Rates and Services

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You may submit a three page sample (from any portion of your work) to be edited free of charge. It will be returned to you within two business days. This may be submitted electronically as a Microsoft Word, Open Office, Google Doc, or non-program specific rich-text formatted document (please specify the type of file you are submitting in your email).

Services - What I Do

As an editor (or copyeditor, if you prefer) I am in the market to make your writing more presentable and professional. I have four major tasks that I perform with each job:

  1. Mechanical editing. This includes ensuring consistency within the text (capitalization, punctuation, abbreviations, etc.) as well making certain that your text conforms to a particular house style if one is being used.
  2. Correlating parts. This includes checking the table of contents against chapters; checking the numbering of footnotes, endnotes, tables, and figures. It also includes checking the bibliography or references and all correlating tables or figures.
  3. Language editing. This includes errors in grammar, syntax, and usage. As well, wordy passages may either be pointed out or rewritten depending on the level of edit that is request by the customer.
  4. Content editing. This is the most labor-intensive task and includes the verification of facts, fixing logical gaps in the text, and correcting faulty organization within the piece.

With any text, it is also assumed that I will query any instance within the text where I believe permission needs to be granted to an outside source. That permissions must then be provided in writing in order for the work to be finalized. I do not do typecoding. That is meant for a publishing house and its editor.

Rates

Levels of Copyediting
Light Copyediting Medium Copediting Heavy Copyediting
Mechanical Editing Ensure consistency in all mechanical matters (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, hyphenation, abbreviations, format of lists, etc.) Optional guideline: Allow deviations from house style if the author consistently uses acceptable variants.
Correlating parts Check contents page against chapters; check numbering of footnotes or endnotes, tables, and figures. Check alphabetization of bibliography or reference list; check footnotes, endnotes, or in-text citations against bibliography or reference list.
Language editing Correct all indisputable errors in grammar, syntax, and usage, but ignore any locution that is not an outright error. Point out paragraphs that seem wordy or convoluted, but do not revise. Ignore minor patches of wordiness, imprecise wording, and jargon. Ask for clarification of terms likely to be new to readers. Correct all errors in grammar, syntax, and usage. Point out or revise any inconsistencies. Point out any patches that seem wordy or convoluted, and supply suggested revisions. Ask for or supply definitions of terms likely to be new to readers. Correct all errors and inconsistencies in grammar, syntax, and usage. Rewrite any wordy or convoluted patch. Ask for or supply definitions of terms likely to be new to readers.
Content editing Query factual inconsistencies and any statements that seem incorrect. Query any facts that seem incorrect. Use desktop reference books to verify content. Query faulty organization and gaps in logic. Verify and revise any facts that are incorrect. Query or fix faulty organization and gaps in logic.
Permissions Note any text, tables, or illustrations that may require permission to reprint.
Typecoding Typecode all elements
<4,999 words $25.00/hr $27.00/hr $29.00/hr
5,000-24,999 words $26.00/hr $28.00/hr $30.00/hr
>25,000 words $28.00/hr $30.00/hr $32.00/hr

  • All projects under 15000 words will follow the guidelines set forth in the Terms of Service. Please read them carefully and contact the editor with any specific questions. Any project over 15000 words will require a signed contract and at least one month’s turnaround time

  • Any project that requires fact checking (expressly written) will incur a charge of $15.00 per hour of such work. As well, any project that lasts beyond the contract length due to the wishes of the author will incur such a charge. Please note that these conditions will be noted within the contract and may vary by contract.

  • All payment is required in full (unless otherwise stated in a signed contract) before services are rendered.

  • Forms of payment: PayPal, Check*, Money Order*

    *If wishing to pay via Check or Money Order, payment must be received within 7 business days of job acceptance (this payment not accepted for rush orders). For International customers, please contact me for special arrangements. A returned check will require: a) payment through PayPal or cancellation of editing request and b) a 10% charge of the full payment for the services rendered. Please make all checks or money orders out to James Boone Dryden.

    Tutoring & Coaching

    The JB Dryden Company offers both tutoring services and writing coaching. We offer both in-home services and after-hour office coaching.

    If you have a student who struggles with grammar and syntax or getting their point across in school writing, then please contact us, and we will work with your student to polish their writing, improve their writing skills, and teach them some of the basics that will help them through the rest of their schooling and beyond.

    If you have a business colleague or employee who is in need of improving their business writing or other work within the office, The JB Dryden Company can come and coach them in some of the basics of getting their writing to level of professionalism and quality that you would like.

    Tutoring and Coaching begins at $25 per hour with a minimum of one hour per month. It is on a first-come/first-served basis, and The JB Dryden Company typically sticks to four of five clients in any one month for tutoring or coaching.