For most first-time authors, I recommend starting with some form of content editing. I can offer advice about what kind of editing is right for you as part of my 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 (via an outline or synopsis), 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
Submission package edit
Targeted feedback on each component of your submission package.
Copyedit of query letter and synopsis; as many rounds as needed (typically requires 2–4 hours for both)
Content feedback and/or copyedit of first pages, between 5 and 50
Optional follow-up support via Zoom, phone, or email
$70 per hour
3-hour minimum
Manuscript evaluation
A streamlined content edit 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 manuscript evaluation 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.