I’ve been in the writing industry for two decades. I’ve written for four small press and had three stories contracted in Susan Stoker’s Operation Alpha in Kindle Worlds. I’ve been focusing on the editorial side of writing for a decade. Since I took off on my writing journey, I’ve been giving author friends countless full editorial critiques. Last year, I earned a dual MA in English and creative writing so I can instruct. I know storytelling.
Regardless, if it’s your first book or your latest, whether you’re self-publishing or want to query a publisher I can help you develop and clean your best story. From a short story to epic fantasy, from the smallest detail to the big picture I can meet your editorial needs.
I’m open for new clients, and I welcome all genres of fiction.
Editorial services I provide:
- Story assessment
- Developmental editing
- Structural editing
- Line edits
- Copy edits
Editing and proofreading are separate processes.
6. Proofreading
A lot of writers have great ideas but need a guidance on their story plot or character development.
There is a difference between the two most expensive forms of editing. Developmental editing: checks concept, plot coherence, and character development/arc. Structural editing: identifies issues with plot, pacing, characters, settings, themes, and writing style.
Developmental editing covers the big ideas and makes sure all the story pieces come together for you. In development editing I help you write your story. I go in and make additions, changes, and in structural editing I do not. Here I focus on the scope of story, not nitpicking the little things. Line edits come later in the editing process.
Developmental editing is constructive collaboration. I offer specific suggestions about the intentions and goals of your book. With the use of tracking and comments, it’s a thorough and in-depth review of your entire manuscript. It examines overall story cohesion of plot, premise, developmental arc. In fiction, this edit will also address any issues related to plot holes, character arcs, action sequences, the sagging middle which is often mentioned by authors, and authentic dialogue are all things covered in developmental editing. I’ll invest my expertise into your story. I’ll explore both internal and external goals, motivations, and conflicts of all your characters. Developmental editing is a worth-while investment. Your book’s reputation depends on it.
The result of developmental editing is a manuscript that contains both tracked changes and embedded comments. I include an assessment overview letter and a style sheet of your manuscript.
Developmental editing is a time-consuming process, and the turnaround time takes longer then copy editing. However, the final product can transform a good story idea into a great novel.
I require a short 2-page synopsis of your story. I provide you with a story question for you to fill out. From these two documents I make sure you’re writing the story you want to tell.
In the developmental package: I provide one follow up assessment of your revisions.
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What is structural editing? With the use of tracking and comments, it’s a thorough and in-depth review of your entire manuscript. I do no rewriting or any additions. It examines all the elements of your writing, from individual words and sentences to overall structure and style. In fiction, this edit will also address any issues related to plot holes, character arcs, pacing, action sequences, the sagging middle which is often mentioned by authors, and dialogue are all things covered in developmental editing. I’ll read your story carefully and offer suggestions on POV, voice, narrative, setting, world-building, themes, readability, and any devices within the manuscript you may be struggling with. I’ll invest my expertise into your story. I’ll explore both internal and external goals, motivations, and conflicts of all your characters. Structural edit looks at the book, Developmental editing is a worth-while investment. Your book’s reputation depends on it.
I include an assessment overview and a style sheet of your manuscript.
In the structural package: I provide one follow up assessment of your revisions.
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Line & copy editing
Line editing is a more in-depth version of copy editing, one that focuses on style as well. A line edit is focused on the content, style, and language use within the manuscript. I may point out sections that can be improved, parts where the style is inconsistent, issues with pacing, or overuse of certain words or phrases throughout the manuscript. It might be suggested that individual paragraphs may be restructured and reworked or moved in the story to improve readability.
Copy editing is the stage in which a story is reviewed and edited to improve its readability. A copy edit looks at paragraphs and sentences and at correcting your spelling and grammar. Copy ensures the style of writing is consistent, and that the text flows organically from one sentence to the next. Copy encompasses the mechanics like spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
I include a style sheet of your manuscript.
I charge $30.00 for every 10.000 words for a copy edit. The system of rounding will be used. If your story is closer to 40.000 words it’ll cost $120.00, etc. I keep it simple and affordable.
Short story: $30.00 (No more than 10.000 words)
Novelette $60.00 (No more than 20.00 words)
Novella: $90.00 (No more than 30.000 words)
Short Novel: $150.00 (No more than 50.000 words)
Young adult novels $240.00 (No more than 80.000 words)
Full length novel: $300.00 (No more than 100.000 words)
Epic novel: $450.00 (No more than 150.000 words)
Packages include two rounds of editing. Once you revise your draft, you’re welcome to send it back for a second review.
Please note: If I developmental edit or copy edit for you, I cannot proof for you. I’ll be too close to the story. As in any publishing house you need a different pair of eyes on the proof copy. I’m happy to do either, or for you. And I am happy to recommend other editors for you.
Please only request a proof edit once your story is ready to be proofed.
Proofreading:
A galley! Since editing and proofreading are completely different stages in preparing for publication, this stage is crucial in the editing process. Your story writing is over. Now it’s time to polish your work. Proofreading is the final stage of the editing your story, focusing on surface errors that authors tend to miss on their own. You should have your work proofread only after you have finished all your other editing revisions and creative touch-ups. I look for misspellings, incorrect/missed punctuation, word choice confusions, formatting issues, stylistic inconsistencies, etc. This is where I come in as a professional reader.
I charge $15.00 for every 10.000 words to proof. The system of rounding will be used. If your story is closer to 40.000 words it’ll cost $60.000, etc. I keep it simple and affordable.
Short story: $15.00 (No more than 10.000 words)
Novelette $30.00 (No more than 20.000 words)
Novella: $45.00 (No more than 30.000 words)
Short Novel: $75.00 (No more than 50.000 words)
Young adult novels $120.00 (No more than 80.000 words)
Full length novel: $150.00 (No more than 100.000 words)
Epic novel: $225.00 (No more than 150.000 words)
Please note, all projects are put into the editing queue. If you have a specific service date in mind we can make arrangements to meet your deadline. Otherwise, you will be notified on a editing time-frame.
You’re welcome to email me through crossroads fiction @ gmail.com (no spaces) Or I’m active on Facebook. Besides, my site CrossroadsFiction.com I have created profiles on Reedsy and Fiverr.
I look forward to hearing from you. ~Mel
Melissa Combs 