Q: Are you going to totally change my book?
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A: Not at all! What I do is read the text thoroughly and make detailed suggestions, in a separate document, about everything from character development to plot progression to whether or not the set-ups are satisfyingly paid off.
As such, here's what I DON'T DO:
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I will NEVER try to fundamentally change your book or your story! The whole idea of feedback is to fine-tune your work and make it as tight and impactful as possible before sending it out to industry professionals. This is YOUR VOICE, and I will always honor that.
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This is also not a proofreading service. I recommend having a manuscript professionally proofread for grammar and spelling as a FINAL STEP before submitting to agents or publishers.
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I NEVER use AI or any other shortcuts to help a writer hone their work. This is all my insight as writer and member of the professional writing industry. I also never show my clients' work to other people or put it on the Internet without permission.
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Q: If I take your suggestions, does that make you a co-writer of my book?
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A: No, it does not. I claim no ownership of your work. It's completely your own.
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Q: What kinds of books do you work on?
A: All of them! Personally, I've written a Young Adult sci-fi series ("The Down World" trilogy) and two Adult Contemporary novels. As a screenwriter, I've sold scripts that were book adaptations and original romantic comedies.
But the basics of story structure are all the same.
Whether you're writing a children's book, a fantasy epic, or a memoir, we're still looking for certain benchmarks: Is the voice specific and engaging? Does the story feel fresh and urgent? Are the stakes high enough? Do the characters "pop" off the page? In short, do I CARE about these people? Am I rooting for them to succeed?
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Q: Can you look at my screenplay?
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A: I do not work on screenplays. There are many services out there to help with screenwriting, but if you're interested in building a script from the ground up, I highly recommend Pilar Alessandra at On the Page.
Q: What Will This Cost? And How Long Will It Take?
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A: I charge a flat rate, based on the book’s word count:
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10,000 to 40,000 words: $350
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40,000 to 75,000 words: $550
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75,000 to 110,000 words: $850
*At this time, I cannot work on books over 110,000 words.
My aim is always to have the book back to clients within two weeks of receipt. If for any reason a particular book needs extra time, I will communicate that ASAP.
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Q: Can you just give me notes on the first ten pages?
A: Absolutely! My rate for a "first ten pass" is $100, and I aim to have it back to clients within a week of receipt.