As your editor, my goal is to take the story you have in your head and make sure it translates onto the page without confusing the reader. I will help you with your fiction (Inspirational or clean), nonfiction, memoir, middle grade, or children’s books and explain my edits throughout your manuscript. Please read the descriptions for each level of service.
Developmental and Line Editing
Full through with a fully annotated manuscript pointing out strengths, weaknesses, plot holes, character development, and more. Other areas that I will review are consistency, word choice, phrasing, transitions, and more. One editorial round with one additional pass through. One hour video call. Questions welcome via email.
$40/hr (4-6 pages/hour) with a 30–60 day turnaround.
Copyediting
Focuses on grammar, word usage, spelling, syntax, flow, punctuation, active vs passive voice, capitalization, font changes or spacing, inconsistencies, style, and format. 1 editorial round Includes a thorough annotated manuscript. Questions welcome via email
$30/hr (7-10 pages/hour) with a 15–30 day turnaround.
Proofreading
Includes basic grammar, misspellings not caught by spellcheckers, punctuation, capitalization, font, and type size. 1 editorial round Includes a thorough annotated manuscript. Questions welcome via email.
$25/hour (11-15 pages/hour) with a 15–30 day turnaround.
Ebook and Print Book Formatting
Interior formatting for print and e-books. Includes chapter headings (can include a photo or other graphic), scene breaks, page numbers, table of content, indexes, front matter, and back matter.
$250 for ebook
$250 for print book
$400 for both print and ebook
**Purchase one service, get a 15% discount on another. Discount on lesser service.
For a five-page sample edit and quote, send an email to suziewaltner@gmail.com with your total word count and attach five pages of your manuscript as a Microsoft Word document.
Editorial Freelancers Association Editorial Rate Chart
Testimonials
I brought Suzie a troubled romance. She showed me ways to keep the tension interesting between my characters; she remembered/referred to plot points and suggested excellent solutions to develop my story. She reminded me to pay attention to the timeline.
She kept the big picture in mind as she moved through the plot, and insightfully recommended craft tips. She respected my voice but gave it the polish it needed! When my characters’ point of views strayed, she got them back on track.
To say Suzie, an award-winning author, has honed her craft is an understatement. From grammar to punctuation, to concise wording, Suzie uses expert skills every writer needs to engage readers and attract agents and publishers.
Erma Ullrey, author of Sadie’s Gift
When you work with Suzie Waltner, you get the best of both worlds. She’s a consummate editor who is a stickler for detail, but also has the heart and creative sensibilities of a writer. Not only will she spot every last error, anachronism, or plot hole, but she offers encouragement and practical suggestions for how to further develop your characters and raise the plot stakes. In short, she cares about you and the story you’re telling. And if you work with her, your future book will benefit from her wisdom, care, and expertise.
Christa Banister, author of The Honorary Italians
