Editorial services
The Fussy Librarian offers manuscript editing.
THE BASICS
We can proofread (meaning we will correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation according to The Chicago Manual of Style), or we can copy edit (meaning we will proofread, but also provide style and language feedback).
Files should be sent in Microsoft Word; we’ll use the track changes and comment functions to mark up the book.
We’ll estimate the project’s cost and time, once you’ve provided us with five pages — which we’ll proofread or copy edit, for free — and a total word count for the project. (PS: those five pages can be from anywhere in the book!)
Currently we have one editor, who performs other job duties as well. Turnaround time will depend on your book’s length, its editing needs, and our editor’s availability, but in general, books that must be returned in less than fifteen business days are not a good fit for our service.
(WHAT WE CAN DO | WHAT WE CANNOT DO | PAYMENT | AVAILABILITY | TESTIMONIALS | CONTACT US)
WHAT WE CAN DO
- Proofread/copy edit books in the following genres: mystery, thriller/suspense, romance, historical fiction, literary/women's fiction, and nonfiction.
- Proofread/copy edit horror novels that do not contain graphic violence, sexual violence, or animal cruelty.
- Proofread/copy edit the final version of your work; please contact us first if you expect to make any changes after we return all of our edits.
- Recheck excerpts that you’ve revised based on our suggestions and add that time to your final invoice.
- Clarify any feedback we’ve provided.
- Put you on the calendar before a project is ready, to ensure your spot is saved.
- Let you know if we happen to notice any plot holes or factual errors.
WHAT WE CANNOT DO
- Accept any projects that depict graphic violence, sexual violence, or animal cruelty. (If you’re unsure about your content, we’re happy to talk it out.)
- Re-read the entire manuscript after you’ve accepted/rejected edits, either for a fee or for free.
- Re-read any amount of the manuscript once you or someone else has made changes to it, for free.
- Discuss the book as a whole.
- Expedite a project for a higher fee.
- Provide fact-checking, research, developmental edits, or formatting feedback/assistance.
PAYMENT
Once you accept the estimate, we’ll send you an invoice for half of the estimated cost. You’ll be billed for the rest once the book is done; manuscripts will be returned once you've paid.
AVAILABILITY
Get a general idea of whether we're already booked during the period you need an editor. We do not edit on weekends or the holidays marked on this calendar. (Click here if the embedded calendar isn't displaying.)
TESTIMONIALS
“Thank you very much for your work on this. You did a marvelous job. My prose will be more concise, readable, and consistent because of your work. I truly appreciate it.” — New York Times bestselling author Chris Culver
“I recently worked with Sadye Scott-Hainchek for proofreading and she did a beautiful job. I’ve worked with a lot of proofreaders and she really was one of the best.” — New York Times bestselling author Annika Martin
“Just wanted you to know that you've got a real gem in Sadye on your team. This is the second novel of mine she's edited, and she is simply awesome. PLEASE never let her go.” — bestselling author Jeff Menapace
“My beta readers are so impressed with you. In their opinion (and mine) you did an excellent job proofing my novel and are so much better than my last editor/proofer. Many thanks. You did a great job!” — award-winning author Cat Gilbert
“One of my ARC reviewers sent me this, and I thought I'd pass along the compliment: ‘It is refreshing to read a well edited book. So many have context and spelling errors even after they have been printed.’ … Worth every penny.” — award-winning author Jennifer S. Alderson
“This was my ninth book, and by far the best edit I've experienced. I feel very lucky to have availed myself of your services, and look forward to working with you again in the not too distant future.” — author Peter Ralph
“Of all the editors I have worked with, your suggestions, comments, and feedback have been the most helpful and insightful.” — author Jeffrey Miller
“I’ve finished your editing and love my story even more than I did before.” — author Jo Barney