Freelance Editing

From concept to publication

For authors of all levels

If you’re a writer who’s looking to elevate their work to the next level, then you’re in the right place.

I am a multifaceted English language editor with years of experience, from novels and short stories to technical documentation and other works of nonfiction. Regardless of what form your writing takes and what stage it’s in, I can help you refine it and turn it into the best possible version of itself that it can be.

I’ve worked alongside many different writers of wildly varying backgrounds and experience levels, from first-time authors on their debut novels to seasoned professionals with decades in the industry. No matter who you are, I can be there for you and provide whatever form of editing your project requires.

Unlike some other freelancers, I only use professional tools and software for the job, such as Microsoft Office and plugins from the Editorium. I am also a member of the Editorial Freelancer’s Association and have access to their full array of guides and resources.

If it sounds like I may be the right person for your project, please proceed below to review the services I currently offer.

Services

I provide freelance editing across virtually the whole spectrum of the creative process.

Developmental Editing

If you’ve only completed a first draft of your manuscript, or even if it’s not quite there yet, I can offer a great deal of assistance. I will read the entire work at it currently stands and thoroughly examine it for any potential issues with plot development, character arcs, narrative flow, and anything else which affects the work as a whole.

I will do more than merely point out the problems. I will also provide real solutions that you may choose to incorporate in a subsequent draft. This is an interactive process that may see multiple passes in order to lay the proper foundation for your work.

Rates starting at $.03 per word

Line & Copy Editing

Whether you’re looking to improve your prose or just want someone to check for mistakes, I can help. This is not a rewrite, but a polishing and tempering of your material.

My input and expertise can help ensure not only technical accuracy, but also that your words flow across the page as smoothly as they possibly can. I will do this in such a way that does not interfere with your style as a writer in any way. This form of editing serves only to enhance and amplify your voice.

Rates starting at $.02 per word

Formatting & Manuscript Prep

Whether you’re self-publishing or planning on sending your work to a traditional publication house, I can make sure your manuscript is fully up to established industry standards. After I’m done with it, the file can be sent straight to an interior page designer, who may thank you for having made their job as straightforward as possible.

Please note that at this time, I can’t perform formatting or file conversions for eBook publication. If you require this, please do not hesitate to let me know. If there’s sufficient demand, I may offer this service in the future.

Rates starting at $2.50 per page

Proofreading

If your work is ready for publication, but just needs that one last sanity check, I can provide it.

I will read through and meticulously check the work for any technical errors. The focus would be on formatting and punctuation issues, as well as anything else which may have been missed in previous copy edits.

Rates starting at $.015 per word

Bundles

If you are in need of more than one of the services listed here, then there’s good news! In many situation, I can offer discounted rates for repeat clients (limited to a single project).

For example, if we work together on a developmental edit and you feel your work is ready for line editing, you may expect to pay less by coming back to me rather than another editor.

Beta Reading

If all you’re looking for are the thoughts and impressions of a professional, I can happily oblige. This typically happens as soon as you’re ready for another pair of eyes on your work, prior to even a developmental edit. This work is often done by non-editors, and that’s usually acceptable. Having an experienced editor perform this task, however, is a very good idea.

When I beta read, I essentially treat it as a surface-level developmental edit. I keep an eye out for the same sorts of issues and advise on where I encountered them, but do not delve deeper or provide potential solutions.

Rates starting at $.01 per word

Let’s work together.

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch! I cannot wait to hear from you!

You may also email me directly at contact@john-cote.com