writer’s corner
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A Writer's Resource. A Reader's Advocate.
Developmental Editing • Line Editing • Copyediting • Writing Guidance (Author Coaching) • Manuscript Critique • Query Letters • Proposal Review • Book Pitches • Submission Review • Style Guides • Proofreading • Chapter Edits
credentials & Memberships
Certified Book Editor, IAP College
Editing Program, University of Washington
Writing, IAP College
Other memberships
about the bookworm
As a developmental, line, and copy editor, my clients receive personalized guidance and feedback to help them craft immersive stories with captivating characters and engaging language. It’s important to me to build meaningful relationships with clients to better understand their unique writing styles, strengths, needs, and goals.
I offer resources and techniques to spark creativity and refine content. My purpose-built approach includes a comprehensive report with detailed editorial commentary and examples to improve the plot, pace, character development, readability, and flow. I’m readily accessible to assist clients with questions, challenges, writing obstacles, and managing their deliverables.
My editing method balances technical expertise, good instincts and purposeful communication. As a writer’s best resource, I am committed to helping writers transition to successful authors and develop their writing skills along the way. As a reader’s best advocate, I assist writers with transforming stories into well-crafted, compelling manuscripts.
services
As your editor, I will collaborate closely with you to understand your writing style, strengths and needs to ensure you achieve your writing goals.
You will receive personalized guidance and feedback throughout the process, helping you develop a compelling story with captivating characters and engaging language. Examples of feedback include detailed comments, suggestions for improving plot and character development, and guidance on enhancing the readability and flow.
As part of the editing process, I will introduce various resources and techniques to spark creativity and refine content. You will receive the communication and support needed to overcome writing obstacles, complete your book, and take pride in your accomplishments.
SERVICE OPTIONS
- Manuscript Evaluation
- Developmental Editing
- Line Editing
- Copyediting
- Proofreading
- Sample Edits
- Consultation (initial consultation is free)
- Query • Summary • Pitch Review
- Other: Style Guides, Fact-checking
PROJECTS
- Book Editing
- Fiction: Mystery • Thriller • Fantasy • SciFi
- Nonfiction: Memoir • Autobiography
- Academic: Manuscripts • Essays
- News & Magazine Articles
- Web Content & Blogs
- Corporate Communications
- Business Professional Communications
description of services
There are multiple types of editors and different levels of editing. The Absent-minded Bookworm offers developmental editing, line editing, and copyediting. If you are a new writer or new to the joy of editing, this information can help you decide what type of editing best fits your needs.
Developmental Editing
Developmental editing, sometimes referred to as structural, substantive, or content editing, focuses on the big picture of your work. It is deep editing, diving into foundational elements of a book and can involve content writing. This is a highly collaborative process with the author and is designed to illuminate, rather than overshadow, the author’s style and message. This type of editing is critical because it strengthens the bones of your work including:
- Story Arc & Development
- Setting
- Pace
- Plot
- Character
- Style, tone, voice
Line Editing
Line editing looks at style, syntax, word choice, and more. A line editor does not focus as much on the technical accuracy of a manuscript. Instead, they evaluate each sentence or line of a manuscript to ensure the message it conveys is what the author intends.
Line editors meticulously address every line of a manuscript. A few things I look for include:
- Use of jargon
- Word choice and phrasing
- Strength of transitions
- Tone
- Style
- Overall readability
Copyediting
Copyediting ensures a manuscript is technically accurate and that the words on the page communicate the author’s intent. Unlike a proofreader who is solely focused on fixing technical errors, a copyeditor’s foremost concern is to help the author produce a manuscript that is clear, concise, and comprehensive.
Examples of aspects edited include:
- Common typos
- Grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization
- Adherence to a style guide
- Syntax
- Consistency
PROOFREADING
Proofreading is often used interchangeably with the terms “editing” and “copyediting.” Proofreading is a distinct type of editing. It is the last step of the extensive editing process before a book is published. Proofreaders are highly adept at finding mechanical errors that have slipped through the editing process.
Proofreaders are the critical last set of eyes on a manuscript. Not only is this type of editor looking for egregious grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, but also for font consistency, placement of headers, page numbers, and other formatting issues.
fees
Writing is intensely personal, and editing requires vulnerability. As a writer, you have spent countless hours, weeks, months, or sometimes years meticulously crafting your story. Editing is one of the most important investments a writer makes on their path to publication. The first and most important step toward successful editing is to partner with the right editor.
Preparing your manuscript for publishing can be financially overwhelming, especially for self-published authors. Balancing quality and expense can be a tightrope act. I am committed to high editing standards and helping writers operate within their budgets without sacrificing quality.
editing rates
| DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING | RATES PER WORD* |
| Fiction | 3¢ – 4¢ |
| Non-fiction | 4¢ – 5¢ |
| Memoirs | 4¢ – 5¢ |
| LINE EDITING | RATES PER WORD* |
| Fiction | 2.5¢ – 4¢ |
| Non-fiction | 3.5¢ – 5¢ |
| Memoirs | 3¢ – 4¢ |
| COPYEDITING | RATES PER WORD* |
| Fiction | 2¢ – 3¢ |
| Non-fiction | 3¢ – 4¢ |
| Memoirs | 2.5¢ – 3,5¢ |
*Per word rates are based on a word count up to 80k. Rates vary by genre.
PACKAGES
The average writer will engage an editor for two rounds of developmental edits, one line edit (if not included in developmental), one copyedit, and one proof. Clients who bundle services receive price breaks.
Every writer has unique needs, so there is no “one size fits all.” To receive a quote or free sample edit, please send an email to jolie@absentmindedbookworm.com OR use the ‘Contact’ form on this site.
A few things considered in pricing include:
- Genre
- Type of editing service requested
- Level of editing required
- Word count
| PROOFREADING | RATES PER WORD |
| Fiction | 1.2¢ – 2¢ |
| Non-fiction | 2¢ – 3¢ |
| Memoirs | 2¢ – 2.5¢ |
| Business/marketing | 2¢ – 4¢ |
other services
beta reading
Written feedback provided to the author from the lens of an average reader. The feedback will include a brief summary identifying high-level issues such as gaps, pace, and level of engagement. The summary is not a book review. Instead, it is feedback directly to the author for use in making final touches to a manuscript before publishing.
manuscript evaluation
A comprehensive report provided to the author identifying issues with a manuscript including plot, character, pace, tension, narrative, voice, and level of engagement. The length and detail of the report depends on the word count, genre, and condition of the manuscript. The purpose is to provide the author with deeper insight into issues that could impact adoption. Each manuscript evaluation includes a consultation with the author to review the report and answer related questions.
transcription
I provide manual transcription from audio to text and text to audio. Reasons for transcription include accessibility for the hearing or visually impaired, targeted editing, or phonetics, or transcript creation. In addition to accuracy, my goal is to capture the author’s intent, tone, and voice. The number of words transcribed per hour varies depending on the complexity of content, but the average transcription is 1,500 words per hour.
consulting
Consulting is essential to ensure I am aligned with my client on their goals and expectations. There is no charge for the initial consultation to discuss a job request. Additionally, editing packages may include a specified number of consulting hours included in the fee. All manuscript evaluations include a 1.5 hour consultation to review the report at no additional charge. Stand-alone consultations for writing guidance are provided at the same rate noted below.
| SERVICE TYPE | FEE |
| Beta Reading (per hour) | $30 – $45 |
| Manuscript Evaluation (flat rate) | Fiction: $300 – $600 Non-fiction & Memoirs: $500 – $800 |
| Transcription (per hour) | $40 – $55 |
| Consulting (per 1.5 hours) | $70 |
writing
| WRITE-FOR-HIRE (includes Ghostwriting) | RATES PER HOUR |
| Articles/essays, Blog posts | $60 |
| Fiction (full-length) | $55 |
| Non-fiction (short) | $70 |
| Short story | $70 |
| Business/marketing | $85 |
reviews
“Thank you, Absent-minded Bookworm for adding joy and energy to our writing club and for your encouragement to the young generation of writers. Thanks to you, the members of our club enjoyed an informative discussion designed to guide us to be better self-editors, reviews, and writers–all delivered with a fresh and charming levity which set the perfect tone for the entire event. All members of the Potent Pen Club thank you, and we look forward to the next installment of your instructional series!”
Amy Scheiper
Educator & Writing Sponsor
“Jolie Hobbs agreed to review my collected writings for a potential new book. She thoroughly reviewed the first section of the manuscript. Her comments were thorough and contributed to more correctness and readability. We differed on one small grammatical issue and she decided in the context of my article, my point was correct. I was very impressed with her work and would highly suggest her to anyone needing the perspective of a professional editor. Your work will be much better for her efforts.”
jacques lafrance, ph.d.
Jacques LaFrance is the author of Heaven is Beyond Imagination, available on Amazon.
“Jolie has been my ‘go-to’ editor and writing coach for nearly six years for non-confidential executive presentations, company-wide messaging (including website) communications, proposal writing, business case writing, business articles, and newsletters. I also rely on her expertise when it is time to update my resume! She consistently returns a high-quality product and has taught me to be a better writer. She shares her expertise and her tips and tricks as part of her service delivery model and these have helped me learn to connect with my audience and avoid big, little, and potentially embarrassing. mistakes. Aside from being efficient and effective, she is personable and so fun to work with!”
daisha schuler
Senior HR Business Partner & People Leader
“I hired Jolie as a writing guide to help edit a sales manual. She quickly understood what I was trying to accomplish and provided meaningful suggestions that resulted in huge improvement. The manual is better organized and will be more impactful.”
george garner
CEO & Owner of G3 Motors
THE BOOKWORM’S BOOKS
RECOMMENDED
The Unfolding by A.M. Holmes
Kick the Latch by Kathryn Scanlan
Michel the Giant: An African in Greenland by Tété-Michel Kpomassie
You Like it Darker by Stephen King
The Passionate Tudor by Alison Weir
UP NEXT
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
An Immense World by Ed Yong
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
Sonny Boy by Al Pacino
The Black Loch by Peter May from the Lewis Tetralogy
No comments on Book Aesthetics and Reader Advocacy
SAMPLE FICTION REQUESTS
Send requests for sample fiction writing to jolie@absentmindedbookworm.com or call/text 918-409-1294.
Include the following in your request:
- Reason for request
- Fiction genre specifics
- Preferred sample word count
- Requested turn-around for delivery
- Your contact information
writing guidance
Click links below to access the on-demand webcast
Editing Essentials
The Art of Line Editing: Crafting Clear and Engaging Manuscripts
Enhancing Your Manuscript: On Developmental Editing
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