There are six stages of reviewing and refining a manuscript; however, some stages might not be relevant to your project:

1. Self-editing: While you’ve probably spent time reworking paragraphs or chapters, it’s important to read through your entire manuscript before handing it off, looking out for plot holes and glaring big-picture issues.

2. Beta reading: Beta readers note which parts of your manuscript they liked; any plot holes or confusing sections; inconsistent character development; and more.

3. Developmental editing: Also called structural editing, this is where a professional editor enters the chat. You’ll receive in-depth feedback about high-level elements, like your plot, pacing, flow, characters, and consistency.

4. Line editing: Once the main story is finished, your editor can focus on individual sentences and look for issues like run-on sentences, redundant text, bland language, or confusing copy.

5. Copy editing: Zoom in even further to check for grammatical and spelling errors, syntax, stylistic preferences, incorrect statements, etc., adding the finishing touches before the manuscript is ready for publication.

6. Proofreading: At this final stage, you have the proof of your manuscript — anything from actual printer proofs to a preview of a blog post. You shouldn’t make any major or moderate changes, but you do want to check for misspelled words or awkward line breaks.

This will depend on a number of factors, like whether your manuscript has been self-edited; what type of project you’re working on; and what shape the manuscript is in.

If you’d like specific feedback about your manuscript, you can always schedule a one-hour consultation with me.

For literature, your manuscript is likely ready for an editor once the draft is complete, you have self-edited the entire manuscript, and, if relevant, you’ve incorporated beta reader feedback.

For other projects — like marketing material or curriculum — beta readers aren’t necessary, and you can bring an editor on during the drafting and development process to help refine your message.

There are a lot of criteria that make me a freelancer. For the purposes of our collaboration, it’s important that my clients know I am not always immediately available for work — as I may be working on other projects or taking a spontaneous trip to the library — and I am required by law to be filed as a W9/1099.

For the full definition of freelancer, visit the IRS web page.

Hiring a freelancer might be a good idea for you or your company if you:

• Don’t have the budget for an annual salary, benefits, etc.

• Only need help for a single project

• Need ad hoc support for a particularly big project or while your in-house editors are on vacation or leave

• Need ongoing support, but not every week and/or not for 40 hours every week

• Aren’t looking for someone to be present in-office or available for a set schedule each day

My rates are based on the type of editorial work, the timeline, and the material. If you’d like a specific quote, please fill out my online form with your project details, and I will provide you with a quote in 3-4 business days.