I offer both flat-fee and per-word editorial services, depending on the length and complexity of your project and services you require.
Here are the different levels of editing that I offer:
Copy Editing/Proofreading: Here I’ll focus solely on mechanics such as spelling and typos; grammar, punctuation, and syntax; formatting inconsistencies (chapter headings, font style, paragraph or word spacing); duplicated words and typographical errors.
Line Editing: Here, I’ll focus on craft, style, and flow, rather than sheer mechanics, refining the language, tone, and sentence-level impact. This includes pacing (trimming wordiness/eliminating repetition); rhythm (sentence type, length, and juxtaposition to others); clarity (disentangling confused syntax); voice preservation (enhancing, while maintaining, your unique style).
Developmental Editing: The Big Picture. Here, I’ll evaluate chapter and section organization and structure; examine plot and character arcs for logic and clarity; provide an actionable strategy (I’ll provide an editorial letter detailing your revision process).
I typically use Modern Language Association (MLA) or Associated Press (AP) format, but am familiar with the Chicago Manual of Style and American Psychological Association (APA) formatting. If you require a specific style guide, please let me know.
Q&A/Disclaimers:
1. “Are you an agent? Can you help me publish my story/essay/novel/book?” No, I am not, and do not provide such services, but I can share my own experience with that avenue of the process.
2. “Are you an attorney/can you give me legal advice?” I am not an attorney and can provide no legal advice.
3. “Can you guarantee that my work will be published after collaborating with you?” No, I cannot. Nor can anyone else, not even top agents, vast as their influence and resources are.
4. “So, what can you guarantee?” I can guarantee that I’ve provided hundreds of writers, from students to professionals, with the best constructive counsel I can offer regarding the practice of writing. Below are two examples of my clients’ comments about that counsel:
“Les got me focused. I had been working on what I thought was a book for 8 years and was all over the place. He began by acting as a sounding board, editor, and creative coach for one of my chapters and I am so happy with it! He gave helpful feedback and guidance and I’ve kept going. I would not be as far along as I am without his kick in the pants.” Christine S. from Eugene, OR
“Les has been an invaluable resource in my writing life. He’s thorough, sensitive, and insightful. Above all, he’s as compassionate as he is surgical, making sure his edits and advice address the human who wrote the words, rather than the words themselves.” Max C. from Asheville, NC