Services List
For most jobs, I charge flat rates per word, as listed below. The rush rates are for 24-hour turnaround on shorter pieces, but may also apply if you need a big project completed on short notice. See Payment Information for details on payment methods.
I typically edit using the Track Changes function in Microsoft Word; documents for editing should be submitted in Word format (.doc or .docx) if possible. I’ll send you a version with tracked changes and a clean edited version without the markup, unless you prefer otherwise.
If Word is not an option, I can work in Google Docs, and I have some experience with LaTeX through Overleaf. I can also work with other document types such as PowerPoint presentations and PDFs, but these make marking or finalizing changes harder.
Please note that I don’t use AI/LLM tools in any of my work. Client documents remain private, and all my edits and recommendations are based on my own human expertise and understanding.
Copy Editing
- Standard rate: $0.02/word ($30 minimum), rush: $0.04/word
The most popular level of editing I offer. I read through the text, correct any minor errors in mechanics or consistency, try to trim down wordiness and repetition if needed, and query other issues for your attention. My default style manual is Chicago; I can work with other house styles and/or create style sheets as needed.
Copy editing includes checking academic style and citation format for scholarly work, but see Academic Services for more options specific to academic writing.
ACademic Services
APA 7th edition and Chicago/Turabian are the academic styles I use most often; I’m also familiar with MLA and SBL, and may be able to work with others. I can provide the following services alone or combined with copy editing.
- Style checking: $0.01/word ($20 minimum), rush: $0.02/word
I can check that your manuscript consistently follows a particular academic style/format, including citations/references, footnotes or endnotes, headings, page numbering, margins, tables of contents, and tables/figures. If necessary information is missing, I’ll mark it with comments for you to fill in. (Copy Editing includes this level of style checking, but not the services below.)
- Reformatting: $0.012/word ($20 minimum), rush: $0.024/word
If you have a text in one style that needs to be converted to a different style (such as changing APA to Chicago or formatting a dissertation/journal submission from scratch), I can handle that.
- Fact-checking references: $2/source cited, rush: $4/source
This covers searching for each source online to verify the reference information is accurate, correcting or filling in author names, dates, titles, page numbers, DOIs, etc., if needed, and marking any unverifiable references for you to address.
Substantive Editing
- Standard rate: $0.025-0.04/word ($50 minimum), rush: $0.05-0.08/word
Substantive editing is a level above copy editing. I give a rate range because the work involved here can vary greatly, from generally tightening and improving flow and organization to cutting down to a particular word count or rewriting every sentence. If you send me your document and let me know what you’re looking for, I can give you an appropriate price quote.
Proofreading
- Standard and rush rates: Contact me for a quote ($20 minimum)
I can check PDF proofs against a style sheet and the original text, if needed, and mark corrections and queries with the Acrobat commenting tools.
(“Proofreading” here refers to reading proof pages after copy editing and typesetting to catch typos, layout problems, and any minor things the copy editor may have missed. If you have text that needs an initial pass for grammar and style corrections, see Copy Editing.)
PAYMENT INFORMATION
RATES
For most jobs, I charge a flat rate per word, based on the word count as sent (generally using the built-in MS Word counter). If the total comes to less than the minimum listed, I charge the minimum.
Billing
For short projects, I bill when the job is completed. For long projects (100+ pages), I may require 50% up front and 50% on completion. Depending on the circumstances, other installment plans may be possible. Payments are due within 30 days of billing.
Monthly Accounts
If you or your organization will need my services on a continuing basis, I can send an invoice for your total word count each month. This simplifies payment and lets you avoid minimum charges for individual documents.
Accepted Forms of Payment
All charges are in US dollars. Once I’ve billed you, you can mail a check or pay online with credit card, PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle.