Right. So I'm a former in-house Harlequin editor and recipient of the RWA's Best Editor award, which isn't to say I won't edit a literary novel. Hey, I've acquired short fiction by Patrick DeWitt! (While on a contract position for McGraw-Hill Ryerson.) In fact, I've evaluated and edited manuscripts across all genres for publishing companies, book packagers, and aspiring and published writers. I'm also the published author of two Harlequin novels and two Penguin young adult novels. The latter were optioned for television by Fresh Entertainment. And I've taught writing at George Brown College (romance) and Centennial College (children's). I am currently working on a short story collection. For information on periodic editing service sales, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter at http://bevkatzrosenbaum.com/.
A BKR critique/developmental edit/substantive edit gives you a detailed evaluation of your manuscript, focusing on substantive elements such as plot, structure, character, conflict, voice and theme. No worries, I also suggest methods of fixing said problems. A multi-page report is sent via e-mail within two to four weeks of manuscript receipt. There's no need to schedule with me in advance. The following charges apply (Canadians, please add 13% HST):
Partial manuscripts (three chapters) or short stories: $150.00
Novellas up to 30,000 words: $175.00
Complete manuscripts up to 70,000 words: $250.00
Complete manuscripts between 70,000 words and 100,000 words: $350.00
Complete manuscripts between 100,000 words and 120,000 words: $450.00
Evaluation of revised material at half the original fee (there is no time limit on this offer)
You can include a query letter and/or a synopsis (under five pages) and/or a blurb with your submission at no extra charge. Yes, I'm that nice. E-mail the whole kit and kaboodle to and send your payment via PayPal, citing that same e-mail address. I'll have to confirm payment before reading. (No offense.) At that point, I'll send you an invoice marked 'Paid in full'. Your manuscript must be submitted in Microsoft Word as an attachment, and your query letter and/or synopsis and/or blurb have to be sent at the same time as your manuscript, or I will become very, very confused. And for God's sake, please double space your manuscripts and number your pages.
I can recommend several experienced copy editors when you are ready. (Writers, please don't make the mistake of thinking you just need a 'cleanup' without doing the more important big-picture work beforehand!)
Please note that I do not offer sample edits, due to the level of my experience, my low fees, my busy schedule, and the fact that sample edits lend themselves more to copy edits than substantive edits.
Testimonials (just a few out of hundreds!)
"So grateful for your expert editorial skills, encouragement, and quick turnaround. Highly recommend!"
-Lindy DeKoven, former NBC VP and author of Primetime Princess (Amazon, women's fiction)
"Sold to Mira in a 3-book deal! Thanks for all your help - your feedback was invaluable!"
-Stephanie Chong, author of Where Demons Fear to Tread (Mira, paranormal)
"Bev, you have an uncanny knack for seeing exactly what a manuscript needs!"
-Kimberley Griffiths Little, author of Secret Rites of the Goddess (Scholastic, young adult)
"Bev, the manuscripts you edited for me just sold to Sourcebooks and Samhain! The editors loved them! So a big thanks to you for all your fantastic editing!"
-Sarah Castille, author of In Your Corner (Sourcebooks, romance)