I consider editing to be a fine art, one that requires, in its way, as much skill as writing fiction. Not only do you need a keen eye for underlying weaknesses, but also the backbone to be honest and the suave to phrase it constructively. ~Christine Amsden
What am I offering?
I edit most commercial fiction for adults and young adults, especially fantasy, science fiction, romance, and mystery/suspense. I know these genres well and read them often. I will sometimes take on memoirs, nonfiction, historical fiction, or literary fiction. I do not work on children’s books. (I will edit mid-grade.)
Every manuscript is unique, and every author has different goals. Generally speaking, I offer professional developmental editing, line editing (also called content editing), and copy editing. Every editor you meet will define these terms slightly differently, but what I mean is that I can edit your story as a whole, from big picture plot problems to minor punctuation errors.
Ideally, you want your manuscript to undergo at least two rounds of editing, starting with the big picture then working down to smaller details. Some manuscripts benefit from more rounds of editing. I will note that I don’t separate line editing from developmental or copyediting; line edits are part of both processes, just with a different emphasis.
Services
Developmental Editing
Developmental editing, also known as substantive editing or story editing, is an in-depth look at your story mechanics from big picture to small details. This type of editing seeks to determine whether or not the author has accomplished their stated goals, which means it begins with a conversation. Two-way communication is essential for quality developmental editing.
A developmental edit looks at:
- Plot
- Character development
- Point of View
- Narrative Structure
- Pacing
- Tone /style
- Dialog
- Setting
- Genre expectations
This list is not exhaustive. Every new manuscript provides its own unique set of circumstances, so developmental editing needs to be flexible and creative. It is also essential that I read your manuscript twice, first to take notes and get a feel for the story, then to offer detailed suggestions.
The final deliverable for a developmental edit is a detailed revision letter and a manuscript marked up with in-line notes that show you specifically where to target revision efforts.
Cost: 1 cent per word (Note: The quoted price is for one round of editing. High-needs manuscripts may benefit from a second or even third round of developmental editing. If you suspect this is you, an initial manuscript evaluation can help get costs down.)
Copyediting
A copyedit is a technical edit with a focus on the three Cs:
- Clarity
- Consistency
- Correctness
This is where I’ll be fixing comma errors and ensuring that Nicholas is always spelled with an ‘h’ in it (or not, just as long as it’s consistent). It isn’t a story edit per se, but if I spot small inconsistencies (the second ‘C’), I will point them out whether they involve spelling or story issues. If you hire me for a copyedit, I will not plug major plot holes, although if I spot one after my first read, I will get in touch to ask if you’d like to convert to a developmental edit instead. As with any full edit, I read your manuscript twice in order to catch as many errors as possible.
Cost: 1 cent per word for manuscripts with typical copy editing needs. (Note: For heavy copyediting, I bill by the hour.)
Manuscript Evaluation
Most authors can benefit from a manuscript evaluation. It’s a low-cost way to uncover your book’s greatest strengths and needs, and to begin to develop a relationship with an editor. It is especially useful if:
- You don’t know what kind of editing your book needs.
- You have serious big picture concerns about your book that could preclude line editing. That is to say, if you’re pretty sure you’re going to have to rewrite most of it, there’s probably no point in paying for a line by line edit.
- You’re interested in developing a mentoring relationship with me. Mentoring has to start somewhere, and this is as good a place as any.
A manuscript evaluation is not an edit, so I only read the manuscript once.
Cost: 1/2 a cent per word (minimum $50)
Mentoring/Personalized Services
Not every manuscript’s needs fit neatly into the above three categories. Whether you’re a newer author looking for a coach or a seasoned author wanting a cost-effective solution that minimizes rounds of editing, I am willing to offer custom services at a low hourly rate ($40/hour) to help meet your needs.
Contact
Testimonials
Christine Amsden is a top-notch editor with expertise in a variety of genres. She approaches each manuscript with intelligence and compassion. A great book needs a good editor. A good book needs a great editor. Christine is definitely a great editor and she has my highest recommendation as an editor, book doctor and/or book coach. ~Lida E. Quillen, Publisher Twilight Times Books
Christine is a skilled development and copy editor who has played a major role in improving my work. ~Christopher Nuttall, author of Schooled In Magic and Ark Royal.
Portfolio
Some of the books I have worked on include
Fantasy
- The Schooled in Magic Series by Christopher Nuttall (includes 25+ books in the main series, plus assorted spin-offs, stand-alone novels, novellas, and short stories)
- The Ash Curse by Jessica Miller
Science Fiction
- Under Strange Suns by Ken Lizzi
- Reunion by Ken Lizzi
- Zook County by Bill Swears
Mysteries
- Death by Opera by Erica Miner
- Staged for Murder by Erica Miner
Historical
- Deeds of a Colored Soldier by F.W. Abel
- The Winter Spy by S. W. O’Connell
Historical Fiction
- His Only Sin by Lily Ellison