Writing & Editing Services
I offer four services.
- Developmental Editing is tailored for writers who want comprehensive feedback that addresses all aspects of a manuscript.
- Copy Editing is designed for writers who have already done this work and want an expert grammarian with a passion for the mechanics of spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- Author Ally is a program for writers who welcome the warmth and connection of conversation about their writing life, process, and project as well as critical written feedback about their project.
- College Essay Coaching is for students who want their Common Application essay, as well as supplemental essays, to shine with personality, individuality, and clarity.
Developmental Editing
Developmental editing is tailored for writers who want comprehensive feedback that addresses all aspects of a manuscript. I evaluate the manuscript by considering what is on the page and what may be missing. Whether you have a partial manuscript, a first draft, or a revised manuscript, this type of editing will ensure that you will send out your best work.
$15 per page.
$150 per hour for projects 10 pages or less.
On the holistic level, I consider:
- Voice. Is there consistency in the voice of the narrator and other characters?
- Setting Details/Atmosphere. Does the reader gain a rich sense of the setting?
- Narrative flow. Is there movement in the story from beginning to end? Is the story well-paced?
- Continuity. Are there gaps in the story? Unanswered questions? Plot holes?
- Character arc. Does the reader get to know a character and watch the character face challenges and change?
- Balance of scene elements. Are scenes generally a balance of action, dialogue, narration and setting?
- Emotional Connection with Reader. Emotional connection with the reader doesn’t gild the writing. It is the writing. Readers may not have had your experience, but chances are they’ve experienced the emotion you bring to life on the page.
On the line level, I consider the following topics:
- Clarity of each sentence. Does the sentence make sense and clearly convey meaning?
- Fluidity of sentences in a paragraph. How do the sentences sound together when read aloud?
- Diction/Word Choice. Has the author chosen the optimal word for desired meaning?
Copy Editing
$5 per page.
Author Ally
College Essay Coaching
The Common Application Essay is a chance for you to tell a story that only you can tell—whether or not you’ve had a life-changing experience. This essay is an opportunity to show colleges and universities what grades, test scores, and extra-curricular activities may not reveal. Reading your Common Application essay can be an “wow” moment for an admissions committee instead of a lost opportunity. I’ll help you identify the story you want to tell, using your voice, your imagination, and your unique self. You’ll come away with some new writing and editing skills that you can take to college!
Supplemental College Essays are required by many colleges and universities. I’ll guide you in the process of writing (and revising) a focused response that telegraphs to admissions officers that you know why you want to attend their school, study a specific program, and why you are their ideal candidate for admission.
Pricing: $2,000
Includes one common app essay and up to 5 supplemental essays
