MANUSCRIPT EDITING

You've been working diligently on your completed manuscript, gathering input, revising and polishing. You feel it's pretty tight and you're ready for someone to read it with a keen eye. You're ready for a manuscript edit.

What it is

A comprehensive review of your manuscript for story and structure, as well as general formatting/proofing. We'll send your manuscript marked with edits as well as a written analysis of strengths, weaknesses and recommendations for improvement.

What it isn't

Manuscript editing is not appropriate for manuscripts that are not finished, nor is it recommended for first drafts; a better choice would be a Manuscript Critique. Manuscript editing is not the final proofing to ensure your manuscript is ready to go to an agent or editor. If this is what you're looking for, consider our Manuscript Copyediting service.

What's the procedure?

First contact us by email or phone (724-444-6466) to discuss your project and evaluate if this service is suitable for your needs. If it is, we'll determine which one of us will read your work and have you send your pages. You may choose to send the entire manuscript at once or send a portion and pay as you go. A minimum of 50 pages is required. (Please note that a check for half of the fee must be received before work can begin.) When we are finished with the edit we will mail it back to you. If you have questions about our edits and comments, we'll be happy to review them over the phone or in person.

How much does it cost?

Manuscript edits are $100 for 50 pages, with a $100 minimum. There is also a flat rate of $3 for us to ship your manuscript back to you. In addition, if you wish to email your manuscript rather than mailing, you'll be charged 10 cents per page to print an electronic file. For example, if you have a 100-page manuscript that you email to us, the cost will be $200 + $10 printing charge + $3 shipping to return your manuscript and our written critique, for a total of $213. Or, if you wish to email only 50 pages to start, your fee would be $108 ($100 + $5 printing charge + $3 return shipping). Please note that half of the fee must be received before work can begin.

How do I pay?

A check for half the fee must be received before work can begin on your manuscript. You'll send the check directly to the Fat Plum professional who will be critiquing your work (address to be provided).

How do I submit my manuscript?

You can either send your manuscript by mail (mailing address will vary depending on who will be critiquing your work) or as a Word attachment in an email. Please note there will be a charge of 10 cents per page to print out your electronic document.

Please make sure your pages are in standard format:

  • Double-spaced, single-sided, 8.5" x 11" sheets
  • Courier/Courier New font, 12-point size
  • 1.25" margins
  • Numbered pages

Who does the editing?

Your manuscript will be edited by Judith Burnett Schneider, Cynthia Closkey, or Julie Long. It will depend on your preference, our availability and who we think would be the best match for your writing genre.

How long will it take?

This depends on the length of your manuscript and our current workload. We'll provide a time estimate before services are rendered.

How can I learn more?

Call us at 724-444-6466 or contact us. We'll be happy to discuss your project, answer any questions and help you determine if a manuscript edit is the right service for you.