Services

Editing & Coaching

I was a 38-year journalist and Bureau Editor in Tampa Bay, Florida. I started writing books and editing on the side in 2003. I’m easy to check out with more than 60 testimonials on www.Guru.com since 2003. 

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I have taught Creative Writing at The Center 4 LifeLong Learning in Sun City Center, Florida. 

My manuscript editing is done in American or British English in Chicago style, which is preferred by publishers and self-publishing platforms, including Amazon. Every edit is a one-on-one experience, with explanations as to why things are changed that will help authors, not only with their current work, but in the future.

The Process

1. At the start of every job, the client signs a flat fee contract. I guarantee there will be no hourly charges or hidden expenses. Manuscripts are accepted in Word format only, and authors are charged by word count at a rate of $50 for every 5,000 words (e.g., 5,000 divides into 30,000 six times. 6 x $50 = $300).

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2. To start with a new (first time) client, I require a deposit of half the fee by Zelle, PayPal, or check. PayPal takes credit cards, making payment easy. I also still take checks in the mail from those who don’t trust putting their financial information online.

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3. Once line editing is completed, the Word files are sent back to the author with all changes in color so they have a chance to accept or deny any individual change before the manuscript is turned to black. Blue for additions, red for deletions, and plenty of explanation and tips in comment boxes.  

4. Then the author returns the manuscript with a list of changes, or comments on the pages, or with the ‘as is’ Go-Ahead, and the manuscript is turned to black. It is then checked for spelling, punctuation, and spacing and returned to the client, who gets one more send-back if requested.

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5. Short stories for magazines and newspapers are edited in Associated Press, unless told otherwise. These are a flat $100 for up to 2,500 words.

6. I regularly promote my clients’ work in my monthly newsletter, on my social media accounts, and by linking to their POS online.

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7. When working on hourly jobs, or for consulting, I charge $40 an hour.