Alpha Assessment: (ARC reader response + contest judge-type critique)
The fee for this service is $50 (USD) for the first 30,000 words and $10 (USD) for every additional 10,000 words (e.g., 40,000 words would be $60. 60,000 words would be $80. 90,000 words would be $110).
I wondered, what if an author just needs a basic review of a manuscript without all the bells and whistles?
Some authors like to have a professional editor in their stable of beta readers - an alpha reader, if you will. :)
Sometimes an author just needs a trusted professional impression of a new story idea.
Or maybe an author needs a fresh look at a previously published story that isn't getting the love they expected from reviewers.
I can be that trusted professional editor in your back pocket, so to speak.
The type of service I'm offering here, the Alpha Assessment, is that kind of critique. It's not detailed or exhaustive. It is about over-view impressions, with a few specifics pointed out, and some generalized commentary; all with the goal of pointing the author toward some critical issues that need to be addressed to make their story stronger. In my report I will address:
If you think your story, either a new or previously published one, needs this kind of loving, professional attention, I would be happy to work with you. I will read your story and write up a critique, usually in just a week - no need to book ahead. As part of this service I can assess what I think your next step should be in terms of editing, as well.
If a Full Edit or a Final Polish (which ends up being more like a re-edit to catch any bit and bobs missed by a previous editor) is booked as a result of this Assessment, I will apply the fee for the Alpha Assessment into the cost of the additional service contract.
Some authors like to have a professional editor in their stable of beta readers - an alpha reader, if you will. :)
Sometimes an author just needs a trusted professional impression of a new story idea.
Or maybe an author needs a fresh look at a previously published story that isn't getting the love they expected from reviewers.
I can be that trusted professional editor in your back pocket, so to speak.
The type of service I'm offering here, the Alpha Assessment, is that kind of critique. It's not detailed or exhaustive. It is about over-view impressions, with a few specifics pointed out, and some generalized commentary; all with the goal of pointing the author toward some critical issues that need to be addressed to make their story stronger. In my report I will address:
- Story Opening
- Characterization
- Pacing and Tension
- Motivation and Believability
- Confusions and Inconsistencies
- Writing Technique
- Reader Impact
- Afterglow
If you think your story, either a new or previously published one, needs this kind of loving, professional attention, I would be happy to work with you. I will read your story and write up a critique, usually in just a week - no need to book ahead. As part of this service I can assess what I think your next step should be in terms of editing, as well.
If a Full Edit or a Final Polish (which ends up being more like a re-edit to catch any bit and bobs missed by a previous editor) is booked as a result of this Assessment, I will apply the fee for the Alpha Assessment into the cost of the additional service contract.
The Beta Plus: (‘Beta Reading’ + light ‘Developmental Editing’)
The fees for this service range from:
- $0.005/word - $0.008/word
- $5.00/1,000 words - $8.00/1,000 words
- $1.25/page - $2.00/page (a page = 250 words)
And because doing the math to calculate these fees gave me a headache at first, and you might be in the same boat, you can go HERE to see examples of the math and how the range of fees for an average novella- and novel-length book are broken down:
- by word
- by 1,000 words
- by page
But what is it?
The Beta Plus includes a beta reader-type commentary as well as a light developmental-type commentary.
So, let's break that down, shall we?
Beta reader commentary (in the margins of the manuscript) - it is helpful for authors to get a sense of how readers will react. I describe, as a reader, if and how:
Light Developmental Commentary (summed up in a separate document) I offer observations regarding:
Along with these sorts of commentary on your writing, I can provide explanations for why I’ve made the suggestions I have.
Who might need this 'Beta Plus' editing service?
Some authors don’t have supporters with the experience or training to give them candid, discerning, and insightful feedback on their story in the earlier stages of development. And let's face it, it is probably both awkward for family or friends to try to advise or critique your work and uncomfortable for you to receive it. If you need constructively critical yet supportively encouraging feedback from a person whose favorite thing in the world (one of them, anyway) is reading then I am happy to step into this role!
The Beta Plus includes a beta reader-type commentary as well as a light developmental-type commentary.
So, let's break that down, shall we?
Beta reader commentary (in the margins of the manuscript) - it is helpful for authors to get a sense of how readers will react. I describe, as a reader, if and how:
- jokes hit their mark
- my emotions were engaged
- characters were relatable
- the style was consistent
- the plot
- was cohesive
- was believable
- had a steady pace
Light Developmental Commentary (summed up in a separate document) I offer observations regarding:
- narrative voice
- flow
- pacing
- continuity
- clarity
- consistency
- point of view
- vocabulary suggestions
- writing patterns
- the need for more description or less
- obvious verb tense discrepancies
Along with these sorts of commentary on your writing, I can provide explanations for why I’ve made the suggestions I have.
Who might need this 'Beta Plus' editing service?
Some authors don’t have supporters with the experience or training to give them candid, discerning, and insightful feedback on their story in the earlier stages of development. And let's face it, it is probably both awkward for family or friends to try to advise or critique your work and uncomfortable for you to receive it. If you need constructively critical yet supportively encouraging feedback from a person whose favorite thing in the world (one of them, anyway) is reading then I am happy to step into this role!
Note: A discounted package rate will be given when you Book more than one service.
"Kate Schieber of BFF Editing is an absolute godsend of an editor ... She’s thorough, detail-oriented, and analytical ... Kate goes out of her way to research and share articles that will help her authors become even better writers ... You won’t regret entrusting your labor of love to her capable hands."
-N.D. Jones, USA Today Bestselling Author