PACKAGES
Planning to get multiple services? You could save some money.
Most authors will benefit from a combination of services. For example, a copyedit, then a proofread after layout. If you make the bookings for both services at the same time, I can save a little time on my admin, and I'll knock that off your fee.
I’ll still provide you with both services as complete, separate editing rounds, but you get a 10% discount off both services. If you need a little more time between the editing rounds, we can talk about pushing the second service down the schedule. For example, if you need more time to revise after your line edit, or if your formatting isn’t done in time for proofreading, I’ll be flexible so your book gets the attention it needs, when it needs it.
House Gecko
One round of line editing, and then once your layout is done, you come back to me for proofreading.
This package is a great deal for self-publishers whose writing is already pretty clean in terms of spelling, punctuation, and grammar, but who need a little more help with pacing, suspense, and tightening up the prose. A little polish at the end will catch lingering spelling, grammar, and punctuation mishaps so your readers get a slick, professional book.
Jeweled Gecko
First you get a round of line editing. With it, you receive a detailed report on narrative voice, style, and technique to guide you in your revision. Then you do any tweaking or rewriting you need. Once your prose is exactly how you want it, you come back for a copyedit to clean it up and ensure consistency.
Separating the line and copyedits means that we don’t waste time worrying about the minutiae of commas on passages that end up being rewritten, and we can be sure that those hazel eyes on page 20 are still hazel on the rewritten page 200.
Golden Gecko
The works: A round of line editing, a round of copyediting, and after your designer has a worked their magic, a round of proofreading of the final manuscript.
This means spending time focusing on every aspect of your writing, from prose to participial phrases to punctuation.
Express Golden Gecko
I can combine the line editing and copyediting rounds into a single round on this package. This may work out better for your budget or timeline!
Find out more about the publishing process
Proofreading, copyediting, line editing—it’s all so confusing. I’ve written this handy guide to help you know what should happen, and when.
What if I need to put it on hold?
I get it. Life happens. That’s why I’m willing to put the next service for your project on hold for up to 60 days past its scheduled start date, if you need me to. During that time, you’re under no pressure to participate in any project submissions, manuscript revisions, or invoicing. Once the hold period is over, the project will get back on track in the very next spot in my schedule. If you’re still not ready, you can then choose to either cancel the service (cancellation fees apply) or put it on another hold period, as long as it’s not delayed by more than 60 days in all.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
My rates are based on the suggested hourly rates put forth by the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, and they are competitive. Contact me for a detailed quote.
It’s better to send your whole manuscript so I can get an idea of its overall needs. I can choose a 1000 word sample from somewhere in the middle to give you an accurate reflection of my services. If you’re asking for multiple services, I’ll give you a sample showing what each of those looks like. That way you can make an informed choice about your needs and see if we’re a good fit for each other.
I give this kind of feedback in my detailed editorial report, which comes as part of my line edit. However, I focus on these aspects from a sentence-level perspective. If you need feedback on a story-level subject, such as whether your plot twists are solid, or if you should combine those two characters into one, or if your protagonist’s goals, motivation and conflict are strong enough to compel the reader, then you might need a developmental edit instead. I can refer you to a great developmental editor who I trust!
I have years of education and training, and a wealth of experience from putting it into practice. My training and commitment to professional development have been vetted by a panel of recognized expert editors (the CIEP) and my clients have provided references regarding my professionalism and the quality of my work. Sure, you could find someone who will offer you a cheaper rate. But you get what you pay for. Not sure if I’m worth it? Ask for a free sample edit to get a taste of what it’s like to work with me.
Well, it’s your manuscript, so you can do as you like. Proofreading won’t catch a plot hole or a plodding pace. It depends on your goals for the manuscript. If you want to put out the best product possible, at the lowest editing rate, I recommend the House Gecko package. If you’re sure you just need one service, or it’s your first time working with me and you’d like to book one service at a time rather than commit to a package, you can book my services à la carte as well.
This depends on so many factors! Some rounds of editing are quicker than others, and it also depends on the word count and complexity of your text. When you select your package, I’ll give you an estimated timeline. If the timing I’ve suggested doesn’t work for you, we can figure something out that works best for both of us.
Working with Katherine was a joy. Not only is she superb at her editing craft but she was supportive of my writing and respectful of where I was coming from. There is no question my book is better now after her work. She also has a great sense of humor, so even when she suggested changes, it was never a criticism so much as a friendly suggestion to improve. We laughed a lot in our emails back and forth, and I will miss our creative times together. if you need an editor or a proofreader, you will not find anyone better.
The Editorial Report
My line edits come with a detailed editorial report. It focuses on things like:
- using suspense to carry your reader through the story, so they just have to turn the next page
- playing with filter words to bring the POV closer in or push it further out, or heighten (or lower) tension
- reducing stage direction so your characters inhabit the space they’re in without overexplaining mundane actions to the reader
- pushing action beats to their full effect, enriching the characters’ voices and keeping the focus on the dialogue
- making that dialogue snappy, real, and vivid
- making those action sequences rich, powerful, and exciting
- using physical description to give insight to your characters’ internal worlds
- making your writing leaner and improving sentence rhythm and flow
- punctuation tweaks that use small changes to have a big impact on character voice, pace, and tone
- conscious language and the authentic depiction of the groups you’re representing in your story.
This report is usually about 12–20 pages long, and it’s a goldmine of good advice that I’ve gathered from bestselling authors, books, courses, and experience, specifically tailored for your text.
Get your book ready to publish
Tell me about your book and your publishing goals so I can give you a quote!