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!
Warrior Girl
To get this out of the way first, Warrior Girl was offered to me for a review by the publisher. However, as with all the books that I am offered, I give my opinion one way or the other. In this case, I am happy to say that I am very happy to give high marks.While others seem to see this book "on the surface" I would agree with Reviewer Zach - the story of Sun Hi is one of the dignity inherent in certain cultures in the face of the inherent dishonesty and pettiness of others.
The world of Oxford University is, literally, worlds away from Sun Hi's Korean farming life. Oxford is a bastion of the rich and elite, the spawn of the uber rich and privileged. Sun Hi is smart, hard working, discrete and demure and never takes her gifts for granted, unlike the spoiled, vicious little rich kids she is surrounded by. Sun Hi comes from a much different world - a world where nothing is taken for granted. Where hard work and dedication rather than money and privilege are guiding traits. Traits that don't fit in well, much is the pity, with the overwhelming snobbery of the Oxford mentality. Like so many other places where intellect and learning should overrule pride and privilege, Oxford fails its students who value learning over social power-mongering.
The characters in the book are, all-in-all, a microcosm of the state of the economy of the world today. The ubiquitous "1%" who own the wealth of the world, while the other 99% scratch for crumbs. Both Sun Hi and Adam recognize the privilege of being at Oxford and have worked long and hard to gain the privilege. Others, placed in the situation through money and power rather than ability, react in the manner I expected. They are vicious, self-centred, vindictive and feel they are entitled to treat others in any manner they wish. Sun Hi's continued dignity in the face of terrible treatment is what really makes her a Warrior Girl. She doesn't change who she is to fit in with people who may be richer financially but who are deeply deficient in basic humanity.
Looking deeper, the problems with Suzuki and Sun Hi are another microcosm. That of the growth of a rapidly changing and evolving social and economic society in opposition to a society which has apparently outgrown it's ability to evolve. I found it appropriate that Sun Hi is studying economics at Oxford, given the changes inherent in Korean society. Suzuki, rich, privileged and spoiled sees Sun Hi only as "Korean" not as a human. Much like so many see those of other countries and cultures as merely Korean, Iranian, Chinese, etc. rather than human beings in their own right.
Overall, the story was depressing in that things never change in so very many ways. It was, however, uplifting in that the power of Sun Hi's dignity allowed her to retain her humanity and reach her goals against overwhelming odds. Overall? This book should be required reading for Civics classes everywhere. We are all more alike than some would wish to realize. Besides, it's a cool book!