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soireadthisbooktoday

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 $50payable 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!

 

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Storm Warning (The Mage Storms, Book 1)

Storm Warning - Mercedes Lackey THIS IS AN AUDIO BOOK REVIEW: NOT A REVIEW OF THE BOOK ITSELF. The series is a 4.5 to me. The Audio by Ledoux? A 1. I gave a three rating because I love the books themselves, but this narrator is definitely NOT mmy cup of tea!
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First, please realize that I am a huge fan of Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar tales. I started with The Last Herald Mage Trilogy in 1989 when the first came out and have them still on my bookshelves in paperback editions. I really enjoyed them, though my sight is making it hard to sit and read a physical book these days. I now read on my Nook or Kindle where the back-lighting and ability to make the type larger really helps.

My favorite way to "read" though, is via Audio Books. I have been a member of Audible.com for years. So, I was thrilled when I pulled up my "Whats New" e-mail and saw "Storm Warning: The Mage Storms, Book 1." However, now I am very sad, because the narrator is horrible. David Ledoux may be a good reader for certain books and apparently Joe Hill liked him for "You Will Hear the Locust Sing: A Short Story from '20th Century Ghosts'" and I really like Joe Hill. But the tone of his voice just seems totally wrong for Mage. He comes across as flat affected and droning, and when he tries to get into vocal character, he simply seems overdone. His sentences come across as choppy, instead of smoothly conversational.

Gregory St. John does "The Last Herald Mage" for Mercedes Lackey and Audible (well, the first two. Apparently the third in the trilogy is not available on Audible, and there is no indication of whether it will become available or not). He does a wonderful job and I truly wish that he had done Mage. I would have been happy to re-invest in the series if so. Ledoux? Not so much.

If you get the opportunity to read these series and love sword and sorcery, try these books. Sadly, though, not on Audio.