For self-publishing authors
For most first-time authors, we recommend starting with some form of content editing. We can offer advice about what kind of editing is right for you as part of our free sample edit. Typical prices are listed below; you will be given a firm price quote with your sample edit.
Content editing
Fast feedback
Stuck on a plot point? Want feedback on your opening that you can apply to the rest of your novel? Need feedback on a query letter or synopsis? A fast feedback session allows you to get speedy, targeted advice to keep you moving forward. How it works:
Kristen will spend an hour providing the feedback you request, getting as far into the material as possible. This is usually enough time to line edit a query letter and/or synopsis, provide content advice for a first chapter, evaluate the plot arc of an entire novel, or line edit 5-7 pages.
After you receive the feedback, you can follow-up with a half-hour Zoom session to ask and answer questions, or get your questions answered via email.
Only one fast feedback session is available each week.
$150 per session
Manuscript evaluation
A streamlined assessment to identify the major strengths and weaknesses of your novel and get guidance on revisions.
One read-through of your entire manuscript
A seven-to-ten page editorial letter discussing areas of strength and weaknesses, as well as suggestions for revision
One hour of follow-up support via Zoom, phone, or email (additional support, including chapter workshopping, available at an hourly rate)
$900 for 60–80k words
$1,000 for 80–100k words
$1,100 for 100k+ words
Content edit
A deep-dive assessment to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your novel and get guidance on revisions. Includes:
Two read-throughs of your entire manuscript
A ten-to-fifteen page editorial letter discussing areas of strength and weaknesses, as well as suggestions for revision
Detailed manuscript comments linked to recommendations in the editorial letter and noting smaller issues
A story spreadsheet summarizing every scene of the novel and tracking its important details
A suggested revision plan tailored to the strengths and weaknesses of your novel
A Trello board to organize our work together and provide helpful resources on the self-publishing process
Two hours of follow-up support via Zoom, phone, or email to answer questions or workshop revisions (additional support available at an hourly rate)
$0.03/word
$2,100 for 70,000 words
Copyediting
Author-assisted copyediting
For detail-oriented authors who want to perform some of the preparatory editing work, allowing the editor to focus on style during the edit.
A video course, with transcripts and templates, that will give you step-by-step instructions on how to create a style sheet, perform fact-checking, and complete basic editing steps
One round of copyediting to check correctness and consistency, and provide line editing for style
One hour of follow-up support to check revisions or answer questions, via Zoom or email (additional support available at $70/hour)
Optional add-ons: Proofreading and formatting services (see below)
$0.017/word
$1,190 for 70,000 words
available to authors who have worked with the Blue Garret on at least one previous book
Full-service copyediting
For authors who need minor content tweaks as well as final polishing to prepare their book for self-publishing.
One round of copyediting, including a style sheet and manuscript comments on content issues
Two rounds of editing for your book description
Book cover feedback and/or proof
Two hours of follow-up support to check revisions or answer questions, via Zoom or email (additional support available at $70/hour)
Optional add-ons: Proofreading and formatting services (see below)
$0.027/word
$1,890 for 70,000 words
Additional services
Proofreading
Add a round of proofreading from a second editor to your copyedit, to ensure the cleanest-possible manuscript. Not available as a standalone service.
One round of proofreading from a vetted, experienced editor
Project management and edit check by Kristen
$0.012/word
$840 for 70,000 words
+ $150 project management fee
Re-edit
A style-focused edit for exceptionally clean or previously edited books. Perfect for an author wanting to revise and refresh backlist titles or establish consistency across a series.
One round of editing, focused on style and consistency
Updates to existing style sheets
One hour of follow-up support to check revisions or answer questions, via Zoom or email (additional support available at $70/hour)
$0.014/word
$980 for 70,000 words
Coaching
For authors who want additional support during the writing or revising process, we offer one-off coaching sessions. Available only to authors who have already completed one of the editing services above.