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Editing Update

I’m looking for regular editing work again. I take manuscripts that have been through at least an initial revision. Since I do content editing, expect a fair amount of rewriting, so having a polished book isn’t necessary at this stage.

I price by word count and in USD since most of my clients are not in Canada. $200 for 50k plus $100 USD for each 25k above that. A full edit is at least two passes, one to read and comment chapter by chapter on character and plot etc. Then a summary of strengths and weaknesses of the entire work at the end. I then expect the author to revise their book for the second pass where I look at how they’ve responded to my comments and make suggestions about prose to strengthen the story.

I am also doing manuscript assessments, which are detailed comments on the strengths and weakness of your book, and how you can work on them. A manuscript assessment is $100 USD for 50k. You get a full read through and detailed comments at the end about strengths and weakness along with options you can try to strengthen your work. It is not a full edit. If you decide on an edit after getting your assessment, I will credit $50 toward the cost of your edit.

I can work on short stories. I charge $25 an hour for that and tend to blend the two passes.

If the author wants more passes through the work, that can be arranged for a negotiated price. I do offer an occasional coaching position which gives the author access to me for twelve months and unlimited passes through their work. That starts at $1500 and may go higher depending on the word count and how much interaction is needed.

I’ve been advertising through a couple of different sites, but word of mouth is still the best way of getting my services out there. If you recommend me to someone, ask them to let me know and I will give you 10% off your next editing bill.

While you’re here, check out the writing articles and see what’s new.

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Testimonial from Rebekah Lee Jenkins

I hired Alex for my second book, Hope in Oakland, because his work is meticulous.

If you are looking for a fantastic content editor, you found him and you should hire him immediately.

I learned early that your book is not your baby, it is your business. That means you want to release the best manuscript you are capable of writing.  The content edit is like the foundation of a house, skimp on this step, the whole structure will collapse. You can paint it any pretty colour you want but people will notice if the roof caves in and they will step away. Once you lose that reader they are gone forever. Not just them but everyone they would recommend your work to. This step is not something you skimp on. I wouldn’t dream of publishing a book without him.

Read on if you would like to know what he did for my books and my career.

In my first book he pointed out that my opening line for the novel was buried in the middle of chapter five. Yes. Chapter Five. I shudder to think what would have happened if I had released that book without his hard work. I should also mention my first book already had a content edit before I sent it to him to sort out the whole sorry mess. He restructured it and pointed out missing key scenes. That book, The Night They Came For Til, launched me into a writing career I am thrilled with, stunned by and desperately trying to keep up with.

Because I believe in giving credit where credit is due, I never, ever do an author night/interview without pointing out that Alex McGilvery is my editor and how to hire him. Ever. Because I know, every review that says “I could not put this book down” is a review we should share. I would have lost those readers somewhere in chapter three with a long flashback that didn’t drive the plot forward if he hadn’t restructured the entire thing! I had a good story that would have bored my readers to tears without his hard work.  Alex will pace your novel to be something people can’t put down. Of all the gifts he brings to the table that is the most invaluable.

The second book we finished, Hope in Oakland, was no exception. I had about 40 pages of repetition that I didn’t notice until he pointed it out and I was again missing key scenes.

As I said in my previous testimonial, this edit process will be exactly like a very detailed, very personal writing course. I learned a lot with my first book and I learned a lot with this book too. I appreciate that he tells you what you are doing wrong and what you are doing right. This has created more confidence in me and makes me excited to tackle a new project.

I can tell you from experience. If you chose to work with Alex you will be well on your way to producing the best book you can write and launching a very successful writing career. Don’t delay.

Happy editing!