Rates and Queries

Simple Beta Reads:

A read-and-comment service with quick turnaround. Prices start at $50 and rise with word count..  

Manuscript Evaluations:

The most vital level of service for many authors is a manuscript evaluation. This read-and-report service is a next-level beta read that identifies strengths and weaknesses of plot, characters, pacing, and the all-important opening chapter. A professional manuscript evaluation can focus your rewrite and save you thousands in editing costs.

For short fiction, prices start at $50.

For manuscripts longer than 25,000 words, prices start at $100. 

For an exact quote, query first with a 5-page sample to jaybarn@telus.net

Before you send, know your proper manuscript formatting. If you're not sure how,

here's a handy Youtube video demystifying the whole formatting process.

 

Editing Services

After a full manuscript evaluation, you'll contemplate the changes suggested and implement as many as you feel comfortable with. Successive editing passes at the same manuscript or segment re-evaluate these substantive/stylistic/developmental changes and work with you to bring each element of plot, characters, openings, closings, and internal tension arcs to their highest potential.

My specialty is showing you how to slash your overall word count while preserving the characters and situations you cherish. 

While I mainly edit short and long crime fiction, I sometimes work with speculative and other genres of fiction and non-fiction, if a project aligns with my particular interest areas in history, social history, psychology, and spirituality. Ask me about your project at jaybarn@telus.net 

 IF YOU USED AI to write all or part of your manuscript, please read the blog article at this link, which explains why editing AI writing is more of a ghost-writing job and will be charged accordingly by those who enjoy that kind of work. Any AI generated work submitted to me without disclosure and prior agreement will be returned to you unedited. Your deposit will not be returned and any contract between us will be voided. 

 

What to include when approaching me for any of these services:

• genre and sub-genre ie crime fiction/contemporary thriller or mystery fiction/cosy
  
• expected or total word count, 
• work period desired ie next week, next month, next summer
• A paragraph telling me about the main characters and the plot
  
• 5 to 10 pages of the document - you may split between opening pages and a sample from further along

Email Jayne at jaybarn@telus.net

 #editing #editor #manuscript #ManuscriptEvaluation #CrimeFiction #WritingLife #AmEditing #ILoveEditing #ShortCrime