I love helping writers improve their work. My goal is to keep my rates as competitive as possible while providing a quality product.
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR INDEPENDENT AUTHORS
—Unless otherwise requested, I work in Microsoft Word using Track Changes.
—A $50 deposit secures your spot in my calendar.
—A rush fee of 15% will be added to any project with a specifically requested timeframe.
—I will begin your project when I have 50% deposit. When I’m finished I’ll invoice for the second half. Then I’ll send you your manuscript back.
COPY EDITING
$.01/word
[sample price: 50,000-word manuscript = $500]
Copy editing involves working from a style sheet to make sure everything in the manuscript reads consistently. A copy edit corrects spelling and punctuation errors, smooths grammar mistakes, identifies and fixes misused words, and ensures consistency in numbers, fonts, and capitalization. In fiction I also pay attention to consistency of the story—a believable timeline, consistent character elements (names, hair color, logical dialogue, etc.). (Note: You’ll want a proofreading pass after this. I do not offer proofreading except in special, previously agreed-upon circumstances.)
For every copy editing job I will offer an assessment of your writing from an editing perspective, which you can then use to apply to future writing. Examples can be sent upon request.
LINE EDITING
$.015/word
[sample price: 50,000-word manuscript = $750]
Line editing helps you become the best writer you can. A lot of authors confuse line editing with copyediting, but line editing is not about identifying errors. Rather, I work sentence by sentence, paragraph by paragraph, addressing language use and fluidity while also preserving your style and voice, as well as the intent of your storytelling. I identify overused phrases or words, run-on sentences, redundancies, and areas where sentences can use tightening. I’ll query you throughout, asking questions if anything is unclear, feels unnatural to the story, or does not convey the emotion you seem to be after. (Note: You’ll want a proofreading pass after this.)
DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING
starts at $750; depends on scope of project
Not sure your story’s all there yet? Developmental editing is a collaboration with writer and editor. I explore “big picture” elements such as character motivation, consistent tone, and clear focus of story and audience. Working together, we can ensure you write the best book possible.
PROOFREADING FOR PUBLISHING COMPANIES ONLY, OR BY SPECIAL APPOINTMENT
$.009/word
I no longer offer proofreading to independent authors without a manuscript evaluation first. If you are an experienced author whose draft has already been professionally copyedited, send me an email to start the discussion. Most often, authors who think they need a proofread actually need copy editing, or even line or developmental editing.
Sandra Hume has edited for publishers, individual authors, magazines, and corporations, combing through conference brochures, print books, ebooks, documentary scripts, and long-form articles to scrub them of errors and implement a consistent style. She prefers Chicago style and has additionally developed her own fiction style sheet for self-published authors. She is the author of the novels Worst-Kept Secret and Finding the Eddy under the name Sienna Cash, as well as the Land of Laura travel series about Laura Ingalls Wilder under her own name.