Two rounds of hands-on, per-word content editing for science fiction novels and novellas.

 

When we’re too close to our books, funny things can happen. Characters can change names or go missing. Interactions can come off as surprising or inappropriate. Hints at answers to come are forgotten or misdirected. Terms and new tech can feel somehow . . . off.

With content editing, I’ll work through the manuscript and help you tighten up the logic, flow, and presentation of each section, making sure every chapter is doing its job as part of the greater story. I’ll offer suggestions for deepening character development through focusing on the details of their interactions and relationships, and I’ll help you get everything ready for the final polish.

Content Editing (two rounds)

starts at 8¢/word

Content editing is a collaborative approach to editing: two rounds of serious edits, two rounds of author revisions, and plenty of follow-up time.

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One round of substantive/content editing

At the chapter and paragraph level, I’ll offer suggestions on how to make sure your book is unfolding to your readers just as you intend it to. At the sentence level, I’ll suggest tighter phrasing, smooth out dialog, and hunt for sticky bits we might need to clarify, condense, or otherwise enhance.

This extra focus on phrasing and language makes content editing a valuable services for authors who are new to writing or moving from nonfiction into fiction for the first time.

One round of line editing

In this round of edits, we’ll deal with any changes, additions, or renovations that have taken place since my first set of notes. I’ll address any questions you have, check that any gaps in logic or story have been filled, and see if there’s anything else that requires your attention.

In addition, this second round of edits will include much of what a copyedit would include (though if possible you’ll still want to have a technical edit at least, someone focusing on the tiny details and catching any leftover debris after we’re through). Along with checking through your notes and changes and doing any final weighing in, I’ll do my best to address grammar, syntax, spelling, and punctuation as I work through the manuscript.

Custom style sheet

Along with the copyediting portion of my work, I’ll build a list of spellings, names, and any other editorial issues that arise, and I’ll send it to you for your own use at the conclusion of our work together.

Keep this important document to share with your proofreader, copyeditor, and anyone involved in the production or promotion of your book, and consider it a developing document that you can and should add to whenever necessary.

Up to five hours post-editing support

I won’t leave you hanging. Even after I’ve sent you the copyedited manuscript, I’m available to help you tie up loose ends or spot-check passages you may have tweaked. (Up to five hours; additional time available by the hour.)

Extra assistance for non-native English speakers

Because of the extra time available for me to focus on how sentences flow and offer suggestions for smoothing out language, content editing can be especially valuable for authors whose first language is not English.

I can help give your manuscript that extra nudge toward more familiar phrasing and word order—without obliterating your own unique author voice.

Content Editing FAQ

Who should order content editing?

Content editing isn’t right for authors looking for deep developmental feedback or fundamental suggestions on story alterations. It also isn’t right for authors simply looking for a final check for spelling, grammar, and syntax.

However, it’s perfect for those who want a more collaborative approach to the editing process than either level of copyediting allows—where they can feel free to dig deeply into different sections of the book after the first round of edits with the confidence that an editor will be reviewing the entire manuscript again from top to bottom—but specifically are not looking for potentially disruptive structural feedback.

Can I estimate my own content editing fee?

You can! The starting rate for content editing is 8¢/word, which you can use to estimate your total payment.

For example, for a 60,000-word manuscript, the total estimated fee would come to $4,800 for two rounds of edits, or $2,400 per round. You’ll also have a chance to do this calculation when you submit a quote.

How do you determine your content editing fee?

Unlike a single-round copyedit or even editorial assessment, my content editing package includes two rounds of comprehensive editing, scheduled for two different times. The total content editing fee includes both rounds of edits, and payment is broken into three separate payments at different stages of the project.

The fee is determined based on a few important factors: the length of your manuscript (measured in word count) and the general amount of time I expect to spend on a given manuscript to give it the focus and attention it deserves. I am committed to giving every manuscript my complete attention and remaining available to every author to wrap up any final edits from there.

What if I don’t know if content editing is right for me?

Take a look at the editing comparison chart toward the bottom of this page. And if you still aren’t sure how to proceed, I always recommend that we begin with an editorial assessment of the first four to six pages.

What others are saying

Sarah turned out to be exactly what I was seeking in an editor: knowledgeable about the rules, gentle enough to allow my voice to shine through, and always willing to keep the story in mind.

David BrunsScience Fiction Author, Weapons of Mass Deception

Whether it’s proofing a back cover blurb or providing thoughtful feedback in a content editing capacity, Sarah’s diverse talents greatly enhance every project’s potential for reaching and connecting with its audience.

Michelle BrownSenior Account Executive, Mill City Press

I truly have appreciated your insight and perspective. You have a graceful way of presenting suggestions with a nonthreatening demeanor that has helped me embrace the suggestions without feeling like the manuscript is lacking.

Beth KloosFantasy Author

I thoroughly enjoyed your input and the areas where you asked me to clarify or show you more. I miss a lot of that when I’m trying to finish a book and it was nice to have someone point out opportunities to give things a second look.

Eric CattaniYA Author, Winter Nova Saves the World

Sarah always seemed to know the exact points in my story where a little more could be said, as well as those other moments where we could leave well enough alone. Her mastery of the English language and the rules of grammar is of course excellent—but more importantly I think, she has a very innate feel for the flow of a story and how people may tend to read it.

Robert H. LanganScience Fiction Author, The Icons of Man

Submit a Sample

Not sure if content editing is right for your manuscript? Take a look at my other fiction editing services or use the link below to submit a sample of your book. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can with ideas for moving forward.

Thanks—and happy writing!

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