Melissa Woods' Editing
Exclusive Services
I provide comprehensive editing services. Whether you need developmental editing to improve the structure and characterization of your novel or more sentence-level work, such as copy editing or line editing, you've come to the right place! As an experienced editor and traditionally published author, I can help elevate your words to the next level. I use the Chicago Manual of Style for fiction and narrative nonfiction and the AMA-11 for medical editing.
1
Beta Reading
I will read your manuscript and evaluate for plot holes, pacing, structure, and characterization issues. Think of this as a "baby" developmental edit. I offer a detailed analysis with comments on the manuscript. The price is 200-400 per manuscript, depending on word count. For an additional fee, I will evaluate and edit your query letter. I specialize in thriller and fantasy YA and adult novels.
2
Developmental Editing
I will offer in-depth suggestions on structure, pacing, and character development through a detailed edit letter. I write extensive comments on the manuscript itself in Microsoft Word. The fee also includes basic fact-checking for fiction manuscripts. I am honest yet kind, and my goal is to help rather than hinder your growth as an author. We will do two or three passes together, depending on the author’s unique needs. The price is 4-5 cents a word. I specialize in thriller and fantasy YA and adult novels.
3
Line Editing
If your story doesn’t require content changes but you need help rephrasing whole sentences and improving the flow of language in your book, you might need a line edit. Line editing is more in-depth than copy editing, but I will not change your voice or writing style during the process. I will do two passes while working with you collaboratively on Microsoft Word’s track changes. The cost is 3-3.5 cents per word. I specialize in fiction, memoir, and medical manuscripts.
4
Copy Editing
You may be ready for a copy edit if your story is well-developed and requires no content changes. Copy editing focuses on grammar, style, and sentence-level editing. I will edit the manuscript for clarity, correct word usage, and readability. Typical issues I see in manuscripts include run-ons and sentence fragments, incorrect comma placement, and style problems, such as inconsistent capitalization and serial comma usage. I will do two passes on Microsoft Word with track changes. The cost is 2-3 cents per word. I specialize in fiction, memoir, and medical manuscripts.