Project fees are charged on an hourly basis. Bids for projects are based upon an initial introductory edit.
Bids are estimates only. Individual bids will vary depending on the level of edit the document or manuscript requires. Details will be provided in the client's contract.
Introductory edit: $30.00 for one hour
All editing services (copyediting, substantive editing, or developmental editing): $30.00 per hour
Formatting services: $30.00 per hour
Bibliography footnote/endnote formatting check: $30.00 per hour
Writing services: $40.00 per hour
For all clients, I will perform a thorough, one-hour introductory edit of a segment of the documentation or manuscript.
The introductory edit serves a number of purposes:
It provides the client with a better understanding of how I will handle the editing process for his or her particular project.
It gives me insight as to the level of edit the project will require and thus helps me produce a bid on the entire project.
It helps both of us decide if this project is the best "fit" for each of us.
After I have performed one hour of editorial work on a segment of the document or manuscript, I will prepare a bid for the entire project and submit the thoroughly edited segment to the client, along with a prepared Editorial Services Agreement (contract) for the client’s review. At that time, the client may review the editorial work and the bid and decide if he or she would like to continue with a full edit of the entire project.
Even if the client chooses not to continue with a full edit of the entire project, the introductory edit is the client’s to keep and use.
Editing and Formatting Services
Copyediting
For copyediting, I will check the documentation or manuscript for consistency and accuracy according to the style guide being used, and I will make corrections. Mechanics will include capitalization, punctuation, spelling, grammar, usage, syntax, and other basic elements of writing. The copyedit will also include any footnotes and endnotes that are not part of the bibliography. (Format checking for bibliographic entries is part of a separate process.)
During a copyedit, if I detect broader problems or issues (as would be addressed in a substantive edit), I will make a brief note for the client, but will not do any rewrites. In a copyedit, I edit the project exactly as it is presented to me. Therefore, the client should have completed the writing process prior to submitting the manuscript to me for a copyedit. Any further work requested by the client would involve additional fees.
Substantive editing
The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th Edition states, “Substantive editing deals with the organization and presentation of existing content.” For a substantive edit, I will evaluate the submitted documentation or manuscript, clarifying or reorganizing portions for content, flow, structure, and readability. The client can request that I perform the edits, or the client can request that I merely take extensive notes and make suggestions.
A substantive edit involves active communication with the client. This often includes a second submission by the client to me once the client has made rewrites. However, the necessity of extensive rewriting may indicate the need for developmental editing and will be discussed with the client as needed.
Developmental editing
From The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th Edition: Developmental editing “addresses more radically the content of a work, the way the material should be presented, the need for more or less documentation and how it should be handled, and so on. Since editing of this kind may involve total rewriting or organization of a work, it should be done—if needed—before manuscript editing begins.”
Developmental editing will necessarily take longer to complete than substantive editing. If during a sample edit or a substantive edit I determine that the document or manuscript is in need of developmental editing, I will confer with the client to determine the best way to proceed.
Formatting
A document or manuscript is often evaluated in light of its visual effectiveness. How a project is presented can not only determine readability and usefulness, but can also speak volumes about the author. The formatting of a document or manuscript can make or break its reception and comprehension.
I will examine the project with regards to its purpose, subject matter, audience, and genre and determine the best way to visually present the material. I will also examine the content within the light of its formatting to determine how the content should be organized, and I will ensure that the content and the formatting complement one another in their presentation.
Bibliography footnote/endnote formatting check
I will check each entry in the manuscript’s bibliography to ensure it adheres to the format requirements of the style guide being used, and I will make any necessary changes.
The bibliography footnote/endnote formatting check does not include any determination of the accuracy of citations. The purpose of this check is strictly to determine that the bibliographic entries adhere to the style guide being used.
The client must either serve as or provide a subject matter expert. I will actively work with the subject matter expert to compile information and compose materials.
I accept documents and manuscripts in editable electronic format; .doc and .docx are the two most common types—please contact me regarding other electronic file types. Most files may be e-mailed to me at tracy@TLTediting.com, or files may be physically mailed on disc or other storage medium. See the contact page for my mailing address.
Hard copy submissions will be handled on a case-by-case basis. I am happy to work with my clients to accommodate special requests. Please contact me to discuss your project.