Hello, fellow writer! Here's some information on the Editing Services I provide...
Congratulations on completing your story, essay, or manuscript—and on all the laborious, probably sometimes painful revisions and edits you’ve already done!
Now for the easy part—I’ll help you make it shine.
All writers need editors. Even editors need editors. No matter how skilled we are with language, it’s impossible to catch every typo and notice every tangle in our own work. We’re too close to it; we know it too well. Before self-publishing or submitting your piece to a publisher or agent, you need to make sure it will receive the respect and attention it deserves by honing and smoothing it into professional form.
With respect for the integrity and individual spirit of your writing voice, I will perfect your piece according to grammatical standards and eliminate typos. I will also make suggestions to tighten and improve the flow of your language, so that the meaning, mood, and impact of each chapter, paragraph, and sentence shine through more clearly. I don’t do heavy developmental editing, but I can make suggestions as needed if something doesn’t make sense, doesn’t line up, needs a bit more “oomph,” or could be shortened, etc. The more seamlessly your language flows, without awkwardness or confusion, the more powerfully your writing will impact your readers.
Why makes me unique as an editor?
- I come to editing with the understanding of an author who has been through the process of revising and receiving critique herself. I love language and deeply understand what makes a piece of writing work. I know the vulnerability of showing your piece to someone else for the first, or even the second or tenth, time--and I am respectful of that.
- I have a nerdy, intensely detailed fascination with grammar (okay, that part is probably not unique among editors). I notice grammatical errors and awkwardness even when I’m not trying to. When I am trying—i.e. when I am giving my all to supporting your writing’s best potential—I am catching EVERYthing.
- My background as a teacher, writing tutor, and counselor lends me understanding, kindness, clear communication skills and the ability to identify and draw out the strength and beauty in any expression.
The Process
First, ask me for a free sample. This 5-10 page sample edit will help you decide if we’re a good fit for each other, and it will also allow me to give you a quote based on the level of editing required.
If you decide to go ahead with a proofread or copyedit, I'll edit your document either in Microsoft Word, via Track Changes, or in GoogleDocs, via the Suggestions tool. (I can also work with an old-fashioned hard copy if you prefer.) I’ll ask for half the payment upfront, and half upon completion. If you prefer not to commit to the full project all at once, or if you want to receive my comments section by section, that’s also fine. We can discuss your needs and come up with a plan that suits you.
As I read, I’ll be clear about which of my changes are addressing definite errors, and which are just suggestions for you to consider. I’m not pushy about my feedback, and as an author myself, I know that we the writers ultimately decide what feels right for our intentions and style. Though my work is largely technical in nature, I’ll be attending to the beauty of what you’ve written and honoring the sensitivity of this final revision stage before birthing your creation into the world.
My Rates
For a limited time, as I expand my business, my rates are roughly HALF the industry standard (https://www.the-efa.org/rates/). I prefer to charge by the page, so my clients know exactly what they're paying and receiving. I charge between $1.50 and $2.00 per double-spaced page for copyediting, and $1.00 per page for straight proofreading. Half pages (or less) don't count.
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CONTACT me for a FREE SAMPLE! (Providing a free sample is standard for freelance editors, and there is absolutely no obligation to continue.)
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So far Mindi has edited two of my books. She’s quick and detailed. I trust her grammatical talents. She can keep you on your toes. Plus she’s not judgmental about chronic mistakes you just can’t get rid of… I look forward to her general impression of my work. And somehow she makes you feel that all mistakes can be corrected with a little effort on your part.
— Rachael Bliss, author of The Goddess of Promised Land series
Mindi is a patient and thorough editor. She was able to greatly improve both a novel and short story collection for me without detracting from my voice as a writer. Mindi is insightful and, as an author herself, has a great sense of narrative. She's also very easy to work with. Highly recommended.
-- Alli Marshall, author of How to Talk to Rockstars
Mindi Meltz’s editorial work has been detailed, accurate and on schedule. She understands all aspects of editing: from grammar and structure to story and character. She helped my book tremendously, both in content clarity and catching typos.
-- Steve Crimi, author of Katabatic Wind
