Feeling overwhelmed or unsure about what editing service you need or what stage your manuscript is in?
No worries! I'll offer my assessment and suggestions after reviewing your manuscript and doing a sample edit of about 1,000 words to assess where in the writing/editing process you are (i.e., what service you need) and to see if we are a good fit.
You'll find the scope of my services below (with links to more specifics), separated for convenience and combined for continuity and savings. Scroll down or click to jump to my description of packaged services.
No worries! I'll offer my assessment and suggestions after reviewing your manuscript and doing a sample edit of about 1,000 words to assess where in the writing/editing process you are (i.e., what service you need) and to see if we are a good fit.
You'll find the scope of my services below (with links to more specifics), separated for convenience and combined for continuity and savings. Scroll down or click to jump to my description of packaged services.
À la Carte Services:
Learn more about my core services by clicking the hyperlinked titles below:
For details of other services, scroll down or click:
General Notes:
All editing is done in MS Word with Track Changes turned on. For more information, see the publishing terminology section of my BFF Resources page and the tutorial section of my Topical Resources page.
Rates calculated in US Dollars. See calculation section of Business page for more information.
Visit my policies section of Business page for such details as my Series Security.
Rates calculated in US Dollars. See calculation section of Business page for more information.
Visit my policies section of Business page for such details as my Series Security.
As the stages of editing often overlap,
packaged services provide continuity and economy of effort.
And that saves you money!
Choose an Editing Package from the following that works for you:
Substantive Package – 4-5 rounds combining the Beta Plus and the Content Edit services
- Reader feedback/commentary
- Plus: option of getting more eyes on your story with my BFF Beta Brigade
- Developmental/substantive suggestions with explanations in margins
- Line edit suggestions inline with explanations in margins
- Plus: follow-up consultation
- $35/1,000 words
Cleanup Package – 4-5 rounds, combining the Copy Cleanup and the Final Polish services
- Reader feedback/commentary
- Line and copy edit suggestions inline with explanations in margins
- Plus: follow-up consultation/spot check
- Plus: simple style sheet
- Final Polish (subcontracted for fresh eyes with my review)
- $35/1,000 words
Full Edit Package – 5-6 rounds, combining Basic Beta Read, Content Edit, and Copy Cleanup services
- Reader feedback/commentary
- Developmental/substantive suggestions with explanations in margins
- Plus: option of getting more eyes on your story with my BFF Beta Brigade
- Line and copy edit suggestions inline with explanations in margins
- Plus: follow-up consultation/spot check
- Plus: simple style sheet
- $40/1,000 words
Complete Package – 6-7 rounds, combining Beta Plus, Content, Copy Cleanup, and Final Polish
- Reader feedback/commentary
- Plus: option of getting more eyes on your story from my BFF Beta Brigade
- Developmental/substantive suggestions with explanations in margins
- Line and copy edit suggestions inline with explanations in margins
- Plus: follow-up consultation/spot check
- Final Polish (subcontracted for fresh eyes with my review)
- Plus: simple style sheet
- Plus: book blurb edit
- $45/1,000 words
No Fuss Package – 2-3 rounds - same as the Complete Package, but condensed
Note: The No Fuss is a great option for authors who have worked with me before and are comfortable with my style and judgement - or for the author who is in a hurry and just wants it done and dusted. :)
Especially good for shorter, contemporary e-books without complex world building or for mid-series novellas where I know the world and the author’s style.
- First round includes consultation to clarify plot details, intent, characterization, voice, etc.
- Second round - line and copy edits inline without explanation unless requested
- Author presented with clean copy - no picky decision making, no hassle
- Plus: simple style sheet
- Plus: book blurb edit
- $40/1,000 words
Note: The No Fuss is a great option for authors who have worked with me before and are comfortable with my style and judgement - or for the author who is in a hurry and just wants it done and dusted. :)
Especially good for shorter, contemporary e-books without complex world building or for mid-series novellas where I know the world and the author’s style.
Do you need a knowledgeable, friendly collaborator
on your journey toward publication?
Contact BFF Editing today!
on your journey toward publication?
Contact BFF Editing today!
Q - What would incorporating the BFF Beta Brigade into the editing process look like?
A - My Beta Brigade is made up of a group of learned/well-read friends who have volunteered to read my clients' work and offer thoughtful feedback in a timely manner.
The process looks like this:
I first have my author fill in a Google Form I've created, describing their piece and what sort of feedback they're looking for. Then from the bios the betas have created, I select ones who seem a good fit for the genre and details of the story. I contact them to see if they are available and interested. We average three per project.
Before sending the manuscript out to them, I sometimes do a round of cleanup editing to eliminate distracting copyediting issues so the betas can focus better on the message and wording. We give them a deadline—usually 2-4 weeks—to return the document with their feedback in the margins and to fill out a Google Form we create to collect any specific feedback you need.
I will sometimes beta read the story for the first time simultaneously.
Then I go through all their feedback and offer notes where I particularly agree or disagree before sending it all back to the author. They go through all this material, including my beta feedback, and make any changes to the manuscript they deem appropriate before sending it back to me for my first real round of line editing.
The process looks like this:
I first have my author fill in a Google Form I've created, describing their piece and what sort of feedback they're looking for. Then from the bios the betas have created, I select ones who seem a good fit for the genre and details of the story. I contact them to see if they are available and interested. We average three per project.
Before sending the manuscript out to them, I sometimes do a round of cleanup editing to eliminate distracting copyediting issues so the betas can focus better on the message and wording. We give them a deadline—usually 2-4 weeks—to return the document with their feedback in the margins and to fill out a Google Form we create to collect any specific feedback you need.
I will sometimes beta read the story for the first time simultaneously.
Then I go through all their feedback and offer notes where I particularly agree or disagree before sending it all back to the author. They go through all this material, including my beta feedback, and make any changes to the manuscript they deem appropriate before sending it back to me for my first real round of line editing.
Q - Who are Beta Readers?
A - Beta Readers are passionate readers who are prepared to
- read a manuscript in an unpolished form before it has gone through professional editing - noting, as a reader, what works for them and what does not
- provide honest, respectful feedback
- return their feedback in a timely fashion
Would you like to help authors
polish their stories?
Q - What qualifications would I need?
- Beta readers should love to read and have a sincere desire to help writers create better books.
- Ideally, beta readers are avid readers of the book's genre.
- Beta readers do NOT need any specific or technical knowledge of writing craft or rules of grammar.
- Beta readers should only take on a book if they have time to read and report in a timely manner.
- Beta readers should be generous with their thoughtful feedback.
Q - What kind of feedback do I need to give?
A - Beta readers should provide feedback on such issues as:
- confusing sentences or plot points
- where your attention wavers
- whether you find the characters/dialogue believable, likeable, sympathetic, etc.
Top 5 Tips for Responding to an author:
1. Be honest –
Be prepared to answer the author's questions clearly but constructively, even if your response is critical or negative. They're asking because they want and need to know.
2. Be thoughtful and kind –
The Beta Reader's role is to provide constructive criticism without being deliberately or carelessly hurtful. "Your plot is dreadful," or "I thought your main character was absolutely idiotic" can make the author feel hurt or defensive while not telling them, specifically, what you think needs to be changed.
Focus on possible solutions, rather than the problem, such as: "Have you considered ..." "What if the main character ..." or "I like it when the hero ..."
Be prepared to answer the author's questions clearly but constructively, even if your response is critical or negative. They're asking because they want and need to know.
2. Be thoughtful and kind –
The Beta Reader's role is to provide constructive criticism without being deliberately or carelessly hurtful. "Your plot is dreadful," or "I thought your main character was absolutely idiotic" can make the author feel hurt or defensive while not telling them, specifically, what you think needs to be changed.
Focus on possible solutions, rather than the problem, such as: "Have you considered ..." "What if the main character ..." or "I like it when the hero ..."
3. Be punctual and considerate by observing deadlines –
While you're doing the author a favor, they're depending on your feedback and probably have deadlines to meet that can't easily be altered. Once you agree to a deadline, keep it, or let the author know as soon as possible if you can't.
4. Be respectful of the author's:
While you're doing the author a favor, they're depending on your feedback and probably have deadlines to meet that can't easily be altered. Once you agree to a deadline, keep it, or let the author know as soon as possible if you can't.
4. Be respectful of the author's:
- Vision -
- Autonomy -
- Trust -
5. And finally, be specific –
"I really loved it" or "I thought the plot was boring" are not much help to the author.
Author Connie Flynn advises that we avoid "Why did you ...?" comments as "Why" questions tend to put people on the defensive. I've adapted her alternatives:
"I really loved it" or "I thought the plot was boring" are not much help to the author.
Author Connie Flynn advises that we avoid "Why did you ...?" comments as "Why" questions tend to put people on the defensive. I've adapted her alternatives:
- I don't understand _ (whatever it is).
- This detail seems _ (to slow the pace, to be unnecessary, etc.)
- The _ (character, setting, etc.) is coming across as _ (feisty, depressing, important, etc). Is that what you intended?
- Did you want to convey _ (irritation, happiness, whatever)?
- Wasn't _ (John a blue-eyed man, Sally submissive, etc.) in Chapter _? (used to point out inconsistency)
- Carol's _ (motivation, goal, etc.) seems to be _. Is that correct?
- And most important: I really liked _. (ending your feedback with a positive!)
Beta readers might ask - What if . . . ?
- I want to read and review the finished (ARC) manuscript? - Buy the book or make arrangements with the author.
- I choose not to finish the piece? - Let the author know straight away—as well as where you stopped and why—being as specific as possible without being rude.
- I notice grammar and spelling errors? - Feel free to point them out, but do not be overly concerned as this is unsurprising and a perfectly natural occurrence since the beta reading stage happens before the editing, let alone the proofreading stage. Your focus should be on big picture feedback and/or focusing on what the author has specified.
- I don't like a scene or a character? - You can comment on it, but it is not your job to rewrite. And this is not the place to air your pet peeves.
If you think this sounds like something you are able and happy to do, please contact me. I'll send you a Google Form on which you can list and describe your comfort levels, preferred genres, and interests so that we can match you with stories that work for you.
“Kate's edits are thorough and improve the clarity, consistency, tone, and impact of every sentence. Every edit has taught me something new that has improved my writing going forward. It's clear she takes pride in her work. She is supportive and respects my voice as an author.”
-Author Renae Wright
BFF Editing is happy to help with stories of creativity, inspiration, and motivation, which come in all shapes and sizes, such as:
- children’s books (picture and chapter)
- business brochures
- web content
- blogs
- essays
$40/hour for material of less than 10,000 words
Add-ons:
Book Map – visual chart of plot and character details as well as story themes, points of view, tension, climax, etc.
Add-on to Beta Plus - combined $15/1,000 words
Add-on to Beta Plus - combined $15/1,000 words
Blurb Refurb – Does your blurb entice and intrigue? Does it invite potential readers into your story without giving too much away?
$30.00/hour
$30.00/hour
Consultation – above and beyond the normal level of communication, especially in the case of video or conference calls
$20/hour
$20/hour
Hook Help – Grabbing your reader's attention, curiosity, empathy, or interest in the opening scene is critical. If you don't hook them early, they may not continue to read.
$30.00/hour
$30.00/hour
Spot Check – author-requested round of edits beyond contracted service agreement?
$30.00/hour
$30.00/hour
Smart Style Sheet – style sheet on steroids! - for more complex stories/series that involve many characters, world building, etc.
Note: For consistency and to communicate editing decisions to your formatter and proofreader, every book needs at least a simple style sheet, which I include with a number of editing services.
Both levels of style sheet include:
Fees for the creation of a Smart Style Sheet are based on the level of detail and manuscript's length.
Note: For consistency and to communicate editing decisions to your formatter and proofreader, every book needs at least a simple style sheet, which I include with a number of editing services.
Both levels of style sheet include:
- resource list including style guide and dictionary
- form of English used
- POV and mood
- formatting decisions
- capitalization and hyphenation decisions
- words or spelling unique to the manuscript
Fees for the creation of a Smart Style Sheet are based on the level of detail and manuscript's length.
Looking for a professional editor who can help you communicate clearly without sacrificing your own personal flare?
Contact BFF Editing today!
Proudly powered by Weebly