Sample Edit
Finding the right editor is important. This is why I offer FREE sample edits so you can see what my editing style looks like on your own manuscript. You can see the types of in-line edits I make, how I word my comments in the margin, and the balance of constructive feedback I write with praise and support. This can be for a copyedit or a proofread. It's an opportunity to test the waters before committing to the full project. Try before you buy!
What I include
I treat a sample edit just like a full edit! This means I take two full passes through your text and look for errors in punctuation, grammar, syntax, spelling (US or UK), typos, capitalisation, repeated words, missing words, clarity, and consistency. I use the feature Track Changes on Microsoft Word to make in-line edits and to write comments or questions in the right-hand margin.
How to request one
Simply get in touch via email (craftedchapterscontact@gmail.com) or use the contact form on this site. Include your manuscript's total word count and genre, and attach your first chapter as a .docx file. I aim to return your edit within 3-5 business days.
Pricing
My sample edits are FREE. No obligations or pressure!
Beta Reading
A beta reader provides feedback on an author's manuscript from the perspective of a seasoned, dedicated reader—someone who understands storytelling and reads widely within the genre. While beta readers aren't professional developmental editors, they provide honest insight into how your story feels on the page to a real reader.
Beta reading in your editing process
For the most valuable feedback, beta reading should take place once you have a finished manuscript and have carried out one or two rounds of self-edits. It can take place either before or after developmental editing, but it's most effective before any line-level edits. The following list of editing stages demonstrates what this process may look like:
- Complete the first draft, and do self-edits.
- Share with alpha readers, and revise.
- Share with beta readers, and revise.
- Work with a developmental editor, and improve manuscript.
- Work with a line editor, and accept or reject revisions.
- Work with a copyeditor, and accept or reject revisions.
- Work with a proofreader, and accept or reject revisions.
- Publish!
My focus as your beta reader
I take one full pass through your manuscript. I use Track Changes on Microsoft Word to write all of my real-time reader reactions in the margin, as well as any questions I may have. I also write a 2–4 page overview where I explain my thoughts, list your strengths, and offer any suggestions for areas that need improvement. As I read your manuscript, I ask myself questions such as:
- Do I understand and follow the plot?
- Am I gripped by the story or am I losing interest anywhere?
- Do the opening pages make me want to keep reading?
- What is my impression of the inciting incident?
- How is the conflict between the main characters?
- Does the character description add to or distract from the story?
- Is there tension/longing/anticipation in the romance?
- Is the dialogue natural and believable?
- Is there any info dumping?
- Is the ending fulfilling?
- What are my favourite moments/scenes?
Pricing
Word Count
Pricing
Up to 50,000 words
£100
Up to 100,000 words
£150
Up to 150,000 words
£200
Up to 200,000 words
£250
The turnaround time depends on your manuscript’s length and my schedule at the time of booking. As a guide, a 100,000-word manuscript usually requires 2-4 weeks.
Copyediting
Copyediting represents a key stage in refining your manuscript. Beyond correcting grammar and punctuation, copyediting focuses on strengthening clarity, consistency, and readability so your story unfolds smoothly for your readers.
My focus as your copyeditor
As your copyeditor, I take two full passes through your manuscript, and I provide you with a style sheet at the end. I use the feature Track Changes on Microsoft Word to make in-line edits and add comments in the right-hand margin. This allows you to see every edit that I make. While reading your story, I focus on:
- Punctuation, grammar, and syntax correction
- Sentence structure and clarity improvements
- Consistency in tone, perspective, and tense
- Character, setting, and timeline consistency
- Repeated words or missing words
- Verifying factual information
- Anglicising/Americanizing (UK/US spelling)
- Adherence to the industry-standard style guide CMOS
What you receive
When I return your copyedited manuscript to you, you will receive four documents:
- your edited manuscript, with all of my edits and comments showing so you can see exactly what's changed and why
- a clean, polished manuscript with all of the revisions already accepted for easy reading
- a style sheet, which is an essential document copyeditors create during this stage to keep track of a number of details personalised to your story
- an editorial overview
Who it’s for
Copyediting is ideal for authors who have a structurally sound manuscript and are ready to strengthen the writing at a sentence level. Commas in the wrong place? Is the main character Aiden sometimes Aidan? Repeated wording? Does your timeline accidentally have six weeks in June? With a professional eye, I strengthen clarity, consistency, and flow, ensuring your story reads smoothly and cohesively from beginning to end.
Pricing
Word Count
Pricing
30,000–50,000 words
£375
50,000–70,000 words
£550
70,000–90,000 words
£725
90,000–110,000 words
£900
110,000–130,000 words
£1,075
130,000–150,000 words
£1,250
The turnaround time depends on your manuscript’s length and my schedule at the time of booking. As a guide, a 100,000-word manuscript usually requires 3–5 weeks.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final polish in the editing process before publication. It focuses on smoothing out any lingering surface-level errors that may have been missed during copyediting to ensure your manuscript is ready for your readers.
My focus as your proofreader
As your proofreader, I take two full passes through your manuscript. I use the feature Track Changes on Microsoft Word to make in-line edits and to write any queries I may have in the right-hand margin. While reading your story, I focus on catching errors in:
- typos
- spelling (US/UK)
- capitalisation
- homophones
- punctuation (especially comma and hyphenation usage and dialogue tags)
- grammar and syntax
What you receive
When I return your proofread manuscript to you, you will receive three documents:
- your edited manuscript, with all of my edits and comments showing so you can see exactly what's changed and why
- a clean, polished manuscript with all of the revisions already accepted for easy reading
- an editorial overview
Who it’s for
Proofreading is ideal for authors who have already completed developmental and copyediting rounds and are ready for a final polish before publication. A final, human, eye reading through your work is especially useful to find errors that a spellchecker may miss, such as homophones (bear and bare), or typos (form and from) or contextual errors (the sentence 'She poured over the documents all night' should be 'She pored over the documents all night').
Pricing
Word Count
Pricing
30,000–50,000 words
£210
50,000–70,000 words
£320
70,000–90,000 words
£430
90,000–110,000 words
£540
110,000–130,000 words
£650
130,000–150,000 words
£760
The turnaround time depends on your manuscript’s length and my schedule at the time of booking. As a guide, a 100,000-word manuscript usually requires 3–5 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres do you work with?
I work specialise in Romance fiction. I work with all sub-genres of Romance, but in particular: Dark, Sports, Why Choose, Mafia, Omegaverse, Paranormal, Romantasy, and Contemporary.
How long do edits or beta reads take?
Timelines are scheduled based on the manuscript's word count and my availability at the time of booking. On average, a 100,000-word manuscript requires about 3 to 5 weeks for a copyedit or proofread, and 2-4 weeks for a beta read.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes, copyedits and proofreads require a 20% deposit in order to secure the booking. A second payment of 40% is required on the start date of the project, and the third payment of 40% is required within seven days upon completion and delivery of the project.
For beta reading, if the start date of the project is within the next two months, then payment is required in full. If the start date of the project is more than two months in advance, then a 50% deposit is required, and then the second payment of 50% is required upon the start date of the project.
All deposits are non-refundable.
What format should I submit my manuscript in?
Please send your manuscript as a .docx file. I work exclusively in Microsoft Word and make edits using the Track Changes feature.
How do I know which editing service I need?
I offer services in beta reading, copyediting, and proofreading. If you're unsure which service would best suit your needs, feel free to get in touch, and we can discuss the stage of your manuscript to determine the best fit.
Can you work with tight deadlines?
While I prefer to schedule projects in advance, I occasionally have last-minute openings. Please contact me with your word count and the service you require to see if I can accommodate your request.
What style guide do you follow?
I primarily follow the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), which is the industry standard for fiction. I also use the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
Do you use AI in your editing process?
AI can't replicate the nuance and art of human storytelling. This is why I don't use any form of generative AI to edit your work.
Do we sign an agreement before starting?
Absolutely. I provide a clear contract for every project to outline the scope of the work involved, the timeline, the payment terms, and more, to ensure both parties are protected and aligned before any work begins.
How do we communicate while working together?
We'll stay in touch primarily via email. Although you are welcome to send me a DM on Instagram with an initial enquiry, once we have signed the contract and you have paid the deposit, we will communicate only through email. You're welcome to ask questions at any time while we work together, or even after I have delivered the project to you.
Do you edit on Adobe or Google Docs?
No, I edit exclusively on Microsoft Word using the feature Track Changes.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes, I offer a 30% Early Bird Discount off the total project fee, when the full project fee is paid upfront.