Is there an editor in the house?

Um ... yes, that will be me then. 

Regular visitors here will know that I have been editing and critiquing manuscripts for several years now.  (First mentioned here.)  During that time, I have worked on an average of 2-3 novels a month.


Most of the manuscripts come to me via Writers' Workshop but some authors come directly to me.  On Twitter today I was asked what I charge and what I offer and realised that info isn't readily available online without a lot of digging.  (I also realised how hideously out-of-date my website is, but I can't imagine having time to sort that out any time soon.)

Anyway, the point of this post is to tell anyone who's interested what my editing services consist of and how much they cost. 

The service
I like to be flexible and tailor my feedback to the author's needs, so the content of my report varies accordingly, though it will always be a minimum of 3000 words for a full length MS.  This will usually cover the following:

• the commercial potential of your concept and where your book fits in the market
• analysis, comments and suggestions re structure, plot, pace, characterisation, prose style
• if appropriate, feedback on your synopsis and covering letter

As an author myself, I'm very aware that I hold someone's beating heart in my hand when I work on their lovingly crafted book.  I'm always careful to point out where an MS's strengths lie, as well as those areas that need attention.

As I said, different authors have different needs.  Some people are hoping to be signed with an agent and achieve a traditional publishing deal, others may intend to self-publish, and some people might just love writing and want to make their novel as good as it can be.  My feedback is designed to provide each person with what they need to have the best chance of fulfilling their particular ambitions.

Needless to say, it takes time to read a full MS and prepare a detailed report.  I also offer further conversations after I send the report, to discuss any issues that arise or clarify anything where necessary.  None of this comes cheap, but, at the risk of sounding like a certain advert, I think I'm worth it. 
*tosses hair and gurns at camera*

Anyway, where was I?  Ah, yes, the £££.

The charges
I charge £4.50 per 1000 words for a full length MS.
£75 for feedback on synopsis, covering letter and first 5000 words.
Other charges, eg longer extracts, proof reading etc, are available on request.

I have experience of working in all genres.  Recently, I've had the enormous pleasure of seeing 3 authors I've worked with go on to be signed up with agents.  Roger Hardy has written a fast paced international thriller. Sean Walsh has created a magical children's story and Katherine Hetzel is the author of a fantasy adventure story for young adults.  See here for my blog post re Sean and Katherine and here for my post about Roger.

Please feel free to email me - info at debialper dot co dot uk - if you think I can help you. 
Or leave a comment here. 
Or message me on Facebook. 
Or contact me on Twitter @DebiAlper. 

I do sometimes wonder how any of us find time for writing.