“Joyce was able to take my gibberish and convolution of uncoordinated words and transform the manuscript into a tight presentation that attracted three offers for publication. She identified my weaknesses in pacing and character development and taught me how to turn these faults into strengths.” – Jim Riley, author of Murder in the Atchafalaya
“An editor with a fresh and critical eye will bring things to your attention you never knew existed, both developmentally and in the line/copy editing. These are people who will help bring a novel to the next level. . . . And for those who say they can’t afford to hire one—I say you can’t afford not to. If you’re serious about selling your book, then this is a step you simply must take.” – Andrew E. Kaufman, International Bestselling Author
QUESTIONS FOR AUTHORS
- Is your book fiction or non-fiction (includes memoir)?
- Is this the first time you’ve written a book?
- Which genre does your book fit into, or are you unsure? (I do not accept science fiction, academic, scientific, or technical/how-to manuscripts.)
- What is the basic plot or theme of your book? Please be brief: one paragraph or no more than a one-page description.
- What is the total number of pages of your finished single-spaced draft? If unfinished, let me know this, as well as the number of pages completed so far.
- Have you attempted a revision of your manuscript on your own? If yes, how many revision passes have you completed?
- Is there any particular area of concern you have about your skills as a writer and or your manuscript?
- What primary outcome do you desire from your developmental editing service?
- What do you want your readers to have experienced once they read the last word of your book?
- Do you intend to self-publish, find an agent, or find a publisher who doesn’t require an agent?
- Do you understand that revision, which sometimes requires more than one round (and should), is a crucial part of creating a reader-worthy book?
- How involved would you like to be or intend to be in the revision process, or do you prefer your editor do this for you?
- Which service do you believe best fits your needs at this time? (Services and fees are listed below.)
Send your responses to the questions to me at [email protected] .
- If you’re interested in either the SHOW or TELL service, send the first two chapters of your book to me as an attachment.
- If you’re interested in GHOSTWRITING (NOVELS), please e-mail me so we can discuss this.
- More specifics about these services are listed below.
TELL:
I read your manuscript and create notes that tell you what you’re doing right, as well as how to improve your book,
and perhaps assist you to amp up your skills as a writer. I do this by providing creative and technical guidance.
For novels, a character (cast) roster is created, as well as a plot grid that demonstrates what’s going on, when, and to whom.
Specific training notes are inserted directly onto your manuscript to guide you regarding creative and technical matters
specific to your manuscript.
Separate notes may also be provided, as needed.
Investment: $5/single-spaced page.
Payment of 50% in advance is required.
Final payment is made when work is completed and made prior to the return of your manuscript.
All payments are made through PayPal.
Allow between 3 to 4 weeks for completion, sooner, if my schedule allows.
Some of my clients choose to invest in my services until their manuscript is ready to self-publish or submit to agents
or publishers who don’t require an agent.
How much you involve my services is always up to you.
SHOW:
With developmental editing + rewrites, I provide notes and include suggested revisions, whether that’s for
segments or the majority of the manuscript, depending on what best serves you and your book.
You can use the rewrites or reword them, but they’re provided primarily to guide you.
A level of copy editing is provided to assist you with punctuation, grammar, spelling, etc.
For novels, I create a character (cast) roster, as well as a story grid that keeps you and your story on track.
Investment: $25/hour.
Payment for 10 or more hours is required to start.
Regular payments for 10 or more hours are made until the editing is completed and returned to you.
I notify you when the hours paid for are completed. Payment is then made and editing is resumed.
All payments are made through PayPal.
Allow between 5 to 6 weeks for completion, sooner, if my schedule allows.
Some of my clients choose to invest in my services until their manuscript is ready to self-publish or submit to agents
or to publishers who don’t require an agent. How much you involve my services is always up to you.
You may decide to have me do one round of edits then take it from there, or you may decide to
work with me until your manuscript is polished.
GHOSTWRITING (NOVELS):
Some clients have time to create an outline and character sketches, but not the time (and sometimes
not the writing skills—which they realize) to craft a novel. There are best-selling novelists who use
ghostwriters, or they use co-writers who write their novels based on the outline, etc.
(James Patterson does the latter).
If research is required, we’ll discuss this.
Investment: $35/hour.
This is a comprehensive service.
Depending on time involved, and my schedule, it may take two to three months to complete a first draft.
Payment for 10 or more hours is required to start.
Regular payments for 10 or more hours are made until the writing is completed and returned to you.
I notify you when the hours paid for are completed. Payment is then made and writing is resumed.
However, you will receive the latest updated draft on a regular basis so you know how the manuscript is progressing.
All payments are made through PayPal.
Some of my clients choose to invest in my services until their manuscript is ready to self-publish or submit to agents
or to publishers who don’t require an agent.
How much you involve my services is always up to you. You may decide to take over once the first draft is completed
or work with me until your manuscript is polished.
I look forward to assisting you in your adventure as an author. And, it’s quite an adventure!
Joyce L. Shafer, LEC, Book Doctor
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