Editing

Editorial Services

It’s important when writing a manuscript to have another person look it over to ensure it is grammatically correct and easily readable. From novels to research papers, any piece of writing can be made better with a little editing. I offer several different services and can help you figure out which one would be best for your needs depending on factors such as how many drafts you’ve written, whether the piece has been edited before, and how quickly you need the critique finished.

I offer three different services: proofreading, copy editing, and beta reading. For proofreading and copy editing, I will track the changes I make in the document so the author can review them. For beta reading, I will write a report detailing the strengths of the piece, discussing areas that could use further revision, and answering any specific questions the author has about their work.

Before starting any project, I can provide a sample by reviewing the beginning of a manuscript, up to 2000 words. Payment is handled through Paypal with half required as a deposit before editing begins and the remainder due upon completion.

Proofreading

A proofreading of a work is performed after all major revisions have been completed to ensure a manuscript is ready to be published. Proofreading includes looking for the following:

  • Spelling mistakes
  • Errors in grammar or punctuation
  • Words that are missing or used incorrectly

Rates for proofreading are $0.003 per word with a minimum charge of $30.

Copy Editing

Copy editing is performed earlier in the revision process, usually after a draft of the manuscript has been completed. Along with all the benefits of a proofreading, copy editing also includes looking for the following:

  • Inconsistencies in names, locations, character descriptions, etc.
  • Awkward phrasing
  • Holes or confusing developments in the plot
  • Overuse of words or phrases

Rates for copy editing are $0.005 per word with a minimum charge of $50.

Beta Reading

A beta reading is performed to get feedback on the general quality of a manuscript and is less involved than the other forms of editing. It looks at the overall state of the manuscript with attention to the following:

  • Understandability and believability of the plot
  • Development of the characters
  • Pacing of the story
  • Opinion of the piece as a whole

Rates for beta reading are $0.001 per word with a minimum charge of $10.

Testimonials

As an author of science fiction, I have worked with Adam Horne on three books. Our collaborations have been marked by work done in a professional, courteous, and timely fashion. As an editor, Adam is excellent at making corrections and suggestions while still appreciating that I am the author. He works with me and not against me, and I appreciate that. His feedback has definitely made me a better writer. I’m just hoping he has time to work with me on book number four…

— J. Alan Field, Author of the Starhold Series

Adam is an editor who puts in the effort to help make the author’s story or novel compelling. He does this through honest and concise feedback on the essentials of story structure from idea to concept to premise. As an author himself he is keenly aware what readers expect and has proven this with a number one Amazon best seller. He has a comprehensive understanding of the writing process from inception to publication. Although he doesn’t write in my genre, his input on my latest novel Aunjel, the last in a three-part historical book series, was invaluable. He’s a professional editor who takes a personal interest in making the author’s work shine. It was a definite pleasure to work with him.

— Patricia Hopper, Author of Kilpara and Corrib Red

Adam recently edited a novel of mine. His edits were completed in a timely fashion. He gave his “big picture’ thoughts at the end of each chapter and provided insightful questions and suggestions as well as where he, as the reader, felt the story was going, which I found very helpful when revising the overall plot. He also showed solid grammatical knowledge and a keen eye when copy editing throughout each chapter. Most of his edits were done via comment instead of line editing, except when it was obvious I had misspelled/left out a word. I felt this was done out of respect for me as the author of the story and greatly appreciated it.

— Jenna Lapointe, Author of We Could Be, winner of the 2018 West Virginia Writer’s Contest for Book Length Prose

I have experience writing on a graduate level; however, my grammar has always been a drawback. Adam assisted me with editing my thesis. He was a godsend. He demonstrated great communication throughout the process and strived to help me succeed.

— Melissa Turner, Master’s Thesis in Integrated Marketing Communications

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