Each of these services vary in cost depending on the difficulty of the manuscript. I will ask for the first chapter as a sample edit and then give you a quote. I do work with ESL clients.

Content Editing

A content edit focuses on:

• Story Arcs
• Character distinction/consistency/inner arc
• Sensitive Topics (i.e. If I run across something that could cause you grief in reviews, I will note it.)
• Plot Holes & Suggestions for How to Fix Them (may include suggestions for tweaking/rewriting).
• Positive Commentary on what’s really working

Line Editing

A line edit focuses on:

• Flow of story on a line-by-line, paragraph-by-paragraph scale
• Proper transitions from one idea to another
• Clarity (addresses confusing points in the narrative, spatial confusion, etc.)
• Best word choice (stronger verbs, eliminating adverbs, etc.)
• Show vs. Tell
• Tense consistency
• Point of View — consistency + going deeper into POV
• Some technical editing/proofreading (i.e. If I come across a proofreading error, I will note it. However, I always recommend clients hire a proofreader to catch all technical errors, especially since my service often results in tweaking/small rewrites on the author’s part.)
• Positive Commentary on what’s really working

Content Edit + Line Edit

I recommend this service which is a combined edit in a few circumstances. This is a one pass edit, as opposed to hiring me for two passes–one content + one line edit. Because it’s one pass, it would save you money and time. Here are the circumstances where I believe this combined edit is most useful:

1. You have had Alpha or Beta Readers confirm there are no major issues with the story line itself (i.e. huge plot holes or confusing story arcs). This would mean that while you might need some content tweaking, you probably don’t need any major rewrites. I can still help you distinguish your characters, solidify their inner journeys, point out sensitive topics, iron out smaller plot holes, and make sure your story arc never drops any story threads.
2. You’ve had a developmental editor go over your manuscript. You’ve now made changes and believe everything is ironed out, but you want to make sure the changes you made fix all the issues your developmental editor pointed out.
3. You can’t afford two passes or a developmental editor, but you want to make sure there are no glaring issues with your content. In this case, a combined edit could be very helpful and more affordable. However, you may need sections rewritten. In that case, you would simply want to have those new sections line edited instead of having the whole manuscript re-edited.