I offer four kinds of editing, each of which can best help manuscripts at different stages of completion: Editorial Assessment; Developmental Editing, also called Structural Editing; Line Editing; and Copy Editing.
Editorial Assessment
Broad notes on the manuscript’s current state and potential changes.
This style of editing is most focused on evaluating your manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses. It includes recommendations for potential changes to improve the current structure and story lines.
An editorial assessment can be a great help in deciding whether your manuscript is ready for more intensive stages of editing. It also provides some perspective on how well your story will connect with your intended audience and genre.
Deliverables
A document, independent of the manuscript itself, containing overarching notes on the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript, as well as broad recommendations. This is sometimes called a “review letter” or “revision letter”. Typically 10-25 double-spaced pages, depending on manuscript length and the extent of my recommendations.
An editorial assessment should take about 4-8 weeks to complete, varying based on word count and story complexity. We can figure out a more concrete timeline once I’ve seen your manuscript.
Price
$0.015/Word
Developmental Editing
Editing at the story and structure level.
This style of editing works though a manuscript in its earlier stages, providing substantive in-manuscript notes towards making the plot as engaging as possible, restructuring or modifying scenes, refining character arcs, and evaluating the general flow of tension.
Developmental Editing is typically early in the editing process, after the first or second draft. If you’re looking for advice on how to improve narrative beats and reader engagement with the story itself, consider this kind of editing as your next step.
Deliverables
Numerous in-manuscript notes provided through a word processor’s track changes function, including recommendations on structural/story changes down to the scene level.
A document, independent of the manuscript itself, containing overarching notes and reference points to the recommendations within the manuscript. Typically 8-20 double-spaced pages, depending on manuscript length and the extent of my recommendations.
Developmental editing should take about 8-12 weeks to complete, varying based on word count and story complexity. We can figure out a more concrete timeline once I’ve seen your manuscript.
Price
$0.04/Word
Line Editing
Editing at the sentence, paragraph and scene level.
This style of editing addresses the manuscript’s prose and dialogue, focusing on word choice, clarity, sentence flow, and whether each line contributes to the scene around it, while maintaining the unique author voice.
Line editing typically comes after developmental editing, as any changes made to line-by-line details will necessarily have to be reevaluated if major structural changes are made afterwards. If you’re happy with the shape of your manuscript, consider line editing to make the writing craft as effective as possible.
Deliverables
A document of the full manuscript, marked with edits, comments, and recommendations through a track changes function. May include broader notes about stylistic choices, if they would be useful.
Line editing should take about 8-12 weeks to complete, varying based on word count and prose style. We can figure out a more concrete timeline once I’ve seen your manuscript.
Price
$0.03/Word
Copy Editing
Editing at the sentence and paragraph level.
This style of editing addresses the manuscript’s prose and dialogue, focusing on consistency, grammar, and any awkward wording, without interfering with your unique author voice.
Copy editing typically comes after line editing, as it addresses the mechanical side of writing more so than the stylistic. This is the polishing step, once you’re happy with the creative side of the manuscript.
Deliverables
A document of the full manuscript, marked with edits and comments through a track changes function.
Line editing should take about 6-10 weeks to complete, varying based on word count and prose style. We can figure out a more concrete timeline once I’ve seen your manuscript.
Price
$0.025/Word
Testimonials
“Scott is always a pleasure to work with. From short stories to novels, fiction or non-fiction, he always treats every project with care and thoughtfulness. A gentle and professional touch that is sure to improve any work.” – David Beaumier, head of Author Outreach at Chanticleer Reviews & Media
“This editorial was absolutely amazing and gets our highest praise. It was thorough, thoughtful, succinct, inspiring, and really helpful in seeing things that were done well and things that can be improved in the manuscript. The execution of delivering these details was set with a very supportive tone as well. In addition, it was really helpful to see clearly areas that can be expanded on. These reasons referenced the specific instances in the story and were also clearly laid out, making revision that much easier.” – Isis Guernsey, fantasy author
“[…] He was so detailed with his comments on how I might improve the book. I will follow every suggestion to the best of my ability.” – Susan Barney, mystery author
“S. Taylor did an excellent job pointing out flaws and issues to tighten up in my story. This was exactly what I was looking for and will be implementing all the suggestions. I will highly recommend your services to all of my fellow authors in the future.” – Brent Golembiewski, sci-fi author
“It’s so detailed and very much what I was hoping for. Scott’s specifics about moving content and clarity are spot on. I knew it needed structural improvements but I was too close to do it.” – Sheridan Genrich, author of DNA Powered Health
Commitment to Human Work
As a writer and editor, I have never used nor ever will use Generative AI. I don’t believe Generative AI should have any place at all in creative fields. Please don’t query me about working on any writing generated or previously modified by AI.
Scott Taylor Editing 