Great work doesn't happen with inspiration only. It comes from constant, often tedious and deliberate effort. If you have ever received a form letter rejection slip or checklist of why your manuscript is not "suitable", but still wonder what specific changes should be made, then consider submitting your manuscript to an independent reviewer for a complete literary evaluation. My specialty is mainstream fiction by beginning and intermediate writers.

I cannot guarantee that having your book content edited will produce the next best seller, however, I can guarantee that a second set of eyes will produce a tighter more coherent story. Please note that my suggestions and recommendations are just that. You may disregard or adopt these changes as you see fit.

I aim for a 2 to 4 week turnaround, depending on the complexity of the manuscript and my current workload. I will e-mail a finish date once I start your project. Keep in mind, I only accept those manuscripts that I feel will benefit from my services.

Sample Edit Offer: (so you can be sure) I will edit free of charge the first five pages of your manuscript (this does not apply to short stories) and send a brief critique. This allows you a glimpse into my editing process while indicating to me the needed changes. Please include an appropriate self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of your sample.

Format: Please submit all manuscripts and samples using Times Roman or Courier 12-point font on 8 1/2" x 11" white paper. Text must be double spaced, with a 1 1/2-inch margin top, bottom, left, and right. Print only on one side of the paper, and number your pages consecutively. Do not send your only copy.

The final, comprehensive critique will include a general overview and evaluation of the following:

1. Opening: Do the first few sentences of the story grab the reader? Do they present the protagonist's main problem?
2. Conflict: Is there emotional conflict within the main character? Between the main characters? Are there too many or not enough conflicts? Do the conflicts transform the characters?
3. Plot: Was the plot clear and believable? Does it soar or flop? Did the main character have a clearly defined problem to solve, and did he solve it by the end? Did the story start and end at the right place in the plot? Did every subplot add to the overall story? Did they move fast enough?
4. Setting: Is there enough description of the background of the story? Is it grounded and clear? Are the descriptions written with cliches? Were the names of the characters hard to keep track of?
5. Characterization: Did the people seem real? Are they credible? Was there a good picture of the culture, historical period, location and occupations of the characters? Did the protagonist undergo a change in the story?
6. Dialogue: Is it over or under-written? Is it natural? Does it reveal character traits? Does it move the story forward? Does it flow or flounder?
7. Point of View: Is the story written from one person's point of view? Is it consistent? Are there too many points of view?
8. Show versus tell
9. Minor grammar and punctuation (my main concern is the commerciality of the story and not to fix major grammatical problems).
10. Pace: Does it move the story appropriately?
11. Format: Is it up to industry standards.

I cannot guarantee my editing suggestions will result in representation by an agent or publication by a publisher.

Rates:

For an in-depth, detailed story analysis, my per page rate is $1.25.

Submission package evaluation: If you're ready to submit and want a second (or third) opinion, I will analyze the first 40 pages of the manuscript and the query letter, and give you my impressions as well as any suggestions for improvement. $45.00

Query letter tune-up: I will evaluate content/grammar/tenses/impact/marketability. $12 plus a self addressed stamped envelope for the return of the query letter.

Short stories fewer than 7500 words. Per page rate - $2.25 (minimum $10)

Payment terms: Entire payment up front for quickest turnaround time. I also offer a 50-50 payment plan for the story analysis. 50% at the start of the project, after which, I will send the first half of the edited manuscript back to you, along with a critique. This will give you a chance to decide if you wish to continue with my services. The balance is due upon completion of the work. Payment by check, cashiers' check, money order.

Upon signing the work agreement, you will have access to my home telephone number and available hours should you have any questions or concerns. All questions sent e-mail will be answered within twenty-four hours--guaranteed.