A light edit to follow line editing.

Defining Copy Editing

While line editing focuses on ensuring your manuscript provides readers with a smooth reading experience, hones your author’s voice, and sets the tone and pace for your story, so much can change that another pass may be needed to smooth out remaining issues that can get missed when the focus is purely on other aspects of the book. Copy editing is essentially a light subsequent line edit that focuses on technical grammar aspects of your manuscript. 

This service is only available for manuscripts that have been previously line edited by Pikko’s House or a professional editor or are clean and ready for a light editing pass. The latter qualification is determined by Pikko’s House and not the author. 

Genres

While I am willing to work in almost any genre, having a personal interest in the story aids my ability to deliver the best level of service. I am most interested in science fiction, epic fantasy, urban fantasy, middle-grade fantasy, young adult, mysteries and thrillers, horror, and science fiction romance.
 
I have a wealth of experience with short stories, having worked with over a hundred authors for various science fiction anthologies.
 

Rates

My rates for copy editing vary depending on the state of the manuscript but fall anywhere between $0.014 per word and $0.016 per word. A manuscript that falls out of this range will likely need a line edit instead of a copy edit. The rate is determined by a sample edit, which I do to gauge the amount of work required and to show you my editing style. 

When quoting for copy editing, I may include options for a subsequent reading and additional services, which will allow you to determine the course that best fits your budget. Should it be determined that your manuscript needs more than copy editing, the copy editing service will only be available as an add-on. 

It is always recommended you hire a proofreader to check the manuscript after editing has been completed.

Copy Editing Delivery

Should you hire me to copy edit your manuscript, I will provide you with the following:

  • Microsoft Word copy of your manuscript with editing suggestions and comments made with Track Changes. Editing will cover grammar, punctuation, continuity, and plot flaws.
  • brief editorial letter in the form of an email or PDF.
  • Pikko’s House style sheet outlining the specific details of your manuscript including character names, locations, terms, grammar rules and exceptions, and resource details.
  • An optional email discussion of your manuscript.
  • An optional Track Changes review is available with complimentary time based on word count.

Types of manuscripts accepted for copy editing:

  • Short stories
  • Novellettes
  • Novellas
  • Novels
  • Nonfiction books (to be assigned to a Pikko’s House editor)
I may occasionally recommend that a different Pikko’s House editor be assigned for a copy edit depending on how many times I’ve been through a manuscript. I will read a manuscript a maximum of three times across all services.

Base Estimate

Quick Overview

Here’s the short version of what my copy editing service includes:

Grammar

Checks for proper sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar.

Continuity/Plot Flaws

Ensures your details aren’t magically changing and highlights possible plot flaws.

Dialogue

Checks to make sure punctuation and tagging are accurate.

Secondary Focus

My copy editing service includes the following, but these issues are not the primary focus of the service:

Punctuation Errors

Non-grammatical errors such as incorrectly spaced or missing punctuation will be fixed.

Typos/Missing Words

Typos and/or missing words will be corrected.

Formatting Errors

Formatting issues may be addressed, depending on the specific issue.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're confident that I'm the right person to trust with your book or you have additional questions, contact me to discuss your project needs.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're confident that I'm the right person to trust with your book or you have additional questions, contact me to discuss your project needs.

Don’t See What You Need?

View Other Editing Services:

Beta Reading | Manuscript CritiqueDevelopmental Editing | Line Editing | Copy EditingProofreading 

View Add-On Services:

Ebook Formatting | Book Interior Design | ARC Distribution | Book Mockups

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