The Writer's High®, LLC––providing uplifting editorial services for writers at all stages of their creative journeys.
Editing & Writing Services
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With my 15+ years of experience in public relations, writing, and editing, I'm happy to assist you with almost any writing or editing need. And to make sure I’m the right professional for you, I’ll provide a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your project. My services include: Editing
Writing
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Connect with Mari Ann
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Introduction and Specialty Areas
My education and background are in public relations, where I worked for pharmaceutical clients, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and many others. In 2014, I began working as an independent professional editor specializing in developmental editing for memoir and creative nonfiction. In genre fiction, my specialties are speculative fiction, historical fiction, mystery, literary fiction, flash fiction, and I especially enjoy working on manuscripts with southern themes. As a bonus, I integrate my PR skills and experience into every manuscript, pointing out steps my clients can take to help their work stand out in today’s exceptionally crowded, competitive marketplace.
In addition to taking editing-specific continuing education courses and staying up to date on style guides, grammar, and word usage trends, I helped launch the Georgia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association in 2018 and serve as a chapter co-coordinator.
Assessing the Project
The first step for any project is to review the full manuscript. Often, the first few chapters are more polished while the others may need significantly more work. Reviewing the full manuscript enables me to quote a fair price and to ensure the manuscript is ready for editing.
I’m always happy to provide a complimentary edit of the first 500 words of a book-length manuscript. This helps the client get a sense of my editing style and decide if we’re a good fit. If a longer sample edit is requested, I’ll edit up to five additional pages at a cost of $5 per 250-word page. If the client chooses to work with me, the amount already paid for the sample will be deducted from the total cost.
Unless otherwise requested, my editing is based on the publishing guidelines set forth in the Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition, and the unabridged Merriam-Webster dictionary.
Getting Started
- Before work begins, both parties review and sign a letter of agreement outlining the scope, cost, deadlines, and any other specific aspects of the project.
- Because I devote my full attention to your project, which may take several weeks, payment in full is required to secure your project in my schedule. For clients who are booking several months in advance, I’ll be happy to work out a payment schedule if needed.
Client Relationships
My clients are treated with respect, kindness, and confidentiality; my editorial assessments and recommendations honor the author’s voice and are delivered in an honest yet encouraging manner. To build the best possible working relationship, I offer new clients a complimentary thirty-minute call to answer questions about their projects and the editing process.
Developmental Editing
The developmental edit is an in-depth review of structural components, including the narrative arc, character arcs, plot and plot points, world-building, setting, pacing, dialogue, continuity, consistency, etc. My service typically includes:
- Two complete readings—an initial reading to assess overall quality and note areas of concern, the second reading adds in-text queries or uses Word’s track changes to indicate what needs work, what’s working well, and offer recommendations throughout the manuscript.
- A detailed editorial letter accompanies the edited manuscript. The letter serves as a cohesive, easy-to-follow overview of any concerns noted in the manuscript.
- While the focus of a developmental edit is on the big-picture items, I’ll point out any smaller concerns if I see they’re a persistent problem. (For example, excessive use of adverbs, word usage, repetition of words, etc.)
- Questions regarding the edited manuscript are answered via email.
- If desired, a telephone consultation is available at $60/hour.
- Rates generally begin at $5 per 250-word page (.02 cents per word and up).
- Projects are generally completed within four to six weeks.
Line Editing
Line editing addresses issues at the paragraph and sentence level––transitions, grammar, punctuation, spelling, repetitive or rhyming words, etc. My service typically includes:
- Two complete readings.
- Small errors are corrected using Word’s track changes feature.
- More significant concerns are queried using track changes or an in-text query, depending on the client’s preference.
- A brief editorial letter or email accompanies the revised manuscript to point out any specific areas of concern.
- A style sheet is created, which lists characters’ names and identifying characteristics, place names, and other details specific to that manuscript, to assist the author in maintaining consistency and continuity.
- Questions regarding the edited manuscript are answered via email.
- If desired, a telephone consultation is available at $60/hour.
- Rates generally begin at $4 per 250-word page (.02 cents per word).
- Projects are generally completed within four to six weeks.
Manuscript Evaluation
This is an effective, affordable option for manuscripts that show promise but aren’t quite ready for editing. My service typically includes:
- One complete read-through.
- A detailed, chapter by chapter, editorial letter assessing the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses as well as recommendations for resolving any issues. I’ll also point out smaller concerns if I see they’re a persistent problem. (For example, relying on adverbs, weak dialogue, repetition of words, etc.)
- Questions are answered via email. If desired, a telephone consultation is available at $60/hour.
- Rates begin at $3 per 250-word page (.012 cents per word).
- Projects generally take four weeks to complete.
Manuscript Review
This is an excellent and affordable choice for experienced authors who are fine-tuning their manuscripts and for authors with limited resources who want to improve their work. My service typically includes:
- One complete read-through.
- Brief email describing my feedback as a reader––what works, what doesn’t work, if the narrative was engaging or if it dragged in certain areas, questions that arose, etc.
- Questions are answered via email. If desired, a telephone consultation is available at $60/hour.
- Rates begin at $1.65 per 250-word page (.0066 cents per word).
- Projects generally take two to three weeks to complete.
Coaching
- I love working with writers and helping them discover and navigate their paths to success. I offer coaching via telephone, Zoom, Skype, or in person (if possible). My rate is $60/hour. Discount packages are also available.
Writing Services
- In addition to editing, I offer a wide variety of writing services for authors and corporate clients. Rates vary based on the project.
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