Manuscript Services

From developmental editing to bring out the very best in your first draft, to copyediting your final draft to make it word-perfect, and everything in between, Chretien Wordsmithery can help make your dreams a reality.

Please note that prices are determined by project. All manuscripts are different and have different needs, so they are priced individually. To obtain a quote, please contact us to schedule a consultation.

DEVELOPMENTAL eDITING

CoPYEDITING

oTHER SERVICES

Unsure of what you need? Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Developmental Editing

Level 1 Package

The Level 1 package consists of a manuscript review and general feedback, focusing on the big picture: overall structural issues, tone, narrative flow, characterization, etc. This will come in the form of a written assessment, commenting on what works and what doesn’t and offering suggestions for the next steps. This level of edit does not include any line editing, margin comments, or reworking of your text.

After you have reviewed your written assessment, we will be available to answer any questions via email.

Level 2 Package

The Level 2 package includes everything in the Level 1 package, plus margin comments throughout the manuscript, pointing out specific issues and asking specific questions about the text. This deeper level of consultation often reveals recurrent issues in a text, including language and narration issues. 

Level 3 Package

The Level 3 package includes everything in the Levels 1 and 2 packages, plus a full line edit. This is not a ghostwriting service, but rather a strenuous edit of your work, showing you how to best restructure and/or rework your narrative and hone your language.

Copyediting

Light Copyedit

This level of copyedit focuses on correcting indisputable errors in spelling, grammar, syntax, and usage. It is most akin to what people think of as "proofreading."

Medium Copyedit

This level of copyedit includes everything in a light copyedit, plus rewriting any infelicities that may not be necessarily wrong and pointing out patches that are confusing or overly wordy for the author to address.

Heavy Copyedit

This level of copyedit includes everything in a light and medium copyedit, but goes beyond it to actively rewrite any confusing or overly wordy patches and ask questions to improve and clarify ideas and their presentation.

Other Services

Query Letter/Proposal Review

This review combines a developmental edit and copyedit of your query letter and/or proposal for when you are ready to shop your manuscript to agents or publishers. Having been on the other side of the desk for many years and having read hundreds of such query letters and proposals, we offer an editor's sensibility of what to leave in and what to ditch when pitching a project.

Permissions Management

Have you secured a book contract, only to learn that you must now secure permission to use countless images or excerpts? Chretien Wordsmithery can handle all of that for you, contacting rightsholders and making sure that you get all of the rights that your publisher requires.

Writing Coach Services

This service may be right for you if you just need ongoing feedback and someone to keep pushing you forward. Whether it's a weekly phone call, a monthly Skype session with comments and feedback, or anything in between, we can be there to help get you to the finish line.