You've finished your manuscript. Congratulations! It's a euphoric moment I know well. So your manuscript is ready to start sending out to agents and publishers...
WAIT!
It isn't. Not yet. You need to get more eyes on it. Experienced eyes that are not emotionally involved with the text, as you will be at this moment.
Never start submitting and querying before you've had your manuscript rigorously read and reread by someone other than you. This might be a writing pal, members of your writing group, your friendly local professor of English...
Or you could get a professional involved; an editor with years of experience in editing and proofreading.
That's me!
To talk about how I can help you, to get a quote and a sample edit or proofread, click here.
For reviews from satisfied clients, see below.
No job too big or small. (I've always wanted to say that!)
WAIT!
It isn't. Not yet. You need to get more eyes on it. Experienced eyes that are not emotionally involved with the text, as you will be at this moment.
Never start submitting and querying before you've had your manuscript rigorously read and reread by someone other than you. This might be a writing pal, members of your writing group, your friendly local professor of English...
Or you could get a professional involved; an editor with years of experience in editing and proofreading.
That's me!
To talk about how I can help you, to get a quote and a sample edit or proofread, click here.
For reviews from satisfied clients, see below.
No job too big or small. (I've always wanted to say that!)
What kind of edit do I need?
Good question. There are many names flying around: substantive edit, structural edit, developmental edit, copy edit, line edit, proofread. Some of these terms are interchangeable, so it can be confusing.
I'll simplify things by telling you what I offer:
Developmental edit (sometimes called substantive or structural)
I assess and shape your work to clarify plot, characterisation and thematic elements. I ensure the story hangs together and makes sense, so I'm looking for plot holes and inconsistencies. This process may involve shifting or reordering parts of the manuscript. I will write a report highlighting the developments needed.
Copy Edit (sometimes called line or stylistic)
I edit for grammar, spelling, punctuation and usage, check for inconsistencies in character names and relationships, maintain tone, style and authorial voice, and eliminate jargon and cliches.
Proof-edit
I give your manuscript a final polish without the full detail of a copy-edit, but with more depth than a conventional proofread.
Editorial Report
I read your manuscript and write a short report (approximately two pages) on broad story and structure issues that need addressing. This service does not include manuscript mark-ups. An editorial report is intended to guide you in your own rewriting before you commit to a full professional edit and/proofread.
Proofread
I read the manuscript, find the errors, mark or correct the errors, and return the manuscript to you. This process is the last stage of editing to be undertaken when the manuscript has been fully edited, as described above. It's good practice to get a proofread once the manuscript is formatted and (almost) ready for publication.
Want to know more?
We will discuss your needs, you can tell me all about your project and together we will decide what level of edit you need.
I always provide a free sample of my work to help you decide if we are a good fit for each other.
I can't wait to help you along on your journey to publication.
I always provide a free sample of my work to help you decide if we are a good fit for each other.
I can't wait to help you along on your journey to publication.
Customer reviews...
"CJ edited my first novella, Forged in Flames, and she's also edited the second of my Mason & Sterling novels, The Profit Motive. I'll be using her again for my next novel."
David Beckler, author of the Mason & Sterling crime thrillers.
"Working with CJ is a very straightforward process with clear, concise comments and edits marked up alongside the manuscript. Her feedback is excellent and I would gladly recommend her to any author in search of an editor."
Victoria J. Price, Young Adult Fantasy Author
"CJ subjects my story to a sort of surgery that carves open every aspect of the work in a way that goes deep into the core of the story without altering the vision of the writer. I am impressed at how she handles a story, with so much delicacy, clarity and expertise."
Opeyemi Adetayo, short story writer
"CJ Harter did a fantastic job of critiquing my short story, the edit was very constructive. CJ provided notes on grammar, asked insightful questions, and gave valuable pointers on improving, while also commenting on my piece's strengths. I feel much more confident in my work thanks to CJ, and am looking forward to seeing where my writing goes from here. Would recommend!"
S. M., writer
"My prologue was just an ordinary piece until it passed through CJ who's left me with no doubt that her editing skill is second to none. Honestly, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend anyone I know to this amazing personality. Thanks."
Phillip Terna Orga, thriller writer
"CJ provided me with detailed edits that improved the clarity and consistency of my writing. I found her suggestions and advice to be very helpful and informative."
Greig Parker, literary fiction and academic author
"Ms. Harter very thoroughly assessed the short story I submitted. She tightened sentences, kept the POV on track, while keeping the pace of the story flowing as it should. Because of her work, I was able to cut 150 words from the finished product. I most definitely recommend her as an editor."
P.A. O’Neil
"As an editor, CJ provides insightful tips and feedback to help new authors strengthen their stories and their writing."
Lisa M White, fiction author
If you would like to become one of my valued and very satisfied customers...
Customer reviews...
"CJ edited my first novella, Forged in Flames, and she's also edited the second of my Mason & Sterling novels, The Profit Motive. I'll be using her again for my next novel."
David Beckler, author of the Mason & Sterling crime thrillers.
"Working with CJ is a very straightforward process with clear, concise comments and edits marked up alongside the manuscript. Her feedback is excellent and I would gladly recommend her to any author in search of an editor."
Victoria J. Price, Young Adult Fantasy Author
"CJ subjects my story to a sort of surgery that carves open every aspect of the work in a way that goes deep into the core of the story without altering the vision of the writer. I am impressed at how she handles a story, with so much delicacy, clarity and expertise."
Opeyemi Adetayo, short story writer
"CJ Harter did a fantastic job of critiquing my short story, the edit was very constructive. CJ provided notes on grammar, asked insightful questions, and gave valuable pointers on improving, while also commenting on my piece's strengths. I feel much more confident in my work thanks to CJ, and am looking forward to seeing where my writing goes from here. Would recommend!"
S. M., writer
"My prologue was just an ordinary piece until it passed through CJ who's left me with no doubt that her editing skill is second to none. Honestly, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend anyone I know to this amazing personality. Thanks."
Phillip Terna Orga, thriller writer
"CJ provided me with detailed edits that improved the clarity and consistency of my writing. I found her suggestions and advice to be very helpful and informative."
Greig Parker, literary fiction and academic author
"Ms. Harter very thoroughly assessed the short story I submitted. She tightened sentences, kept the POV on track, while keeping the pace of the story flowing as it should. Because of her work, I was able to cut 150 words from the finished product. I most definitely recommend her as an editor."
P.A. O’Neil
"As an editor, CJ provides insightful tips and feedback to help new authors strengthen their stories and their writing."
Lisa M White, fiction author
If you would like to become one of my valued and very satisfied customers...
What does it cost?
That depends on the kind and depth of edit (as described above) that your manuscript requires. I will provide you with a written quote after I have completed a free sample edit to assess what your manuscript needs. You are under no obligation to take up my paid services following a free sample edit, but I'm confident you will want to. As an author myself, I understand the need to keep costs down, so I charge per word, not per hour. This way, you can be confident that you are in control of your costs. You control your word-count, so you control my fee.
That depends on the kind and depth of edit (as described above) that your manuscript requires. I will provide you with a written quote after I have completed a free sample edit to assess what your manuscript needs. You are under no obligation to take up my paid services following a free sample edit, but I'm confident you will want to. As an author myself, I understand the need to keep costs down, so I charge per word, not per hour. This way, you can be confident that you are in control of your costs. You control your word-count, so you control my fee.
