The Red Pen Editor Page

Qualifications: 
  • English major
  • Thirty years of teaching secondary school reading and writing
  • Eight published novels (including two award winners)
  • Over twelve years of paid editing including work for World Castle Publishing and for Tower Publications.
  • I've edited nearly a hundred full novels and proofread over thirty others

Pricing:

  • Line editing or copy editing .0055 cents per word (100,000 word book is $550.)
  • Proofreading .004 cents per word (100,000 word book is $400.)
  • Combination of line editing and proofreading .008 cents per word
  • General beta reading .0025 cents per word
  • Additional readings (cost negotiated)
  • Developmental editing (comprehensive critiquing) .0055 cents per word (100,000 word book is $550.)
Services Offered:

Developmental editing/content editing/comprehensive critiquing: This is an overview of your manuscript. This is a first-stage reading where I give advice and constructive critiquing. I'll give an evaluation and advice about characterization, plot, point of view, verb tense, research errors, formatting, and any other areas that need to be addressed as a whole. I don't do a lot of editing for mistakes, but I'll guide you to fix areas needing work. After I'm done with this stage, you'll have revision and editing to do on your own. 
Line editing/copy-editing: For this job, I'll read your manuscript thoroughly. I'll include track changes if you prefer, and I'll make comments. I'll correct punctuation, grammar, spelling, sentence structure issues, paragraphing and some formatting issues, and I'll also make comments about writing issues such as repetition, plot issues, sentence revision needs, and others. You will have some work to do when this edit is completed.
Proofreading: At this stage, your manuscript should be in good condition. I'll be reading it to eliminate all mistakes. I will have missed some things in the line edit where my attention is somewhat divided, and you will add some errors while editing, but the goal is to eliminate all typos and all errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, etc. The goal is to be error free. I'll make comments and use track changes if you'd like, but this reading isn't another line edit. It's simply reading to find and fix errors that remain in the draft.
Beta reading: If you're an author and you want someone to read your book before you send it in for thorough editing, I can read it for you and give comments and advice. I'll point out errors for you to consider, but I'll also give positive feedback and kindly give constructive criticism.


       I watch for copy errors as well as make suggestions, comments, and other notes. My expertise over the years is grammar and punctuation. I'll correct errors or note them as text comments. I do second readings to catch new or missed mistakes. I communicate with my clients regularly, whether that be via emails, chapter-by-chapter edits, or phone calls. I stick with my clients until they are ready to publish, and I willingly (and patiently) answer any and all questions and concerns. I treat my clients with kindness and professionalism, and I gladly teach grammar and punctuation rules so they learn through the process. For beta readings, I'll make comments and suggestions for readers to use to revise their manuscripts, and I'll note mistakes such as spelling errors or typos. For developmental edits, I'll give a thorough, specific analysis with written observations, suggestions, and a constructive critique. Proofreading is a final reading to eliminate all errors. I charge less for this service because your book should be in really good shape at this point, and I'll simply be reading to find the few remaining mistakes to make the manuscript ready for publishing.

Additional Comments:

          Prices for returning clients may be discounted. Those who have worked with me will vouch for the fact that I'm personally available to discuss the book, and I'm easy to work with. Clients who are open-minded to suggestions and who understand that the book is still a work in progress when I begin editing it are the clients I most want to work for. Please contact me so we can discuss your book. My turnaround time matters to you, so we'll talk about that as well. Thank you.

email: jefflaferney@aol.com
phone: 810-265-2419




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