Rates
copy and Line Editing
- $0.01 CAD per word
- There is a 5000 word minimum.
copy and line editing plus
- $0.015 CAD per word
developmental editing
- $0.020 CAD a word (~$.0145 USD)
payment
Payment is usually made via PayPal invoice. No registration is necessary, simply a credit card. Sometimes an email transfer may be acceptable.
A 65% retainer is preferred, the remainder to be paid at the end of the process.
ai policy
If you are using AI to help you write your book, I will politely bow out of the project.
Some authors claim they use AI to"brainstorm," which I find distasteful, and likely a bad idea in the long-term, as being able to come up with new ideas, including how to figure out your best practices of how to brainstorm with yourself, is part of the territory of being a writer. I'll often tell clients to not hold back their good ideas and to put them in their book, because they'll come up with new good ideas later -- that's their job now. Brainstorming with AI is potentially stymieing skills you need as an author.
Some people think you can replace those skills with AI. I disagree.
Moreover, I feel using AI to help with your book is boring. I'm interested in the ideas that come from you, based on your experiences, and when AI is a part of the process of generating ideas, that's no longer what I'm getting. In my experience, many readers think along the same lines. Sometimes if not quite intellectually, it's still reflected in their interest and enthusiasm.
These are my opinions that come before the notion of: if I'm attached to a project that is later blacklisted for using AI, it could potentially ruin my career.
Thus I have a zero-AI policy.
How long Will editing take?
I've gotten pretty good at estimating how long an edit will take. Setting realistic, not optimistic, schedules are best. Friendly inquiries are always encouraged; however, please get in touch as soon as you're interested, as many established clients book two or three months in advance. It's only every so often I can fit someone in on short notice.
I've also gotten pretty good at estimating start dates, but surprises happen, and some leeway of two or three days on either side is appreciated. Rarely does it stray further than that -- though usually me taking a day or two away from work between edits is 100% to your benefit.
For Copy and Line edits, I edit at a consistent rate of 6000-8000 words an hour. The difference depends on how much work is needed. I aim to complete 20,000-25,000 words a day. I will often let the piece breathe for a day or so before I make my second pass, which usually takes ~75% the time of the first.
For Copy and Line Plus edits, there's better outcomes for the piece if we do the second pass within a few weeks of the first. The book is still fresh in mind, and it's easier to schedule.
For Developmental Edits, I used to take a stance that we could or should finish up after two months or so. However, I've also always taken the stance that the best ideas are like cats, fickle, and don't always come when you want them. Thus, take the time the book is telling you it needs. The important thing is to stay be communicative, and to give me a heads-up when you'll be ready for your next pass so I can work you into the schedule.
If there's any deviation to any of this, I will let you know.
