As a stubborn writer and an avid reader, my passion for storytelling knows no bounds. So, it’s no surprise that I turned to offering editorial services.
It’s a dream to help others shape their stories, so their own dreams can be achieved. My methodology includes using a wealth of varied experience, intensive knowledge and passion for writing to help level up stories. More than that, it’s also important to foster mentorship and support for other writers. So that, no matter where you are in your authorial journey, you never feel alone.
Together, these form the foundations of my editorial services.
Welcome to Thoughts Stained With Ink Editorial.
What I Work On
I specialize in novel editing, working on full manuscripts to get them ready for publication or the querying trenches. Particularly in the following genres:
- Fantasy
- Science Fiction
- Romance
However, I also offer a wide range of services. Check them out in more detail below!
Services and Rates
Proofreading
This is a basic, single read edit, where I’ll go line-by-line and search for any sneaky, lingering mistakes that might remain. This includes:
- Typos
- Grammar
- Punctuation
- Missing Words
- Minor formatting issues
This is meant at a last line of defense, as you’ve already done the work to make your manuscript strong. Or, consider it a final pass before entering the trenches or self-publishing.
Rate: $0.010 per word
Copy/Line Edits
This is a single read edit. Here, I focus on the way the story is told, so readers don’t get caught up in stylistic errors. This includes:
- Repetition (info and word choice)
- Consistency checks
- Narrative tightening
- Dialogue
- Word choice
This is for writers who have done a few rounds of revision, yet feel they need a deeper focus than what is offered at the proofreading level, yet not a full developmental dive.
Rate: $0.012 per word
Developmental
This is an in-depth critique and a single read edit, focusing on the overarching story and goals. This includes:
- Stakes
- Character motivation
- Pacing
- Plot
- Dialogue
- POV and tense
This is for writers who have self-edited and perhaps completed a round of beta reading, but want more in-depth feedback. This includes an edit letter and style guide.
Rate: $0.016 per word
Query Letter
This is a mark up of your query letter after a single read, where I’ll help you write a concise letter that includes:
- Stakes
- Main character motivation and conflicts
- Double check you’ve included genre, target audience, word count and comparative titles
Flat rate of $25.00
Synopsis
This is a single read mark up of your synopsis, where we’ll go over the common synopsis requirements, like:
- Proper industry formatting
- Clear story and character arcs
- Evaluate inconsistencies
- Tighten summation
- Clear plot direction and conclusion
Flat rate of $30.00
Reread
This is a single read of a manuscript I’ve already read, after you’ve gone through edits. It includes:
- Checking for any specifically outlined concerns
- Checking implementation of suggested edits
- Marked up manuscript + email summary of remaining edits.
Rate: $0.008 per word
1st Impressions Package
Interested in querying to find an agent, but nervous about the trenches? This package is for you! It includes:
- Mark up of 1st 50 pages
- Query letter edit
- Synopsis edit
Flat rate of $200.00
Short Story Package
Have a short story you want eyes on before submitting to magazines? This single read through edit includes:
- Mark up of both overarching narrative and style
- Email summary
Rate: $0.008 per word
Personalized Package
Can’t find what you need No problem!
Contact me with details specific on what you’re looking for! That way, we can come up with a custom plan that fits your needs!
Rate: Determined at booking
Testimonials
Books I’ve Worked On
I’ve had the pleasure to work on so many wonderful books! Here’s a few:
Logistics
So, what are some nitty-gritty details that you can expect? Well:
Documentation
Edits: I use Google Docs, making in-manuscript edits using the “suggesting” feature. All changes, edits and comments appear in green. I can use Word, if requested. I will download edit letters and style guides as PDFs, emailed as attachments.
Contracts: Contracts are required for any services booked under the “Full Manuscript Edits” above. Your contract will include editing agreement, total amount due and completion timeline.
Invoices: For those with contracts, payments plans or by request, I will also provide an invoice after payments are received.
Payment
Total Due: You will always know this total up front and ahead of time!
Full Manuscripts: For full manuscripts, a contract is required (see above). A 20% down payment is required at the time of signing, via PayPal. The rest of the total amount will be due upon completion of the edits. Upon payment, the edits will be delivered.
All Other Packages: For publishing prep and packages, no contract or deposit is required. Full payment will be due upon completion.
Payment Plans: I offer 3, 6, 9 and 12-month payment plans, if desired (0% interest). If your payment is made late (either from a payment plan or a full, one-time payment) and NOT communicated ahead of time (at least a week in advance): a late fee of 5% of the total amount will accrue for every month late.
Payment Methods: I accept payments via PayPal.
Sample Edits: I offer sample edits for a flat rate of $20 for 5-10 pages of material (~5,000 words) for manuscripts. Or, $10 for 1-3 pages for a short story.
Communication
Time frames: I complete freelance work during the week, M-F. Though we’ll have a turnaround time for completed work sorted at time of booking, here’s a rough estimate:
- Query Letter: 1-3 days
- Synopsis: 1-5 days
- Short Story: 2-6 days
- Manuscripts
- Less than 50,000 words: 2 – 4 weeks
- 50,000 – 100,000 words: 4 – 6 weeks
- 100,000+ words: 6 – 8 weeks
Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays, I take off, including from responding to emails. I strive to respond to email queries within a week of receiving them (but usually have a 48 hour email response rate).
Stay in Touch: You can reach out via my contact form below to get started! Or, sign up for my newsletter to learn about discounts or seasonal deals.
Discounts
I realize that editing, while an important element, can be a really hard and inaccessible for many. Particularly financially. And while I do still need to ensure I can pay my bills, if I can make it easier for marginalized, queer and self-published writers, I want to.
So, I always offer:
- 10% any full-manuscript edit for marginalized and queer writers
- 10% off first full manuscript edit for writers who plan to self publish their book
No need to tell me how you qualify for the first discount. Just make a mention that you do in the comments and I will take you at your word! For writers who plan to self-publish, just let me know and I’ll make sure your first edit with me is discounted!
Why Work With Me?
When looking for freelance editors, you have a wealth to choose from! So, why work with me? Here’s a few reasons:
For a bit about me personally, you can check out my about me page. But, for my background in this work? Well, I:
- Am also a writer of SFF and romance novels since grade school
- Also an avid reader of the genre, from self-pub to trad to backlist and new releases
- Well-connected with the publishing industry, from publisits, editors and authors to book bloggers and up-and-coming writers.
- I always stay on top of market trends and the industry at large.
- I have both a Bachelors and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Kansas.
- A two year internship with the incredible Naomi Davis, a powerhouse literary agent in the genres of SFF and romance.
- For self-pub, I’ve judged twice for SPFBO.
- Numerous mentorship experience with other editors and industry professionals.
For more in-depth stats on the clients I’ve worked with previously, please reference this post!
What can you expect when working with me?
- A knowledge editor of the genre, from big picture to minute details
- Someone who can help you no matter what ultimate goals you have
- An advocate of your work–not just the story we work on together, but you as a creative
It’s important to me not only only level up your writing, but ensure you feel supported in the process.
If you want to learn more about me and what to expect from me as your editor, check out some other posts I’ve written on the topic:
Contact Me
Want to work with me? Fill out the form below and let’s start chatting!
In your email, please introduce yourself and tell me about your project and your vision for it. What goals do you have for this project? What’s your ideal path to publication? What work have you done? What services interest you? The more details I know, the better I can help!
Thank you so much for considering me as your editor! I’m excited to fall in love with your story and work with you! 🖤
Patreon | Newsletter | Editorial Services | Twitter | Instagram | Kofi
![Not me needing to repost this announcement because my first post had a typo. I promise I can actually edit! 😅
REPOST of original message below:
I've been thinking a lot about publishing and the barriers it places, particularly on traditionally underrepresented and marginalized writers. As an editor, I wanted to try and break down those barriers a bit.
So, going forward from now and forevermore, if you identity as a queer, BIPOC or disabled writer, you'll receive 10% any full manuscript edit. No need to self-disclose how you qualify. I will trust you at your word!
Another stigma (that's being broken!) that still exists is that self-published authors write at less quality than trad--pubbed writers. We all know this is bullshit! But, to help support my indie badasses, your first edit with me for a novel you plan to self publish will be 10% off.
**Please note these discounts are for full manuscript edits, including: developmental edits, copy edits and proofreading.**
Curious? DM me or email me through my website, linked below!
Link here: https://thoughtsstainedwithink.com/editorial
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