Alpha Assessment: (aka 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).
(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 a fresh look at a previously published story that isn't getting the love they expected from reviewers. Whatever the case, they don't think they need the full Beta Plus treatment.
I can be that trusted professional editor in your back pocket, so to speak.
I am on the ARC teams of a few of my favorite indie authors and have been a judge in the KORU Romance Writers of New Zealand writing contest.
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 my 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 a fresh look at a previously published story that isn't getting the love they expected from reviewers. Whatever the case, they don't think they need the full Beta Plus treatment.
I can be that trusted professional editor in your back pocket, so to speak.
I am on the ARC teams of a few of my favorite indie authors and have been a judge in the KORU Romance Writers of New Zealand writing contest.
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 my Assessment, I will apply the fee for the Alpha Assessment into the cost of the additional service contract.
The Beta Plus: (aka ‘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
both in the manuscript and in a separate document, is helpful for authors to get a sense for how readers will react. I describe, as a reader, if and how:
Light Developmental Commentary
both line-by-line in the manuscript and summed up in a separate document, will have observations regarding:
Along with these sorts of commentary on your writing, if you want, 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 in to 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
both in the manuscript and in a separate document, is helpful for authors to get a sense for 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
both line-by-line in the manuscript and summed up in a separate document, will have 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, if you want, 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 in to 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. Every time I read one of the four (one paranormal romance, three contemporary romance) books of mine she’s edited, I feel quite fortunate to have had her help turning good novels into great works. She’s thorough, detail-oriented, and analytical. She cares for your book as if it were her own. Kate takes pride in her work, wanting her authors to publish their best possible novel. More, Kate goes out of her way to research and share articles that will help her authors become even better writers. She takes a personal investment in her clients, which I appreciate. I would say I’m pleased I found her, but in truth, she found me, and I couldn’t be more grateful she reached out. It’s nice to have a quality editor on my side who is thoughtful, consistent, and competent. If you are looking for an editor, I highly recommend Kate of BFF Editing. You won’t regret entrusting your labor of love to her capable hands."
-N.D. Jones, USA Today Bestselling Author
-N.D. Jones, USA Today Bestselling Author