Editing Services

​Line Edits

Line edits are intensive sentence-level edits. This type of edit helps make the words pretty. The editor provides feedback and suggestions for aspects such as word choice, sentence structure, filter phrases, and so on as well as copy editing (grammatical) feedback.

​

As of June 2025, my rate for line edits is on a sliding scale rate of $.006–$.008/word depending upon the condition of the manuscript. This will be determined by the submission of a thousand words from the page of my choosing. So a 50k manuscript would range from $300 to $400.

​

​Copy Edits

Copy edits are grammar-level edits. This type of edit helps make the words correct. The editor provides feedback and suggestions for aspects such as repetition, grammar, punctuation, and so on.

​

As of June 2025, my rate for copy edits is $0.005/word. So a 50k manuscript would be $250.

​

Proofreading

Proofreading is the last line of defense for spelling and grammar. This type of edit looks for errors missed in earlier stages of editing.

​

The editor typically has a preferred style guide (mine is Chicago Manual of Style with American spelling) but should be willing to adjust if your preferred style/spelling differs.

​

As of June 2025, my rate for proofreading is $0.003/word. So a 50k manuscript would be $150.

​

Notes:

• I will no longer offer copy editing suggestions on proofs. It is solely for catching typos.

• A proof can only be booked if the manuscript has already been through a copy edit (mine or someone else's).

• I offer a tailored proof (e.g., “it’s been edited but I’m worried about repeats. Can you point them out if you see them?”) but this will be $.004/word.

​​

My Editing Packages

I offer a multiple edits package. When you book both a full edit and a proof with me for the same manuscript, you get the proof for only $.0025/word. This only applies if you book them at the same time (so a $200 total deposit).

​

I'm also now offering what I fondly call a "panic package." This is for if you need a super-tight turnaround and you want me to basically implement for you. I'll do full line edits, which can be either in suggestion mode or straight into the doc for copy edits, along with flagging inconsistencies, and then I'll run a proof. The base price for the panic package is $.03/word, increasing to $.035/word if you need less than a month.

​

My Background in Editing

I’m a published author, yes, but my career is actually in editing. I have over a decade of experience in the editing field, from manuals to manuscripts.

​

My history includes several years of experience with indie publishers. However, I have found the most enjoyment out of freelance editing, as I can select my own clients and schedule.

​

My Process

I’m now booking manuscripts!

​

If you’re interested in working with me, please use the contact form below or email me at authorivyljames@gmail.com with the following information:

• your name

• your manuscript’s word count

• a brief summary of the story (truly, a sentence or two!)

• any trigger warnings

• your desired type of edit

• your desired deadline, if you have one

 

With that information, we can discuss scheduling. Note: Rush jobs will increase the editing fee by $.001 per day under three weeks.

​

I’m happy to do a free 1000-word sample edit to ensure we’re a good fit! 

​

I request nonrefundable deposits—$50 for a novella and $100 for a full-length novel. This will be invoiced through PayPal upon booking any edit. The money will go toward the final cost of the edit. Each deposit covers ONE rescheduling; rescheduling twice will require a new deposit. There will be a $75 cancelation fee for canceling a booked edit entirely.

​

I have client references I can provide if desired.

​

I can use either Google Docs or Microsoft Word, whichever works better for you.

​

I will always use Suggestions or Track Changes so you can see my work. If I have questions or commentary on your work, I’ll leave those in the comments.

​

I invoice through PayPal, and I do request payment up front before I begin edits. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, let me know and we can work out a payment plan.​