Service

Description

Hourly Rate

Copyediting and Proofreading

This category includes a range of services and a corresponding range in hourly rates. Some writers only require a quick review and very brief grammatical correction. Others need help in articulating their ideas, and then basic assistance on how to be clear and consistent beyond that. Still others may have great ideas, but their strengths are in the ideas, not necessarily in how to convey them to the unengaged.
To meet those varying requirements, I offer the following services:

Basic Copyediting:

Correcting mistakes in spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Correcting inconsistencies in spelling, hyphenation, numerals, fonts, and capitalization

Ensuring that key terms are handled consistently

Correcting errors in usage (such as “Joe and me” for “Joe and I”)

Verifying Internet links and references within the document

Checking for proper sequencing (such as alphabetical order) in lists and other material

Heavy Copyediting:

Performing all tasks for basic copyediting

Changing text and headings to achieve parallel structure

Flagging questionable figures of speech

Flagging ambiguous or incorrect statements

Ensuring that previews, summaries, and end-of-chapter questions reflect content

Maintaining consistent style and tone

Changing passive voice to active voice

Proofreading:
This follows the copyediting process. It is a final review that entails a word-for-word check of typeset copy against a manuscript. At this stage, it still may include correcting mistakes such as misspellings, typographical errors, glitches in labels or in numbering, flawed usage, and incorrect references. I will also check the copy for conformity to type specifications, create a style sheet, and ensure attractive typography by checking kerning, margins, word spacing, word breaks, and so on.

To determine what level of editing your work requires, I'll begin by evaluating what you've written and what needs to be corrected. I'll provide a bid with an hourly rate, predicated on the work and time required.

Basic Copyediting:
5-10 pages/hour;
$35-$40

Heavy Copyediting:
2-5 pages/hour;
$40-$50

Proofreading:
9-13 pages/hour;
$30-$35

Line Editing

In broad terms, this means reworking the material, including rewriting and making structural changes.
What that means in practice is a detailed review and revision of a writing project. It's really a honing process after developmental editing, explained below. It's not about typos, but about what you're driving at. I'm sure to change, delete or add words or sentences, or paragraphs, or pages, line by line and section by section, always in the service of what you aim to say.

$60

Developmental Editing

Developmental editing is a painstaking, even probing, examination and planning process for an ambitious piece of writing. It addresses such issues as a work’s focus, tone and intended audience. I examine all the elements of the project, from diction and syntax to structure and style. I’ll look for holes in your reasoning and gaps in your narrative.
I probably will recommend big changes in what you had considered a nearly finished story or article. That can be difficult, but it’s also the way professional writers work. It’s the closest thing to working in a newsroom outside of a newsroom. If I think I’ve found a single, or a systemic, flaw in your work, you can count on me to point it out. Feel free to argue with me. Just be ready to make your case.
This process begins with a detailed written evaluation and story conference to assess the writer's work and determine the best approach for any proposed project, followed by regular, in-depth consultation.

$100

Writing and Research

As a seasoned reporter, I can help clients understand what makes an engaging story and what will keep a business a focus of public attention. As for research, I am an award-winning investigative journalist.
Services include:

Business communications, from RFQ responses to whitepapers

Press releases

Web content

Blogging

Grant proposals

Case study descriptions

Marketing materials

Research

These projects vary a great deal in the time they require. After you explain your project to me, I'll provide a bid with an hourly rate, predicated on the work and time required.

$40-$75