for feedback or taking a writing workshop course from your local university.
- Editorial assessment, content editing, or developmental editing are not checked. In other words, story element issues like poor character development or plot holes are not checked.
Contact email: merchant.david@gmail.com
Payment: All fees are paid before the day of delivery via PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account to send money: Paypal.me/MerchantEditor
Instructions on how to send money via PayPal: www.paypal.com/us/cshelp/article/how-do-i-send-money-help293
David Merchant: English beta reader, editor, indexer, and proofreader 