Service Inclusions & Terms

Not sure what service you need? Have further questions? Wanting a sample?

Genres Accepted

Developmental Editing: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance (all sub-genres, including erotic), Urban Fantasy, Romantasy, Contemporary Fiction, Historical Fiction. I work with Young Adult and Adult. I am LGBTQ+ friendly.
Copy Editing: I accept all genres except horror for copy editing. I will copy edit non-fiction on a case-by-case basis.

I do not edit poetry or horror.

I reserve the right to decline services for any reason, regardless of genre.

Types of Editing

Editorial Assessments

An Editorial Assessment is a light / high-level story and content review. Feedback is broken down into technical craft and story-specific areas. I return a manuscript with comments in the margins and an editorial letter. If you're still learning craft, this is probably the best option.

Developmental Editing

A Developmental Edit is a detailed and thorough story content and craft review. It includes overall remarks and individual chapter/scene remarks where applicable. I return a manuscript with comments in the margins and an editorial letter.

Copy Editing

A Copy Edit addresses spelling, usage, capitalization, consistency, and fact-checking (where applicable). While it is not a full line edit, I will include light line edits if necessary.

I use Chicago Manual of Style for most style settings and Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, primarily. I will default to Americanization unless otherwise requested.

I return the copy edited manuscript with track changes intact, a style guide, and a proper names document.

Line Editing

Line Editing is the process of addressing wordiness and clunky phrasing. I also handle second-language conversions/language smoothing.

Proofreading

Proofreading is a last pass error check, designed to follow copy edits, and does not substitute for any above-listed service.

I will only proofread works I have edited in some fashion or works that will include a full style sheet, thus illustrating copy editing has been performed.

Query Packages

A Query Package includes assistance in developing a query letter for traditional publishing, a short and long synopsis, and a thorough copy edit of the first fifty (50) pages of the manuscript. I also work with you on assessing your agent-selection process. I do not offer opinions on industry professionals, and will not select them for you, but I will review to insure you're starting on the correct foot. I also provide any tips and tricks that are useful to your individual situation.

Editing Passes

An editing pass is the thorough reading, evaluation, and related commentary or markups that are made for the service selected. I perform one editing pass per service selected. Additional passes may be woven into a custom package depending on manuscript needs.

Turnaround

Turnaround time is the time the manuscript is projected to be returned to you. This varies between projects, but will be projected prior to any finalized agreement. Generally, I need a minimum of two weeks to evaluate 100K.

I can work with hard deadlines, but need appropriate lead time.

Sample Edits

I am willing to provide a sample edit of the first chapter, or first 2500 words, on request. The sample will be edited according to the type of service requested. The sample should be considered just that -- a sample -- and may or may not contain the work's full needs.

I reserve the right to not provide a sample edit for any reason.

File Types

When the time comes to submit files for editing, I accept .DOC, .DOCX or you may upload a document into Google Docs.

All work is returned, via email, in .DOCX format. If the client has uploaded a Google Doc, because Word is not in their tool set, I will upload accordingly.

Pricing

The cost for the service you want is projected in my response to your quote request. If the final manuscript exceeds the projected word count, in excess of 10K, we will execute another pricing agreement.

All pricing is in USD, and I accept payment through PayPal or Venmo.

50% is expected on the initial agreed-upon start date. 50% is expected on the agreed-upon completion date. Files will not be returned until final payment is received.

Cancellations

When you agree on a start time, you are reserving my time, which cannot be recouped on the fly because I've already blocked it out when we agreed.

Project cancellation, therefore, is subject to the following terms:

With 30 days (or more) notice, all agreements will be nullified.

Under 30 days notice, the minimum 50% at start is expected and non-refundable, unless I cancel the project, in which case it receives a full refund.

Failure to Pay

Failure to pay at the agreed upon time will result in a fee of 5% of the total project. This fee will be applied after 48 hours, and then applied on the first of every month, thereafter, until any outstanding balance is satisfied.

Communication & Abandonment

All formal communication outlining the contracted terms, such as: project needs, agreed-upon services, fees, and deadlines, will take place via email.

If a client fails to respond to my emails for thirty-days, any monies paid toward the service are forfeit, and the project is considered finished, regardless of any current stage of work.

Consultations

I enjoy discussing editing and publishing with my authors, and encourage additional consultations beyond the delivery of the files. During these times we can discuss your manuscript needs, brainstorm, and generally talk shop as much as you desire.

Consultations are offered only for manuscripts I have edited in some fashion. They are available via telephone or Zoom.

Consultations must be scheduled in advance. Short texts may be sent; contact information will be provided on delivery of edited files.

Rights Granted

I retain zero right to your work.

I do retain the right to 'brag' about your work and display your author name, book title, book cover, positive reviews, or other promo information in my portfolio.

I also reserve the right to share editorial remarks made as examples, without revealing your name, author name, book title, or any other information that would be considered confidential.

Guarantees

I do not make any guarantees, as myself, my author name, or as Novel Refinery, regarding sales, reviews, acquisition, or any other results after delivering the edited files.

The publishing standard for errors is 95%, and editing is a human job; it is never 100% error-free. I do not guarantee a work will be error-free and strive for the industry standard.

Contractual Agreement

For your protection and mine:

The work we agree to will be fully outlined in a contract, issued via email, and mutually agreed upon. This contract is legally binding and subject to any/all actions if breeched.

No work will be started, and no scheduled start date will be reserved, until receipt of the signed contract.

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Claire's insights into my novel helped me identify areas needing improvement--what was working, and what wasn't--allowing me to polish my novel and take it to the next level. Knowledgeable and easy to work with. I would recommend her to anyone.
National bestselling author and Hugo-nominated editor Bryan Thomas Schmidt (Davi Rhii, John Simon, Fox's Predator)
Claire was a breath of fresh air, giving me honest, unvarnished -- but very constructive -- feedback! I'm confident I'll be able to make the project better because of her work :)
Derek R.
She takes the effort to guide the writer through the process and produces high-quality work. A pleasure to work with and highly recommended!
Dan M.
In every project we've worked on together, she has consistently shown professionalism, efficiency, and patience;-) Most importantly, she is very detail-oriented, which is crucial for me.
Michael B.
Her insights into narrative structure and character development were invaluable, enhancing my manuscript while respecting my original vision.
Saima I
Claire was great to work with. She has a positive attitude and communication style. She also has an amazing eye for detail. Thanks, Claire!
Steve M
Claire is fantastic. VERY supportive and helpful. Working with her has helped me become a much better writer.
Deborah W.
Claire was wonderful to work with and made my first experience with this sort of thing a breeze. I feel like I have learned so much through working with her!
Katrina C.
Her critique was constructive and encouraging, and she clearly has the background to address problems at both technical and developmental levels.
Mark M
Very detailed in her feed back. Gave examples for me to follow to improve my novel.
Adrena J
Claire is friendly, communicative and efficient. I also appreciated that my voice/style of writing wasn't altered in the editing process.
Alexa C
Claire gave me a very helpful, constructive critique. I appreciate her encouragement and wisdom when it comes to writing scenes that move the story forward.
Abby G
Claire was great to work with. She is thorough in her approach, responsive, and professional. She exceeded my expectations!
Kendall M
Working with Claire was just what I needed. She manages to mix a perfect blend of encouragement and feedback in her editing.
Deena B.
She truly goes above and beyond the call of duty, not to mention a very thorough copy edit.
Chris B.
Hire Claire immediately if you want someone who will challenge you and bring the best out of you and your story. She's amazing.
Lamar G.
Claire's work is phenomenal! You will receive quality editorial services and supreme kindness! Her professionalism is excellent, and her turnaround time is surprisingly quick.
Sheila B.
I found her very easy to communicate with, and her project turnaround time was unreal!
Angela S.
Claire, you did a great job copy editing a massive and complicated science fiction novel for me, and you did it under an insane deadline with grace and aplomb.
Patrick C.
She was prompt and professional. Her speed also allowed me to move my release time table up significantly which is a huge bonus!
Nathan A.
She submitted a very thorough editorial letter with excellent suggestions of how I could improve my overall story, character building, themes, and even did some copy editing. She is well-versed with what the industry is looking for, and as a new author, I greatly needed this education.
Denise B.
Claire made me feel at ease the minute I started working with her. She is exceedingly refreshing, professional and encouraging to be around and I am so looking forward to working with her again in the future!
Ada A.
Not only a thorough developmental review, but a long editorial letter filled with teaching moments. Her work has already improved my writing style and should power my book to the next phase.
Diana M.