I’ve been editing for quite some time now–officially since 2012, when I completed The Christian PEN’s “Editing Fiction I, II, and III.” Since that time, I’ve served as a copy editor for two (now-defunct) online magazines and a content editor for two small publishers, and I’ve edit for countless independent authors. Some of my authors have become award winners.

The different types of edits have different names, depending on your resource. For instance, some use developmental edit and substantive edit interchangeably. Some use copy edit and line edit interchangeably. For my purposes, I have simplified things. I do a comprehensive “general” edit. This includes an analysis of the craft of writing: plot development, structure, characterization, setting, dialogue technique, clarity, tension, scene and chapter hooks, etc. My general edits also include a copy edit—an eye on everything that makes up the mechanics of writing. Sentence and paragraph structure, word choice, punctuation, grammar, spelling, etc. Aside from the general edit, I also proofread.

With few exceptions, I don’t work on nonfiction. My preference is clean and Christian fiction in virtually any genre, including YA. I’m not familiar enough with fantasy and SciFi to do them justice, though I am learning to appreciate them. I use Chicago Manual of Style, the industry standard, as my style guide and Merriam Webster, CMOS’s preferred dictionary, though I’ve been known to step outside both in deference to specific organizations whose spelling and terminology may be different.

Fees and Turnaround Time

For editing, I charge $4.00 per page, in keeping with the average cost of an edit. I generally charge $3.00 per page for proofreading, though the charge varies for nonfiction, depending on the type of book. Half payment is due up front, with the remainder due upon receipt of invoice. Completed manuscript will be delivered upon payment of invoice.

Since I’m now semiretired and my work hours have been cut considerably, my turnaround time averages three-four weeks. Faster, if the manuscript is fairly clean to begin with.

Contact Me

If you’re looking for an editor, I’d love it if you’d consider me. You can contact me at linda.yezak@lwyezak.com. My schedule usually fills up quickly, so please reserve your slot early. I’m flexible, so if you need to delay or get your manuscript to me sooner, just let me know.

Looking forward to hearing from you.