Services & Rates
Book Editing Services
I've spent six years in the publishing world working with authors, publishers, and manuscripts of every shape and size—with a specialty in romance, romantasy, and fantasy. Whether you're crafting a spicy contemporary romance, an epic fantasy quest, or a romantasy with swords and swoons, I'm here to help you get your words exactly where they need to be.
Proofreading
The final polish before your book meets the world. I'll catch typos, grammar errors, formatting inconsistencies, and those sneaky little mistakes that slip past everyone else. This is for manuscripts that are already well-edited and just need that last professional review.
Who this is for:
You've completed several rounds of edits and need one last check before publishing.
What's included:
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One pass
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Full markup of your manuscript
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Comments for areas that need further clarity
$0.011 - $0.016 per word
Copyediting
Who this is for:
This is where I polish your writing from a technical standpoint. I'll clean up grammar, punctuation, and spelling. I'll make sure there is consistency in style and tone throughout the manuscript. (Especially important for fantasy series with complex magic systems or romance series where you need to track character details across multiple books.)
Line Editing
This is where we dig into the craft of your writing. I'll help with sentence structure, word choice, pacing, and making sure every paragraph does exactly what you want it to do. Perfect for manuscripts that need that extra level of attention to really shine.
Who this is for:
You've completed your manuscript and feel confident with the bones of the story, but you're looking for improved readability and flow.
What's included:
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Multiple passes
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Full markup of your manuscript
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1-2 page letter noting my overall impressions, areas for improvement, and what is working well.
$0.021 - $0.047 per word
What's included: Correction of grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Consistency checks for style, formatting, and voice. Light suggestions for clarity and readability improvements
$0.016 - $0.018 per word
Developmental Editing
I'll help you see the forest AND the trees—the big-picture story structure and the chapter-by-chapter execution that brings your vision to life.
Developmental editing addresses plot, pacing, character development, worldbuilding, narrative structure, point of view, and thematic cohesion. Perfect for manuscripts that need strategic guidance before you dive into line-level edits.
Who this is for:
Manuscripts that are complete but need structural work before copyediting, or authors who want strategic guidance on their story's foundation.
What's included:
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Complete manuscript read-through with chapter-by-chapter feedback
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12+ page editorial letter covering strengths, challenges, and revision priorities
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Optional follow up call to discuss the editorial letter and answer questions
Detailed margin comments throughout the manuscript
$.025 - $.045 per word
My Editing Process
Timeline: Projects typically take 2-4 weeks, depending on scope and manuscript.
What to expect:
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Initial consultation to discuss your needs and timeline
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Clear communication throughout the process
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Track changes and comments so you can see every suggestion
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Final review to make sure everything flows perfectly
Book Coaching
This is where we work together to bring your book to life from concept to completion. I'll guide you through every step of the writing process, help you tackle story problems, keep you motivated when the going gets tough, and make sure you're building something readers will love. Think of me as your writing partner and cheerleader rolled into one. Whether you're writing contemporary romance, epic fantasy, or romantasy that blends both, you'll get genre-specific guidance from someone who understands your readers and your craft.
Who this is for:
You have a book idea (or a work-in-progress) but need guidance, accountability, and expert support to navigate the writing and publishing journey with confidence.
What's included:
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Personalized guidance on plot, character development, and structure
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Accountability and momentum support to keep you writing
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Publishing pathway advice and timeline planning
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Manuscript feedback and troubleshooting sessions
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One-on-one Zoom calls (up to 90 minutes)
$150 for 60-minute sessions | $175 for 90-minute sessions
Manuscript feedback: $0.01 per word (verbal during call) or $0.02 per word (written critique with tracked comments)
Bundle deals: 10% off when you book 3+ sessions | 6 months paid in full: get 1 session free ($900 total) | 12 months paid in full: get 2 sessions free ($1,800 total)
Ready to Get Started?
Send me an email with:
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Your book's genre and word count
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What type of service you're interested in
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Your ideal timeline
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Any specific questions or concerns
I'll get back to you within 24-48 hours with a custom quote and next steps.
Ready to elevate your manuscript?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does editing take?
Turnaround times vary based on manuscript length, editing type, and my current project load. Most editing projects take 2-4 weeks. When you request a quote, I'll provide specific dates based on my schedule. If you have a deadline, let me know and I'll let you know if I can accommodate it.
Rush services are available for an additional 25-50% fee, depending on the timeline.
What's included in the free sample edit?
I'll edit 1,000-1,500 words of your manuscript (typically the opening of Chapter 1) in the style you're interested in—developmental, line editing, copyediting, or proofreading. You'll receive track changes, comments, and a brief note on what I noticed. Turnaround is 5-7 business days.
There's no obligation to hire me after the sample. It's truly free.
Do I need to hire you for all the editing types, or can I just pick one?
You can absolutely pick just one! Most manuscripts benefit from multiple editing passes (developmental → line → copyedit → proofread), but you're welcome to hire me for whichever service fits your needs and budget.
Not sure what you need? Request a free sample edit or schedule a consultation, and I'll give you my honest recommendation.
What if I'm not sure what type of editing my manuscript needs?
That's exactly what the free sample edit is for. I'll edit your opening pages and give you feedback on what I think your manuscript needs most. You can also book a Manuscript Consultation ($120 for 60 minutes) where we'll discuss your manuscript and create a plan.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! For projects over $1,500, I offer payment plans:
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50% deposit to secure your spot on my schedule
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25% at the midpoint (when I'm halfway through)
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25% upon delivery
For smaller projects, payment is 50% upfront and 50% upon delivery.
What genres do you specialize in?
I specialize in romance (contemporary, historical, paranormal), romantasy, and fantasy (cozy, epic, dark). I also work with romantic suspense and women's fiction.
That said, I've edited across multiple genres including memoir, narrative nonfiction, and other fiction categories. If you're not sure whether your project is a good fit, reach out—I'm happy to take a look and let you know.
Do you work with self-published authors, traditionally published authors, or both?
Both! I work directly with indie authors preparing to self-publish, authors querying agents, and I also take on projects from publishers and hybrid presses.
Can I see examples of your editing work?
Due to client confidentiality, I can't share full editing samples from past projects. However, the free sample edit lets you see my editing style in action on your own manuscript—which is much more valuable than seeing someone else's work.
What if I don't like the sample edit?
No hard feelings! The sample edit is designed to help you decide if we're a good fit. If my editing style doesn't resonate with you, you're free to work with another editor—and you'll still have gotten professional feedback on your opening pages.
Do you edit non-fiction or memoir?
Yes! While my primary focus is fiction (especially romance and fantasy), I also work with memoir and narrative nonfiction. I'm particularly drawn to projects with strong storytelling elements and compelling personal narratives.
If you're writing memoir or nonfiction, send me a brief description of your project and I'll let you know if I'm a good fit.
What file formats do you accept?
I prefer Microsoft Word (.docx) or Google Docs. Please use standard manuscript formatting: 12pt font (Times New Roman or similar), double-spaced, 1-inch margins.
What happens after I submit an inquiry?
Here's the process:
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You submit an inquiry or request a free sample edit
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I respond within 24-48 hours to confirm I received it
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For sample edits: I return your edited sample within 5-7 business days
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For project inquiries: I send you a custom quote with timeline and pricing
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If you want to move forward: I send a contract and invoice
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Once you pay the deposit: You're officially on my schedule
Can you meet a rush deadline?
Sometimes! It depends on my current workload. Rush projects incur an additional 25-50% fee. Contact me with your deadline and I'll let you know if I can accommodate it.
Do you offer discounts for multiple books or series?
Yes! If you're hiring me for multiple books in a series or committing to ongoing editing work, I offer package pricing. Reach out and we'll create a custom plan.
What if I need revisions after you've edited my manuscript?
For developmental editing: One round of revision feedback is included after you rewrite based on my initial notes.
For line editing and copyediting: Minor clarification questions are always welcome via email. If you do a major rewrite after my edit, that would require a new editing pass (at a discounted rate).
For proofreading: This is a final-pass service, so revisions aren't typically included. However, if I missed something, I'm happy to take another look.
Still have questions?
Email me at claire@thecoffeyeditor.com, and I'll answer anything I missed here.