Editing Services for Academic Writers
Clear, credible manuscripts—ready for submission.
Written estimate within 1–2 business days.
Integrity & Boundaries
I do not ghostwrite, change findings, or claim contributions.
PhD only for theses/dissertations; editing with written permission and following your institution’s rules.
Who I work with
Journal articles • research reports • conference papers
PhD dissertations (editing within institutional policy)
Book chapters & academic monographs
What I do
Journal submission preparation (references) — format and standardize reference lists per venue/guide
Citation & style conformance — APA/Chicago; in-text ↔ reference list consistency
Proofreading — final typos, punctuation, spacing, minor formatting fixes
- Line & copy editing — precision, tone consistency, clarity, reduced wordiness
- Structural & argument editing (selected fields only where I have familiarity.
Editing Services at a Glance
Journal Article Formatting
- Align your manuscript and reference list to the target journal’s style guide. Includes formatting for figure/table titles, list of tables/figures, and all tables themselves. Light copyedit for clarity or consistency if explicitly requested.
- Extra charges may apply if figures must be reformatted into tables.
- One revision included; requests due within 10 days. Client may need to supply the journal style guide.
Citations & References Only
- Align in-text citations with the reference list. Format references to match your target journal style guide (e.g., APA, Chicago).
- No changes to manuscript content will be made. One revision included; requests due within 10 days. Client may need to supply journal guide.
Proofreading
Final quality pass on a clean draft. Includes typos, punctuation, spacing, and small format fixes so your pages are clean and professional. One revision included; requests due within 10 days. Small formatting fixes (e.g., spacing, indentation) included.
Copyediting
Grammar, usage, and clarity for professional, readable prose. I tighten sentences and maintain consistent tone throughout. One revision included; requests due within 10 days.
Line Editing
Sentence–paragraph level clarity and flow. I smooth transitions and reduce wordiness while protecting your voice. Includes light restructuring at the paragraph level. One revision included; requests due within 10 days.
Structure & Argument (selected fields only)
For disciplines I know well, I’ll help with structure, signposting, and argument flow. If the topic’s outside my lane, I’ll recommend copyediting or proofreading and note areas for you to revise. One revision included; requests due within 10 days.
Just curious about pricing or timelines?
No problem. You don’t have to be ready to book.
Click over here to receive an estimate based on your draft and goals. No pressure, no hard sell.
Just want to ask a quick question? Go ahead.
What to Expect
Every editing project starts from a base of a clear scope of work including detailed service definitions, so you know exactly what to expect. There will be at least two editorial passes to ensure accuracy, consistency, and flow. For authors seeking a polished, publication-ready manuscript, there may be three or four passes. Along the way, I’ll check in with you to clarify details or confirm revisions before finalizing the work. If you’re working to a tight budget or deadline, I can adapt the process to balance speed, cost, and quality — without losing the essentials your readers will notice.
How Pricing Works
Each project begins with a written estimate and a signed contract, never a one-click purchase. Your project is scoped to your draft: length, level of edit, references, and complexity. After a review of a sample, I’ll send a written estimate with scope, deliverables, fee, payment timing, and a proposed start window. When possible, I quote a fixed amount; if the scope is uncertain, I’ll give a clear not-to-exceed range. No surprise bills.
Pricing Examples
Citations & References Only
A 26-page research article with 19 references and 60 footnotes needed a check on citations and references only. Estimate: $360-$560.
Grant Proposal
A 15-page NSF grant proposal with 42 in-text citations and 3 appendices needed copy editing (grammar, clarity, formatting) and source verification for 20 citations. Estimate: $570-890.
Journal Article
A 32-page article prepared for publication in APA style received final-pass proofreading for typos, punctuation, and spacing. Estimate: $480–$730
Doctoral Dissertation
A 200-page doctoral dissertation in STEM (≈50,000 words) was copy edited for grammar, clarity, and academic tone. The draft included 100 citations, which were reviewed for formatting and completeness. Estimate: $2,500–$3,900, depending on draft clarity and citation quality.
Billing: milestone-based—≤2 weeks: 50/50 • 2–8 weeks: 30/40/30 • >8 weeks: milestone or monthly.
Estimates: calculated at 250 words/page; one within-scope revision included within 10 days.
Invoices via HoneyBook; ACH/card accepted.
Proofreading
Final eyes on your manuscript
before it goes out into the world.
Surface-level corrections
Typos, punctuation errors, and incorrect spacing, fixed so your pages are clean and professional.
Layout and consistency checks
Verify chapter headings, page numbers, and consistent formatting; remove widows/orphans.
Submission-ready polish
Final pass to ensure your manuscript is ready for contests, agents, or independent publication.
Copyediting
Grammar, usage, consistency, and logic checks.
Grammar and mechanics
Correct spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors throughout.
Style sheet construction
Build and apply a custom style sheet for consistency in spelling, hyphenation, and capitalization.
Continuity and logic
Ensure details, timelines, and facts align from start to finish.
Line Editing
Style, rhythm, and voice—
sentence by sentence.
Sentence flow
Smooth transitions and varied cadence while preserving your voice.
Clarity and tone
Rephrase where needed to improve readability and impact.
Repetition and cliché removal
Identify and adjust overused phrases or predictable wording.
Just curious about pricing or timelines?
No problem. You don’t have to be ready to book.
Click over here to receive an estimate based on your draft and goals. No pressure, no hard sell.
What to Expect from the Editing Process
Every editing project starts from a base of a clear scope of work including detailed service definitions, so you know exactly what to expect. There will be at least two editorial passes to ensure accuracy, consistency, and flow. For authors seeking a polished, publication-ready manuscript, there may be three or four passes. Along the way, I’ll check in with you to clarify details or confirm revisions before finalizing the work. If you’re working to a tight budget or deadline, I can adapt the process to balance speed, cost, and quality — without losing the essentials your readers will notice.
My process looks like this:
- You fill out a short intake form. Attach your manuscript or a sample of it, if you like.
- I review your needs and send back an estimate. I might consult with you first if questions come up.
- You either approve the estimate, or we refine it together.
- I send a contract that includes a retainer, a kick-off 30-minute meeting option for you, and a schedule of deliverables and payments.
- You finalize those details and send any further materials, and the project begins!
- You can expect at least one update as work proceeds.
- I send your final deliverables when the project is done, for your approval.
- You get support after approval for any follow-up questions.
Because every manuscript is unique, the ranges below are for guidance only. Each project begins with a tailored estimate and a signed contract—never a one-click purchase.
Rates for Creative Authors
Your project rate is based on the type of service, manuscript length, and the depth of editing required. Below are typical ranges for Creative Author projects. Final estimates are tailored to your manuscript after a short review.
Typical Examples
Proofreading (≈100K): $1,150–$2,000 (standard manuscript).
Copy/Line Edit: quoted after a sample (density and polish vary widely).
Editorial Assessment (10–15 pages): typically $180–$400.
Beta Reading (reader-eye): $250–$600 for up to 100K; complex projects may run higher.
| Service | Scope & Inclusions | Typical Total Range |
|---|---|---|
| Proofreading | Final pre-publication review for lingering typos, punctuation slips, and formatting errors. Not copy/line editing. | $1,150–$2,000 for ~100K words; complex projects may run higher. |
| Copy Editing | Corrects grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, and consistency; creates style sheet. Voice-preserving line edits. If structural or voice-level issues are the primary need, I’ll recommend Developmental Editing. | $1,500–$2,500 for ~100K words; complex projects may run higher. |
| Line Editing | Refines sentence flow, pacing, and readability while preserving author voice. Deeper sentence/paragraph work; if major re-organization or voice overhaul is needed, I’ll recommend Developmental Editing. | $2,000–$3,500 for ~100K words; complex projects may run higher. |
| Developmental Editing (Nonfiction only) | Strengthens structure, pacing, and tone; aligns manuscript to intended audience and outcomes. | $2,500–$4,500 for ~100K words; complex projects may run higher. |
| Editorial Assessment (Nonfiction only) | Review of a short story, sample chapter, or 10–15 pages with detailed feedback. Memo with priorities and next steps; no in-manuscript edits. | $180–$400 |
| Beta Reading | Reader-eye feedback on clarity, pacing, and engagement; memo covers where momentum lagged and overall impressions. Reader-eye feedback; not a technical edit. | $250-$600 for up to 100K; complex projects may run higher. |
Compare Services:
Standard vs. Enhanced
Every service comes in two package levels — here’s what’s included.
Estimates are project-specific. I’ll review a short sample and scope the work before we start. Most fiction and narrative nonfiction fit Standard or Enhanced packages; heavier fixes (structure/voice) become Developmental Editing.
Services
Standard Package
Enhanced Package
Proofreading
Surface-level correction of typos, grammar, and punctuation. Checks for consistency in style and formatting. Suitable for clean manuscripts ready for submission.
Everything in Standard, plus a second pass for fine-grained consistency (citations, references, cross-checks of formatting). Includes a light polish of flow where clarity is impacted.
Copy Editing
Grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, and consistency. Style sheet created and applied.
Everything in Standard, plus closer attention to sentence clarity, word choice, and rhythm. More detailed notes to guide revisions.
Line Editing
Sentence-by-sentence refinement for flow, pacing, and readability while preserving your voice.
Everything in Standard, plus detailed guidance on strengthening arguments, voice consistency, and engagement with your intended audience.
Developmental Editing (Nonfiction only)
Review and reshape of structure at chapter/section level. Attention to pacing, organization, and alignment with your purpose.
Everything in Standard, plus closer attention to sentence clarity, word choice, and rhythm. More detailed notes to guide revisions.
Editorial Assessment (Nonfiction only)
A big-picture review of one short story, a sample chapter, or 10–15 pages. Highlights strengths, risks, and next steps.
Everything in Standard, plus a longer memo with more actionable detail on how to revise, and priority guidance for next phases.
Beta Reading
Reader-eye feedback on clarity, pacing, and engagement; memo covering where the story or narrative held attention, where momentum lagged, and overall structural impressions.
Everything in Standard, plus margin comments, expanded notes on credibility (of characters or concepts) and narrative plausibility, plus suggestions for revisions.
Billing: milestone-based—≤2 weeks: 50/50 • 2–8 weeks: 30/40/30 • >8 weeks: milestone or monthly.
Estimates: calculated at 250 words/page; one within-scope revision included within 10 days.
Invoices via HoneyBook; ACH/card accepted.
Add-Ons & Options (on request)
- Rush Turnaround – Accelerated schedule when capacity allows, +30% surcharge.
- Writing Coaching – ICF-aligned writing coaching is available as a light-touch add-on for authors who want clarity and traction, before, during, or after editing. $75/hour or $250 for a 3-session series.
Add-ons appear as separate line items in your estimate.
I only recommend them when they’re likely to help you reach your goal faster, cleaner, or with less risk.