So, I Read This Book Today . . .
Editing Fees and Guidelines
As my editing jobs have become more numerous, I have updated my Editing Fees and Guidelines. My editing and proofreading includes checking for grammar, sentence structure, misspellings, and pointing out plot inconsistencies, etc. At this time, my base charge is $0.008/word, with a minimum of $50, payable via PayPal. Editing jobs I am currently working on, received before May 1, 2014, will continue to be edited at the old rate.
If your manuscript is less than 5,000 words please let me know and we can work out pricing. I prefer to set up appointments for your manuscript, but please, send your manuscripts to me as early as possible. I can often work them in sooner than they are scheduled, but advance notice is much easier.
I use Microsoft Word 2013. I use the Track Changes application while I edit and leave the decision as to whether or not to accept those changes to you. I also tend to leave extensive notes outlining the reason for specific changes, noting uneven or awkward sentence or paragraph flow, or even if I noticed something that just doesn’t feel right.
Full editing is completed in one of two ways. The first choice is that I completely edit the book and provide you with a corrected copy, highlighting changes and corrections and making when appropriate extensive notes. Your second choice is full editing. I take the book in hand, do all corrections and changes and provide you with print ready copy. The charge for print ready copy is $0.010/word.
Please note: Books from authors who speak English as a second language, hence requiring a great deal more correction for grammar, or books with extensive re-write may be significantly more. You may send me your book for pricing if you feel there may be extensive work needed on the book. Pricing available upon request.
After I have edited a manuscript, I will send it back to you. Once you have made changes, you can always send it back to me for a second pass at no charge. Please note: If second-pass changes are truly extensive, I will reserve the right to bill a second payment for the second pass. I want to be fair to you, but I also want to be fair to myself. Just as writing is difficult, though rewarding, editing a book in a manner that will make you proud of your final product is a lot of work.
For available books on which I have worked, please see my “i-edited” shelf on Goodreads. You may contact any of the authors with whom I’ve worked for a reference. I am also very willing to provide you a sample of my work to see if we are a comfortable fit. I can be easily contacted through Goodreads or by e-mail at soireadthisbooktoday@centurylink.net
I look forward to working with you!
Good story, but bad editing hurts it
(Lost a full star for bad editing)
“Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.”
― William Shakespeare, Macbeth
On the banks of the Mississippi, the tiny town of Duncan, Iowa seems so very quiet. Historical Duncan, an oddball blend of shabby industrial plants and quirky, charming historical districts. But Duncan will never be the same. For in the darkness, the Tik-Tik bird sings.
Tik-tik, Tik-tik, tik, tik, tik . . .
The sweet birdsong of Hell.
It begins in the silence of the dawn, above the river, where Police Sergeant Erin Vanderjagt ends her early morning run. Tik-Tik. Tik-Tik. The flap of leathery wings, a monstrous shadow. And then, silence. Silence filled with terror. With pain. And with the cold assurance that nothing will ever be the same – in the worst, most horrific ways imaginable.
A house explodes, taking a neighborhood with it. Bodies begin to fall. And the only person who may hold all the answers is badly burned, locked in a hospital isolation ward – and apparently doesn’t even speak an understandable language. Aswan! Mennon! Gal! Tick tick! Tick tick!
When the Tik-Tik Sings is one of the more creative horror stories I have read. The story is chilling in its very inanity at points – simple sounds, shadows in the night. The beat of wings and the simple Tik-tik from the dark.
A police sergeant. A fireman. A simple man with the mentality of a seven-year-old and a gentle heart. And, an undying monster. Will it end? Or can it?
A story for campfires and dark nights, When the Tik-Tik Sings is the perfect shivery, bump in the night tale.
This is the first Doug Lamoreaux book I have read, and as much as I loved the story, I admit to being disturbed at how a book by an author nominated for the Rondo, Lord Ruthven, and Pushcart prizes, as well as the first-ever recipient of the Horror Society’s Igor Award for fiction, could feel comfortable publishing a book with the number of editorial errors I found doing a simple read, not even looking for them. It was disappointing.
“Edit your manuscript until your fingers bleed and you have memorized every last word. Then, when you are certain you are on the verge of insanity…edit one more time!”
― C.K. Webb
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