For a full explanation of the different services I offer,
please read the descriptions below.
For an instant price quote, please enter your word count into the price quote generator below. I’ve designed my quote form to be as simple as possible—just enter the total number of words you want me to edit and what type of editing you need. The price shown is your editing quote.
Types of Editing Services
While there’s some debate over the types of editing services out there, here’s a brief summary of what I mean by the following terms, as well as what I charge for each:
- Proofreading + Copyediting = “Proof-editing”
- Line editing
- Developmental editing
- Resume and cover letter editing
Proofreading is a thorough review of your content to ensure it is error free. This includes marking up, rather than changing, your text.
- Typos
- Misspellings
- Incorrect word usage
- Capitalization
- Punctuation (including apostrophes and commas)
- Subject-verb agreement
- Formatting
- Typography
- Compliance with the style guide.
Copyediting will correct glaring typos, misspellings, and incorrect grammar, but the goal is to polish your text so it will be ready for a proofreader.
A copyedit will check for:
- Word choice
- Clear sentence structure
- Internal logic
- Consistent style (spelling, capitalization, hyphens, dashes, etc.)
It will also include:
- Rewriting/reorganizing sentences or paragraphs
- Changing content to improve readability
- Creating a style guide if there isn’t one already
- Flagging continuity problems, repetition, and awkward phrasing
Proof-editing
Need a proofread and a copyedit?
Let’s do both! I’d love to proof-edit your content. We’ll work together to make sure your final text is clear, easy to read, and error free. If you don’t already have one, I will create a style sheet to ensure internal consistency (e.g., use of Oxford commas and capitalization
A proof-edit includes:
- An exacting proofread
- A refining copyedit
- A custom style guide
- Version comparison
- Up to three rounds of edits
Price for a proof-edit: $50/hr, or $0.05/word. I generally proof-edit 4-6 pages (250 words per page) per hour
Line editing is a slightly more intensive process for writing that is in good shape overall but is still rough around the edges. It focuses on the sense and flow of your words.
A line edit will fix:
- Wordiness, repetition, and stilted sentence structure
- Language style and tone, if they are inappropriate for your audience
- Word choice and awkward phrasing
Line editing can be especially useful for non-native English writers or for first-time writers. Although a line editor may give grammar-related notes, the purpose is to improve flow, not just point out typos—unlike a proofreader.
Price for line editing: $55/hr, or $0.06/word. I generally line edit 4-6 pages (250 words per page) per hour.
Developmental editing, also known as structural editing, helps you with the overall structure and message of your content. This is often the first step of the editing process.
For a fiction editor, this may include critiquing plot holes or addressing gaps in your narrative. For an academic author, developmental editing may clarify your thesis or request more evidence be included to support a claim. Major changes can happen at this stage!
A developmental edit will thoroughly evaluate:
- For creative writing: Plot holes, character arcs, pacing, action sequences, and dialogue
- For nonfiction writing: Message clarity and intent, including evidence-based claims and logical arguments
Developmental editing results in an “editorial letter,” a summary highlighting all the piece’s issues and broader inconsistencies.
Price for developmental editing: $65/hr, or $0.07/word. I generally developmentally edit 4-6 pages (250 words per page) per hour.
Resume and Cover Letter Editing
For a flat fee of $200, I will redesign your resume and write you a cover letter template that you can tailor to specific job descriptions. Both documents will be ATS-optimized to get past that pesky HR software that is preventing your resumes from getting into human hands.
Resume and Cover Letter Editing includes:
- An ATS-optimized, industry-specific resume and cover letter
- Two rounds of edits for each document
- One 30-minute phone or video call before or after editing to set brand expectations and fill in info gaps