Editing Services
Looking for an editor can be a stressful process . . .
At River Valley Publishing, we strive to alleviate some of that stress for you. We offer high-quality editing services at affordable prices. Just as with all of our services, we work hard to ensure your satisfaction with each purchase, with the hope that you will come back to us with your next project.
Email Jaclyn at jaclyn@rivervalleypublishing.com for a personalized quote and more information.
We offer the following editing services:
Developmental/Story Editing
Line Editing
Proofreading
Manuscript Evaluation
See below for details and pricing.
Developmental/Story Editing: Fiction
Developmental or story editing is often the first step for a manuscript, particularly for a new author. During this process, the editor will look at the overall structure of the manuscript, including content, story elements, pacing, organization, etc. The editor will look for plot holes and inconsistencies. The best time to hire a developmental editor is after self-editing, and perhaps even after having a few beta readers look at your manuscript.
The feedback you will receive from this round of editing will include big-picture ideas and questions to help guide your revision process. Keep in mind that most developmental edits will NOT include a grammar check. It will, however, give you direction on how you can make your book even better.
Pricing:
Simple story edits range from $250-400 depending on the length of the manuscript. Included in this price are a letter from your editor full of questions and ideas for revision, as well as comments on your manuscript identifying questions, issues, and ideas for tightening up your story.
In-Depth Story Edits are much more in-depth analysis of your manuscript that require much more time on the part of the editor. Therefore, the cost for an In-Depth Story Edit start at $500 and are determined by the length of the manuscript and the amount of work needed. An In-Depth Story Edit includes all the components of the Simple Story Edit, plus a second round of editing and a more detailed analysis of your manuscript.
Developmental Editing: Non-Fiction
During this process, the editor will look at the overall structure of the manuscript, including content, pacing, organization, etc. The editor will look for inconsistencies and areas in need of clarification. The best time to hire a developmental editor is after self-editing, and perhaps even after having a few beta readers look at your manuscript.
The feedback you will receive from this round of editing will include big-picture ideas and questions to help guide your revision process. Keep in mind that most developmental edits will NOT include a grammar check. It will, however, give you direction on how you can make your book even better.
Pricing starts at $0.02 per word and can increase depending on the work needed.
Line Editing
Line editing includes a line-by-line pass-through of your manuscript looking for issues in spelling, grammar, word choice, sentence flow, etc. This form of editing goes beyond a spell check as it puts a professional polish on your manuscript while still maintaining your unique voice. River Valley Publishing strives to help each author’s voice shine through in their finished manuscripts, and line editing is a way to do this without sacrificing professional form.
During a line edit, the editor will use Track Changes or Comments in Word or Google Docs so the author can review the suggestions. The editor will not change things in your manuscript, those choices lie with the author.
Please note: This form of editing does not guarantee a final draft. It is also not a substitute for a proofread.
Pricing:
Line editing fees are charged per word, depending on the level of editing needed. The editor will request a sample from the manuscript to evaluate the work to be done and then provide the author with a final quote.
Prices range from $0.01 per word to $0.03 per word, depending on the work to be done.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the last stop before formatting! During this step, the editor will go through the manuscript with a fine-toothed comb to make sure nothing was missed. The editor will look for missing words, spelling errors, and punctuation errors.
Pricing: $0.005 per word to $0.01 per word, depending on the work to be done.
Manuscript Evaluation
A manuscript evaluation is a great first step for authors who either do not want to invest in developmental editing, or who just want to know they are on the right track. During this process, the editor will read the manuscript and give open, honest feedback to the author.
A manuscript evaluation results in a letter from the editor to the author about the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript. It can contain some “tough love,” but this constructive criticism is there to help you improve your manuscript before any further editing is done. No track changes will be used, as this is not a line edit or a proofread. It is a big picture analysis on a smaller scale than a full-blown developmental edit.
Pricing:
Pricing is based upon the length of the manuscript.
Up to 40,000 words: $299
40,000-60,000 words: $499
60,000-80,000 words: $699
80,000-100,000 words: $899
Over 100,000 words? Contact us for a custom quote.
Do you need more than one editing service?
If you choose to hire River Valley Publishing for more than one editing service, we will provide you with a 10% bundling discount!
Please Note:
River Valley Publishing requires a 50% deposit and a signed contract for all editing services before any work will be completed. The remaining 50% will be due at the end of the project.
If you need to cancel your booking, we will apply your deposit to a future booking.
Most projects have a two to three week turnaround time. However, you will receive a more specific timeline upon booking.
If you need to expedite your manuscript, a 20% rush fee will be applied.
Disclaimer: River Valley Publishing aims to provide the highest quality editing services; however our services are not a guaranteed track toward agent representation, traditional publication, or self-publishing success.
