Services

Developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading for academic and professional manuscripts

Choosing an editor is an important decision. Whether you're preparing a dissertation, capstone project, research manuscript, grant proposal, or thought leadership piece, I provide editorial support matched to what your writing actually needs.


How pricing works

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your manuscript, document, or project. I'll review a sample of your work, recommend the right level of editing, and provide an exact quote tailored to your project.

My pricing is based on the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) rate guidelines, but every project is different.

Here's how it works:

  • Schedule a consultation. Book a free 30-minute call so we can discuss your project and what you're looking to accomplish.
  • Send a sample. Share a 10–15 page excerpt from your manuscript. You can send this before our call or afterward, whichever you prefer. I strongly recommend sending a sample so I can accurately assess what your project needs.
  • I review and provide a quote. After reviewing your sample, I'll share my recommendation, explain what I observed in your manuscript, and provide an exact quote (usually within 2 business days). No obligation to proceed.

What does your manuscript need?

Every manuscript is different. Some need a final polish before submission. Others need grammar and formatting brought into compliance. Some need sentence-level reworking for clarity. And some need all of that plus structural reorganization.

The service levels below reflect the type and depth of editorial work involved, not add-ons stacked on top of each other. More intensive editing means more time and expertise from your editor, and the pricing reflects that.

During our consultation, I'll recommend which level fits your manuscript.

Proofreading

$0.02/word

Your manuscript has been professionally edited and is nearly ready for submission. You need a final set of fresh eyes to catch remaining typos, punctuation errors, and formatting inconsistencies before it goes out the door.

What I do:

  • Correct typos, spelling errors, and punctuation mistakes
  • Check formatting consistency (spacing, indentation, heading styles)
  • Deliver all corrections via Track Changes for your review

This is the right fit when your manuscript has already gone through substantive editing and you're looking for a clean final pass, not a deeper review.

Copyediting

$0.035/word

Your ideas are clear and well-organized, but the manuscript needs grammatical cleanup and style guide compliance. This is a thorough mechanical edit. I work through every sentence to correct grammar, enforce your style guide, and ensure internal consistency throughout.

What I do:

  • Correct grammar and syntax errors
  • Implement your target style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago, or journal-specific)
  • Enforce mechanical consistency: dates, abbreviations, capitalization, numbering, heading hierarchy
  • Verify citation and reference formatting, including that in-text citations match your reference list
  • Correct typos, spelling, punctuation, and formatting issues
  • Deliver all edits via Track Changes

This is the right fit when the structure and argument of your manuscript are solid, but it hasn't been edited for grammar, style, or formatting. It's also the right fit when you're preparing for journal submission and need complete style guide compliance.

Line Editing

$0.055/word

Your manuscript is organized, but the writing itself needs work. Sentences run long, transitions feel abrupt, the academic tone shifts between sections, or the language just isn't as clear and precise as it should be. Line editing is sentence-by-sentence work. I rewrite for clarity, tighten prose, and smooth the flow from paragraph to paragraph, while also handling all the grammar and style guide work of a copyedit.

What I do:

  • Rewrite sentences for clarity and conciseness
  • Improve flow between paragraphs and sections
  • Ensure consistent tone and academic voice throughout
  • Refine word choice and terminology
  • Correct grammar, syntax, and style guide compliance
  • Enforce mechanical consistency and citation formatting
  • Provide margin comments flagging areas that need your attention
  • Include one revision round (within 7 days of delivery)

This is the right fit when your content and organization are sound, but the prose needs significant improvement at the sentence level. This is one of the most common levels for doctoral dissertations, capstone projects, and complex manuscripts that haven't been previously worked on by an editor.

Comprehensive Editing

$0.07–0.08/word

Your manuscript has the right content, but needs structural reorganization alongside sentence-level editing. Sections may be out of order, arguments don't build as logically as they should, content is repeated across chapters, or the relationship between your data and your claims isn't coming through clearly. This is the most intensive level of editing. I reorganize, rewrite, and refine your manuscript in a single comprehensive pass.

What I do:

  • Reorganize sections so your argument builds logically (e.g., aligning with style guide hierarchy)
  • Consolidate repeated content and tighten transitions between sections
  • Verify that tables and figures match the surrounding text
  • Flag conflicting claims or unsupported assertions
  • Rewrite sentences for clarity, conciseness, and consistent academic voice
  • Correct grammar, syntax, style guide compliance, and citation formatting
  • Provide an editorial summary of key changes, items needing your attention, and recommended next steps
  • Include one revision round (within 14 days of delivery)

This is the right fit when your manuscript needs more than surface corrections. It needs someone to work through the structure, the argument, and the prose together. This is the most common level for doctoral dissertations, capstone projects, and complex writing that hasn't been previously worked on by an editor.


Professional & publication services

Beyond the manuscript

Custom quote based on project scope

  • Business articles and thought leadership pieces
  • Grant and fellowship proposals
  • Graduate school and program application essays
  • Research presentation design (PowerPoint, posters)
  • White papers and technical reports

You'll receive tracked edits, marginal comments, and a summary letter with actionable suggestions.


What's included in every project

Regardless of service level, you receive:

  • Microsoft Word with Track Changes — All edits clearly visible for your review
  • Editorial summary — Overview of major changes and next steps
  • Professional delivery — Organized file package with instructions for review

Additional services

Data visualization and figure formatting — Available as an add-on for charts, graphs, or tables created or reformatted to journal specifications. Quoted separately.


Pricing notes

Turnaround time: 3–6 weeks depending on length, complexity, and workload

Discounts:

  • 🔄10% off for returning clients

Rush projects: Available when schedule permits. Rush rates apply for turnarounds under 3 weeks.

Payment structure: 50% deposit to begin, 50% on delivery. Accepted via Zelle (preferred), PayPal, or Venmo.


Ready to get started?

Schedule a free consultation

Recent client feedback

"I was shocked by how many words Nicholas eliminated without changing anything and within a tight deadline. The manuscript is much clearer and more concise, which helped me move forward with the publisher. He was thorough and really made sure I understood his edits. It was a great collaborative process. I am so glad I used his services. After his edits, I felt so confident about the work I needed to submit."
— Tiffany Wright, LCSW

Frequently asked questions

Do you offer payment plans?
What if I'm not sure what level of editing I need?
Can you work with my university's specific formatting requirements?
What's included in a revision round?
Do you edit non-academic writing?