Copy Editing Services

From the grand scale to the smallest detail, the right words bring your story to life. If you decide to go with us, send us an email. Here’s how Moonshell Books, Inc. can help you.

Copy Editing

Cost: US$.015 (a penny and a half) a word, using computer word count before editing begins. As an example, a 70,000-word novel would cost $1,050. Includes:

  • Grammar
  • Punctuation
  • Spelling and typos
  • Sentence structure
  • Style sheet if requested
  • Passive language
  • Rhythm and repetition
  • Continuity
  • Logic

Proofreading

Cost: US$.01 (a penny) a word, using computer word count before editing begins. To proofread the example above would cost $700.00. Includes:

  • Grammar
  • Punctuation
  • Spelling and typos

Our process

Once we agree to work together (meaning I’ve had a look at your work and done a 3-page sample edit), the following process will begin:

  • I’ll issue you a quote.
  • We schedule the project.
  • Upon scheduling, a 50% deposit will be due to hold your date.
  • My rate of speed is 10,000 words per day, with a second pass at a speed of about 20,000 words per day. So, for the above 70,000-word novel, the editing time would be about 11 days, with a couple of extra days built in for contingencies.
  • Needless to say, I cannot do “rush orders.”
  • When the project is complete, the balance of your payment will be due in 30 days. Once it is paid, I'll send the manuscript.

Does not include

Writing lessons. The manuscript must be market ready to the best of your ability. My job is to help you polish it to a shine, not to help you work through your third draft.

Coaching. Though I teach fiction writing, I am not a developmental or content editor. My focus is on your words, not your ideas or how to best present them.

Getting published. I make no guarantees as to how your work will sell online or whether it will be picked up by a commercial fiction house. 

If I am not available

If I’m not available when you need copy editing services, there are many talented copyeditors available, some of whom you can find in the list here. Thank you for considering me!

Client list

Shelley Adina—Magnificent Devices, Mysterious Devices

Jenny Andersen—Emma Goldsmith Mysteries, Second Chance Heroes

Bella Andre—The Sullivans, The Maverick Billionaires (with Jennifer Skully), The Morrisons

Jules Barnard—Blue, Halven Rising

Gail Carriger—Claw & Courtship, Supernatural Society, Delightfully Deadly, nonfiction

Camille Elliot

Tina Folsom

Barbara Freethy

Cecilia Gray—Jane Austen Academy, The Bachelors Next Door

J.C. Isabella—The McCrees

Linsey Hall—The Mythean Arcana

Danelle Harmon

Charlotte Henry—Rogues of St Just

Shannon Hollis—Moonshell Bay

Mary Karlik—Hickville, Fairy Trafficking

Erin Kellison—Reveler

Lucy Kevin—Married in Malibu

Laurie London—Iron Portal

Lee McClain—Sacred Bond

Carly Phillips

Adina Senft—The Whinburg Township Amish, Amish Cowboys

Nancy Warren—Take a Chance, Toni Diamond mysteries