EDITING

I can shape personal essays, short stories, novels, and screenplays. I’m open to ghostwriting. And I’m way into memoir. We can go about your project in one, or a combination of, the below ways.

I prefer completed book-length projects but will consider shorter works on an ongoing basis; e.g. consulting on a regular column. I’m also fine with editing works-in-progress and consulting as the work moves toward completion.

1. SIMPLE TWO-PAGE WRITTEN EVALUATION OF PROPOSAL:

For tips on writing a great sample proposal (i.e. pitch letter, 1-2 page synopsis, list of chapters, and sample chapter, click here. Fee: $1500.

2. SIMPLE MANUSCRIPT EVALUATION:

The evaluation comprises 3-5 pages of notes on content structure, flow, chapter breaks, point-of-view, tone, voice, and dialogue. Up to 200 pages double-spaced, 12-pt. Fee: $2000.

3. FULL MANUSCRIPT EVALUATION: 

The evaluation comprises: 7-9 pages of notes, including: Overall feedback, questions, and notes on story, theme, character, structure, dialogue, point-of-view, tone, and marketability.

Line editing: grammar, syntax, spelling, usage. 

Rewrite: After taking my notes into consideration and re-writing, you may re-submit for a quick read and 1-2 pages of notes.

Phone conference to discuss notes if desired.

Fee: $5000 for a maximum 200 pages double-spaced, 12-pt. (rate for longer work negotiable).

4. GENERAL OVERVIEW/FEEDBACK:

Say you want to submit 30 or 40 pages of a manuscript for general observations about tone and authenticity, or to get my expert take as you start your own blog, or to discuss how to find an agent, or any other smallish project: $375 per hour with a four-hour minimum.

FIRST HALF OF FEE PAYABLE UPON ORDER; SECOND HALF PAYABLE UPON DELIVERY. 
And of course we’ll talk first, to get a feel for each other, so you can tell me what you need, want, and expect. 

CRITIQUE

For feedback on work you’ve already written, the cost for critique services is $150 for the first 20 pages and $5 per additional page. In return, I offer line editing for the complete manuscript plus your choice of a critique (500-2000 words, depending on the length of the manuscript, outlining what’s successful and what can be improved) or a one-hour in-person meeting with the editor. I use the industry standard of 250 words per page to calculate the final cost.

COACHING

I offer a minimum 3-month package for $1000 a month. I would expect to dedicate a full eight-to-ten-hour day, or its equivalent, to your work per month. We can tailor that time to your specifications: for example, up to five hour-long phone conversations to discuss strategy, revision, outlining et cetera (or we can meet in person if you live in LA and prefer to come to me in Pasadena), email check-ins to report your progress, and ongoing critique/notes on pages you submit. I can give feedback five times per month on up to 2000 words (or another mutually agreed upon arrangement). 

A single one-hour consultation is $125, with a 2-hour minimum.

A combination coaching/full manuscript edit for a 200-page max book is $10,000, details to be worked out according to your needs.