FAQs
Why did you start Richmond Editorial Service?
Since retiring from my editorial career in Manhattan and moving to Richmond full time, I find that I miss doing what I’m best at: helping writers turn good writing into great writing.
Why do you always do comprehensive editing?
I’ve yet to meet a manuscript that couldn’t benefit from it. There is no point to copyediting and proofreading a piece of writing that would benefit from substantial structural, narrative, and stylistic changes (development editing and line editing). Those issues must be addressed up front by the editor, usually in conjunction with the writer. Polishing and proofing are essential, but secondary.
What do you expect from me as a writer?
I expect you to have taken your manuscript as far as you can take it on your own and to have the desire to make it better. During the development phase, revisions on your part — for example, providing missing information, additional dialogue, exposition, character development, or even new scenes, sections, or chapters — may be recommended. Restructuring a piece to better achieve your aims is often a part of the process.
What kind of writing are you qualified to edit?
Pretty much any kind of fiction or non-fiction with the exception of academic papers and work that requires specialized knowledge. My own areas of specialized knowledge include fine arts, music, finance, literature, boats, architectural restoration, and lots of useless ephemera. Just ask!
Is Richmond Editorial Service a good deal?
The Editorial Freelancers Association compiles and reports the median costs for various kinds of professional editing. For fiction and nonfiction, those costs are:
Development Editing — 3 to 5 cents per word
Line Editing — 4 to 5 cents per word
Copyediting — 2 to 4 cents per word
Proofreading — 2 to 3 cents per word
The cost to hire all of these editorial services for your manuscript would be 11 to 17 cents per word. Richmond Editorial Service provides them all for the single rate of 8 cents per word.