LCS EDITORIAL SERVICES
What does an editor do and why do you need one?
Have you ever asked a friend to go shopping with you, asked a colleague to read an email before you hit send, or questioned someone’s sanity after seeing a Facebook post? A good editor is that sensible friend we all need, the one who can tell you if your butt looks big in those jeans, if you're risking your job by sending that furious email, or urge you to delete that drunk post before your ex sees it.
An editor will help you highlight your strengths as a writer and root out any weaknesses in plotting, characterization, and continuity, while also tidying up your grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Behind the scenes, your editor is looking at your hard work and advising you about how to put the final polish on it. An editor can be a collaborator, taskmaster, or cheerleader to help you turn your finished manuscript into a commercially viable novel, one that readers will pay money to read… and come back for your next book, too!
EDITING SERVICES
Different services? Yes.
Different quality of service? No.
Whether you're a veteran writer looking for a fresh editorial eye or a debut author looking for experienced editing, I will give you and your book the thoughtful and careful attention that you deserve.
DEVELOPMENTAL EDIT
A review of your work-in-progress and editorial notes for suggested revisions.
Not sure if you're on the right track? Stuck with a plot that stopped making sense? Written your characters into a corner and not sure where to go next? You may be looking for a developmental edit, a review of your manuscript with editorial notes identifying where you’re going strong and where you’ve gone off track along with suggestions for revision. This service does not include a line edit of the manuscript. After you have received the editorial notes, I am always happy to get on a call to review the notes and talk through your planned revisions. The fee for a developmental edit varies depending on the word count but is typically between $1000 and $1750.
FULL EDIT
Editorial notes and line edits of a complete manuscript.
The manuscript is finished and you want to self-publish or maybe get the interest of an agent or traditional publishing house. Either way, you want to make sure that your manuscript is cleaned up before you show it to anyone else. And, let’s be honest, finishing the manuscript is just the first step. Now you need to edit and revise and sometimes revise again. At this stage, you may be looking for a line edit to correct basic mechanics (spelling, grammar, and punctuation). More importantly you need an editor who will tell you what is working in the book (are your jokes getting a laugh, are the emotional parts bringing tears to the eye, are hearts skipping a beat at the frightening and suspenseful moments?)  and you need help to find the flaws that your eye—entirely too familiar with what you meant to say—might miss. This service includes a full line edit and accompanying editorial letter highlighting areas that need work and suggestions for how to approach recommended revisions. After the edit is complete and you have reviewed the edits and suggested changes, I'm available for a call to talk through your planned revisions. The fee for a full edit varies depending on word count but is typically between $1250 and $2000.
SECOND READ
A quick double check that everything is okay.
Sometimes you want to have something read again, to make sure the changes you made are seamless and the final story is tight and clean. This service is for a second read of a revised manuscript to review the changes and make recommendations for further revision if needed. This service does not include a line edit of the manuscript.  The fee for a second read is typically $500.
SOMETHING ELSE?
One size does not fit all.
Not sure what you want or you want something but don’t see it listed here? Give me a call or send an email and let’s talk about your book and your needs.  Fees vary depending on just what sort of editing services you need, but a consultation call doesn't cost a thing.
DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT
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I think it must be hard to pick an editor! You want to hire someone who likes your writing and can laugh and cry and cheer through your book but who will also find the flaws and mistakes and help you to improve not only this manuscript but your craft as a whole.
I've worked with so many wonderfully talented writers and I have found that new authors and veterans alike get a bit nervous when they send their manuscripts to be edited. On top of asking for someone tell you what is working and what isn't quite right yet, you also want to make sure you get real value for your money.
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I am always happy to get on a call to meet and answer questions before an author decides to hire me. It's a big decision! But maybe it would help you to see what some other authors have said about working with me? Here are a few endorsements from authors I've worked with over the years.
WHO IS LAURA CIFELLI?
I worked in publishing for 20 years in New York City, first as an associate literary agent with Richard Curtis Associates where I represented writers of fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and romance. Later, I was an editor at several publishing houses (Dell, HarperCollins, and NAL, a division of Penguin Books), where my focus remained on commercial fiction and non-fiction, including New York Times bestselling authors Sherrilyn Kenyon, Katie MacAlister, JoAnn Ross, Karen Rose, Bertrice Small, and Virginia Henley. Over the years, my list included suspense and mystery, historical fiction and historical romance, erotica, contemporary fiction and contemporary romance, new adult fiction, and paranormal romances. I have discovered and developed debut authors, I have edited books that became bestsellers, and I have worked with writers struggling to break out of the pack. As a freelance editor I am working with some of the most dedicated and innovative authors in the business.
CONTACT
Deciding to hire an editor is a big step and I'm sure you have questions. Email or call and I'll be happy to talk with you about your book and what you want from an editor. And of course you want to talk about how much this will cost! The price will vary depending on the length of your manuscript and the type of service you're interested in. Get in touch with me and we can go over the fees and you can get to know me a bit before you make a decision.