As an editor, my mission is to preserve the author’s voice above all else. I view myself as a collaborative partner, committed to bringing an author’s story to the next level while staying true to their creative vision. Key areas of focus for me are world building, character development, plotting, and enhancing the emotional depth of each story.
Below you will find a list of the most common services available through Lauren Smulski Literary. Though I specialize in fantasy, science fiction, romance, and young adult, I have the skills and expertise to polish any creative project you have in mind, and offer customized services if you require something outside of the list below. Simply drop me a line via my contact page to see how I can help you!
For all full manuscript services, a complimentary two-page sample edit can be provided upon request to ensure a good editor/client fit. Turnaround times vary by project and requested level of service, but for most full-manuscript services, a timeline of four weeks from when I receive your material is standard. In some cases, rush service may be available for an additional fee.
After the level of service and completion date have been mutually agreed upon, payment may be made in full up front or broken into two installments (50% due up front, 50% due upon completion of the work), depending on the client’s preference. Alternate payment arrangements may be possible for referrals, returning clients, or by special request.
I am currently booking into April/May 2022 and beyond. Contact me today to reserve your spot!
MANUSCRIPT CONSULTATION: $400 Flat Rate for up to 50,000 words; $50/10,000 words thereafter (rounded up to the nearest 10,000 words)
Are you a brand-new author seeking some basic feedback on your manuscript, without the higher price tag of more in-depth editing? Or maybe you’re frustrated by the struggle to find knowledgeable beta readers and/or critique partners who are willing to commit? If this sounds familiar, then a Manuscript Consultation might be the perfect fit for you! I’ll carefully read through your manuscript, then provide verbal feedback and brainstorming support during a one-hour consultation call. Additional consultation time may be scheduled at a rate of $50/hour, to be billed in 15-minute increments.
MANUSCRIPT ASSESSMENT: $0.02 per word
A Manuscript Assessment is a broad-strokes review of your manuscript that provides insights into the overall structure and story. I’ll carefully read through your manuscript and provide an editorial letter that outlines my suggestions for big-picture revisions.
DEVELOPMENTAL EDIT: $0.04 per word
A Developmental Edit digs deeper than a Manuscript Assessment, getting down to the roots of your story, fleshing out characters, plot, pacing, world building, and continuity. I’ll provide you with both an editorial letter that addresses big-picture issues as well as notes throughout the document itself (using track changes), suggesting improvements and fixes. Availability for this service is extremely limited at this time.
LINE EDIT: $0.03 per word
A Line Edit is the most detailed review of your manuscript, involving a line-by-line edit that focuses on diction, flow, clarity, continuity, phrasing, repetition, and other issues with regards to style, structure, and voice. This is achieved via a combination of suggested changes to the text and comments in the margins (via track changes).
COMBINED DEVELOPMENTAL & LINE-EDIT: $0.05 per word
For a discounted rate, this combination package is where the in-depth analysis of a Developmental Edit joins forces with the nitty-gritty scrutiny of a Line Edit to give your project all the polish it needs to shine. Availability for this service is extremely limited at this time.
COPYEDIT: $0.025 per word
A Copyedit addresses errors on a very technical level, to make sure the writing that appears on the page is in accordance with industry standards (i.e., The Chicago Manual of Style). This type of edit will correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax errors as well as ensure consistency throughout your manuscript. This is achieved via a combination of suggested changes to the text and comments in the margins (via track changes).
PROOFREAD: $0.02 per word
A Proofread is the final polish of your manuscript, designed to catch any remaining spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors or consistency issues that may have been overlooked earlier in the editing process. All editorial corrections will adhere to the style rules outlined in The Chicago Manual of Style and will be spell-checked against Merriam-Webster, unless the author indicates another preference.
CUSTOM WORK: Rates vary by project
Have a project other than a manuscript that needs editing? Or perhaps you only want help with a few trouble chapters or need a final proofread before you send your book out into the world? Whatever it may be, I’m eager to work with you to determine the right level of service for your project. See below for a sample list of additional services I offer, and contact me today for a custom quote!
- Query packaging (polishing/critiquing query letter & sample chapters)
- World building bible brainstorming/consultation
- Plot outlining/book doctoring
- Editing and proofreading of author newsletters, websites, and other content
- Author website content consultation
- Phone consultations to discuss trends, comps, positioning, pitching, etc.
- Americanization of translated works and/or works previously published in the British Commonwealth
- Blurb copywriting
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