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Editing & Proofreading Services

and more...

We realize that getting a book from concept to published requires a lot of hard work.
Our services will help you move from a finished manuscript to a published book.

Developmental Evaluation

Budget-friendly big picture

You know your manuscript needs a little assistance. Perhaps your plot and characters got out of hand while you were writing, and you aren't sure what should change and what should stay.

If you need guidance to sort out some kinks in your manuscript, this option may be what you need.

With a developmental evaluation, you will receive a report on what your manuscript excels at and where it could use some attention. The editor will look at structure, storyline, and other elements while keeping your reader in mind at all times.

This service will not look at sentence-level errors or grammar. Some comments will be in the margins, but nothing will be edited within the manuscript itself.

Starts at $0.015 per word

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Developmental Edit

In-depth big picture

If you know your manuscript needs developmental work and are ready for a true edit instead of a detailed report, this service is for you.

This editing step will strengthen your manuscript and help keep your readers engaged. If you already worked with beta readers who were less than thrilled about some parts of the manuscript, this service will help sort out those issues.

The developmental edit focuses on the big-picture elements in your manuscript, such as world-building, pacing, showing vs. telling, dialogue, and other relevant elements. Your editor will dive deep into the manuscript and suggest edits such as adding, cutting, rearranging, or modifying scenes, chapters, or other parts of the story.

Starts at $0.035 per word

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Beta Reader

Trusted, impartial reader

Whenever you use beta readers, your manuscript has a chance to improve. Whether you seek beta readers before or after developmental edits is a matter of personal preference. Some authors may wish to use beta readers after line and copyedits if the manuscript required extensive edits.

Hiring a beta reader makes sense when you are a new author, are starting a new pen name, already exhausted your network of beta readers and need another read-through, or need a professional and reliable source of critique.

No matter your reasons, we can provide up to 3 beta readers. And no matter how many readers you require, you will receive one cohesive report.

$3 per 1,000 words per reader

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Line Edit + Copyedit

Smooth edges and grammar

If you are an established author who frequently only needs line editing and copyediting, you might prefer this combo service.

Alternatively, if your manuscript has been through developmental editing and beta readers say it sounds great, you might find this service suitable.

The line edit + copyeditng service concurrently tackles sentences and grammar. If you need separate passes due to anticipated extensive editing, book the services separately. For an additional pass after your edits are complete, you can book an additional pass or proofread.

If your manuscript needs more detailed work on sentence-level clarity and flow, you should look at stand-alone line editing. And if you aren't known for your stellar grammar skills, you might need stand-alone copyediting.

Starts at $0.035 per word

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Line Edit

Smooth out the rough edges

Once you are content with your overall story and characters, it might be time for a line edit. If you read your manuscript aloud and frequently stumble over your sentences, that is a good indication you need a line edit.

The line edit looks at flow, tone, voice, pacing, and other sentence-level issues. Along with a developmental edit, a line edit will help keep your readers engaged.

Grammar is not focused on during the line edit. While grammar is part of a sentence, the focus here is on how the sentence is constructed within the manuscript, not mechanics.

If you need light line editing and light grammar work, consider booking the combo service. For grammar corrections, book the copyedit service.

Starts at $0.03 per word

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Copyedit

In-depth grammar

Once your manuscript flows wonderfully, it's time to clear up those pesky grammar and mechanics issues. If you don't notice any errors, you might want to book a sample edit just in case. Your readers will most likely find every grammar error and point them out in your reviews.

The copyedit focuses on spelling, punctuation, grammar, and any other issues with mechanics. If any clarity issues remain, they will be addressed, but if you need more help with sentences overall, a line edit would be a great place to start.

The editor takes your manuscript's overall style and voice into consideration when suggesting changes. This isn't like your high school English class, and some rules are allowed to be broken.

Starts at $0.02 per word

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Proofread

Final pass before publishing

When your manuscript has received several rounds of editing, it is time to get rid of any remaining issues before publishing. The proofread can be performed on the final print-ready copy or within your finished document.

This service checks for glaring grammar problems, inconsistencies, spelling errors, and any formatting issues that should be corrected within your manuscript. The proofread also checks your front and back matter.

A proofread provides a quality check for your finished novel and only corrects serious issues. If you need a light check but more than a proofread, consider booking the minimalist bundle.

Starts at $0.01 per word

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Sample Edit

Up to 3000 words edited

This service is suitable for authors who are new to Periwinkle Square. If you are not convinced by now that we are perfect for each other, you should book a sample edit. In fact, even if you are certain we will be an excellent fit for your manuscript, you should still book a sample edit. The author-editor relationship is important for a successful editing experience, and you should definitely get a preview of what we can offer you.

With this service, you will receive a sample of what we would provide an author for their whole manuscript. We only offer a sample edit for the Line Edit, Copyedit, and Proofreading services. Developmental services look at the manuscript as a whole.

Authors who have used Periwinkle Square before are able to book services without booking a separate sample edit first.

We charge a low fee for the sample edit because we believe all people should receive payment for their work. The sample edit is actual work from an actual editor. As such, the editor will receive compensation. You will receive a credit for this service should you choose to book editing services with Periwinkle Square.

$30 per 1000 words

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2024 Specials

Starving Author Bundle

Developmental Evaluation + Line Edit + Copyedit + Proofread

You might find this bundle intriguing if you are a newer author with a tiny budget. The timeline for this bundle starts at as little as 3 months from start to finish, not to exceed 6 months. The bundle is paid off monthly as we work through the editing process. You will pay a booking fee followed by equal monthly payments. Full payment is due before proofreading begins.

The full timeline includes the bundled services and your revisions. If you do not have time to complete edits and revisions in a timely manner, you should book each service separately.

First, your manuscript receives a developmental evaluation.

After you complete edits and revisions, your manuscript will receive a line edit + copyedit. This edit will focus on the overall flow of the prose and grammar mistakes that are unforgivable in most readers' eyes and point out frequent errors.

The last step is a proofread once your edits are complete.

Starts at $0.035 per word

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Year of the Dragon Special

It's your book's lucky year.

Not everyone has the patience to scroll this far. And for that, you get rewarded.

2024 is the Year of the Dragon, and those born this year are destined for greatness and good fortune. Since your book is like your baby, we consider it a dragon. And in honor of your book being a dragon, we are keeping a spot free each month for last-minute bookings.

Here's how it works:

Bookings open on the first of the month for the following month. Check now to reserve your spot next month. If the spot is already filled, you have the option to be added to the waitlist when you book a later month. If no one claims the following month, you're first!


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Waitlist

When time is of the essence.

Sometimes editing sneaks up on an author. To help ease your stress, we have a waitlist.

You will be assigned a date on our calendar, and if any new date opens up, you will be notified and given the option to move to the earlier date.


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