Structural edits (also known as developmental edits) look at the “big picture” components of a manuscript; continuity, clarity, logical order, how the story fits together, what strengths and weaknesses are and how solutions may be found for the weaker points. The manuscript is considered from the reader’s viewpoint to determine whether audience, genre, writing style and content will meet expectations. Suggestions are offered for how to fill gaps, rework ideas and amend issues.

Line and copy edits focus not on story structure, but on word choices and placement. Grammar, spelling and punctuation is scrutinised, line by line and corrections/suggestions are made to improve the text.

Proofreading is as the name suggests; a reading of the proof (a typeset document). Proofreading takes place in the final stages of publication and catches the letters that have been left out, the words that may have fallen off a page, the caption that does not match the image it is meant to describe, when pages have been placed in the wrong order etc. No changes to structure or suggestions for improvement will be made other than to highlight errors.

Find out more about what to expect from a professional editor here: https://www.iped-editors.org/about-editing/

This guide is also useful: https://www.iped-editors.org/find-an-editor/working-with-self-employed-editors-a-guide-for-clients/

• A short short story: under 1,000 words.

• A short story: between 1,000 and 5,000 words.

• A long short story: between 5,000 and 10,000 words.

• A novella: between 10,000 and 40,000 words.

• A novel: adult novels are usually 70, 000 - 100,000 words with sci-fi and fantasy sometimes creeping up to 120, 000 words. YA tends to be about between 60, 000 and 80, 000 words.

Children's fiction:

• For beginner readers, aged 5-7, word length 5,000-10,000

• For confident readers, aged 7-9, word length 10,000-25,000

• For middle-grade readers, aged 10-13, word length 25,000-50,000

The author retains full control of the manuscript at all times, which means that it is the author’s responsibility to accept or reject changes as they see fit. It is the author’s work and they must be happy with the end result, but editors are experts and can be relied upon to make suggestions that will enhance a piece of writing.

It really depends on how quickly you need the job done and what the job entails… If it’s a relatively straightforward copy edit of a few thousand words, which you need within the week, I may be able to squeeze it in and we can work something out for extra payment as I’ll no doubt be working outside of normal business hours to get the job done. However, if you expect a quality edit of a substantial piece of writing then you need to allow a substantial amount of time for me to give the manuscript the level of detailed attention it requires, and that can not be rushed.

Short answer, no. Slightly longer answer, probably not! While I work in the publishing industry and know agents, illustrators and those who work for indie and trade publishers I cannot pull any strings or call in any favours to have your work placed ahead of someone else’s in the queue. I can help you to make your writing the best it can be, before you submit to agents or publishers or tackle self-publishing.

I often get asked which publishers are accepting manuscript submissions. I keep this list as frequently updated as possible; please always check individual publisher websites and socials for the most up to date info.

Rates are determined on an individual basis after the project has been assessed for the level of editing/proofreading it requires. They will be quoted as per word or per hour fees. Charges match current guidelines for freelance editors (Eg. Professional IPEd member & established editor $80–$120/h) and all work meets Australian Standards for Editing Practice as set out by the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd).

Quotes are offered free of charge. Sample edits can also be discussed and prices for this service negotiated.