Aimée Hill | Fantasy Editor
Get your book edited
A developmental editor will give you an incredible tool for improving the macro elements of your writing skills and story. Get feedback on how you use, and can improve, devices such as plot, pace, characterisation and more. You will receive critique in the form of queries in your manuscript and a 20+ page report.
This is the stylistic edit. We work together to shape your authorial voice. Here we delve into how sentence structure, word choices and tone impact how your reader experiences your book. This is complete with track changes edits and comments in your manuscript and a 5+ page report.
Let's get your grammar and punctuation all straightened out. And it's not just about spelling. Copyediting will ensure your manuscript is consistent in both language and fine details. We can't have character's ordering a coffee and then later sipping their tea.
Book Editing | How does it work?
What level of editing you need will depend on your manuscript and your writing skills. Each editing phase has its own nuances and features. Developmental editing is more than rewriting. Copyediting is more that correcting. Your final draft deserves proper care and attention from your book editor. Whether you're self published or traditionally published, there's a service for you.
What does a freelance editor do?
What is a developmental edit?
A developmental editor that specialises in fantasy will know all the ins and outs of the fantasy subgenres. They will make sure you are using and subverting tropes in a way that your readers will be excited by. They will help you revise your manuscript to tighten the plot, heighten conflict and develop characters.
What is a line edit?
Line editing focusses on the artistry of your writing. Crafting each line will help to convey every emotion and detail that you intended. Here we study the importance of sentence structure in your manuscript. It is a process of reviewing and editing your wording and the message. Your editor will highlight use of clichés and evaluate whether they are effective or distracting. If you have a problem with clunky POV shifting or headhopping, they will be ironed out here.
What is a copyedit?
We all know a copyedit involves checking grammar and spelling. A copyeditor will ensure that punctuation is used correctly and that sentences are clear. They will also ensure that it adheres to the chosen style guide and that the text is free of inconsistencies of plot details or timelines. An editor specialising in fantasy will check all of your imagined components are referred to consistently.
-
How much will it cost me?My rates are based on word count and level of complexity. A quick look at a sample of your writing should give me a good idea of the scope. My base rates are as follows: Manuscript assessment: £0.007 per word Developmental editing: £0.02 per word Line editing: £0.015 per word Copy editing £0.01 per word (plus a 10% discount when booked as part of a bundled service.) Please ask if you need these rates in your local currency. I base my rates on the suggested minimum rates set out by the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading.
-
How long do I have between the editing stages?If you have chosen a bundled service, there will be a gap between editing levels for you to incorporate edits. This is all dependent on you and your schedules but here is an average for how long my authors usually take. Everybody's revision process looks different. Developmental editing and manuscript report: two to three months Line editing: roughly six weeks However, I understand that everyone's schedules are different. We will have a chat about schedules before we get started. This will be your opportunity to shout if you need more or less time. After that, line edits usually take the authors I work with six to eight weeks. Of course, if you get your edits back from me and have had a change in circumstances, just let me know and I can adjust the schedule. I won't be mad if you get the file back early either!
-
Can I book ahead?Absolutely! If you're a big forward planner or like a deadline in the diary to work to, feel free to get booked in with me even months in advance. Keep in mind that I will need a deposit from you to secure the spot. It is a win for both of us! As a freelance editor, being able to see all the exciting projects on my horizon fills me with joy and motivation. If you do book ahead of time and there is a change in your circumstances, do let me know as soon as possible so that I can make space for you later on and fill any gaps in my schedule.
-
Do you work with authors outside of the UK?Yes, I do! I am freelance editor to all. Well, to all fantasy and science fiction authors. Get in contact for a quote in your local currency. If you are looking for copyediting, please specify the English that you are writing in. I work in US and British English.
-
How long will it take?How long the editing process takes depends on what service or bundle you have chosen. Fiction editing can vary greatly depending on your writing skills and what needs edited. Developmental editing and a manuscript assessment takes anywhere from two months and up. This is dependent on the length of the manuscript and the level of complexity. Line editing usually takes between six and eight weeks for me to work through the manuscript. Copyediting usually takes one month. Though again, a longer manuscript will take more time. All this can vary based on how much work the manuscript needs and availability. When you sign your contract we will both be clear on all the details of the scope, including the timeframe. I'm sure you're eager to get through the editing and publishing. Don't you worry, you won't be left twiddling your thumbs wondering when you'll see your work back!
-
Can I get a sample edit?For novel length projects, I do offer sample edits. If you send me your full manuscript, I can pick a section at random and give you a taster of how the manuscript report will shape up. I do not offer a sample edit for short stories. Keep in mind that developmental editing concerns the manuscript as a whole. A sample edit on a small section can be limiting in terms of the depth of the advice and analysis I can give. However, it is a useful tool for you to see if you gel with my style of feedback. Line editing samples are usually more representative of the final product.
-
Why do you ask for the full manuscript?I ask for the full manuscript for several reasons. The first chapter of so of many manuscripts tend to be the most polished of an authors work. It doesn't give me a representative example of your writing, or you a representative example of the value I can provide for your writing. Often authors, when asked to send a section at random, will tidy up the section they're about to send or will pick their favourite (and best written) bit. I know I'd want to put my best foot forward! But you're hiring me to help sort out your worst foot. Finally, it gives me the opportunity to skim through the manuscript to get an idea of the content. This will give me a bit more context for the sample edit. One editing job is never the same as the next. The edits I give you will be as unique as your manuscript.
-
Do you offer payment plans?Once you have picked me as the editor, you will need to send a deposit to secure your slot in my schedule. This deposit is deducted from the project fee. It is not an extra cost. Usually, I work with authors to create a payment plan that works for both of us. Not everybody has the ability to drop big cash on editing all at once and I respect that! I do my best to make editing as accessible to authors as I can.
-
The whole show bundle seems like a lot. Do I need this much editing?It depends on your motivations and goals. But the answer is most likely no. Editing is expensive and I've designed the whole show bundle to be intentionally indulgent. There may be a few writers out there that want to invest, both with finance and with time, deeply in their project. If you just need a copyeditor, don't go for this. If you're a career self-publisher or looking to query agents, take a look at the novel bundle!