But first . . .
Why work with me?
If you’ve read my bio page, you already know what I bring to the table: traditional publishing experience and knowledge—in nearly every area of editorial (and some production) thanks to more than a decade at a small company at which I wore a million different hats on any given day—as well as many years of working with indie authors. With a foot in both worlds, I’ve been able to see how each has changed, and honestly, the line that separates them is getting pretty blurry. Sure, traditional publishing and self-publishing do differ, but expectations and opportunities overlap more than you’d think—and certainly more than they did ten, and even five, years ago! I will bring the interest and enthusiasm necessary to empower you to confidently get your books out into the world, regardless of the path you’ve chosen.
Why haven’t I “niched down” further in genre or types of edits?
Maybe someday I will, but this is just how I’ve always done it. And I’m sticking to it for now! I consider myself a multi-genre editor, and I love that. I don’t wish to give that up anytime soon.
Because I’ve worked on a little bit of everything throughout my publishing career, I am open to most categories and genres and age groups (adult, young adult, children’s). I will let you know beforehand if I have not had experience in your chosen genre.
Preferred Genres
Fiction
Contemporary/”Women’s” fiction
Low- to no-spice/Sweet romance
Cozy mystery/Detective fiction/Thrillers
Light/low fantasy and sci-fi
Young adult, middle grade, picture books
Nonfiction
Creative nonfiction/Memoir
Cooking/Crafts
Health and wellness/Parenting
Writing/editing guidebooks
Business
Juvenile nonfiction and workbooks
Written something not listed here? Send me an email and we’ll discuss. A copy edit or proofread may be available, depending on the subject.
I am currently booking for February 2025 and beyond.
Do not wait until you need an editor to book one. always think ahead.
Services & Rates
My most popular services are listed below. If you know what you want, and when you need it, please review these quick additional items to make sure we’re on the same page. If you want to package any of these together, discounts will apply.
If you’re looking for something smaller (short story, blog post, handbook, newsletter) or specific that doesn’t appear here, please email me directly to discuss.
If you don’t know which service is best for you, reach out to me directly and we’ll chat!
Manuscript assessments
Available for just about any page length, from a few chapters to a full draft
Two options for assessment:
In-line comments ONLY. No editorial letter.
$2 per page
In-line comments AND editorial letter.
$2 per page + additional $10 per editorial letter page
Picture book authors and chapter book authors, please ask me for a quote. Rate is dependent on whether MS is text-only or has sketches/illustrations/illustration notes.
developmental Editing
Available for full-length manuscripts that have been through alpha reads and/or assessments
Developmental editing is content-based and should lead to further revision on the author’s part. Two options for developmental editing:
In-line comments ONLY. No editorial letter.
$0.02 per word
In-line comments AND editorial letter.
$0.02 per word + additional $10 per editorial letter page
Please note: I do not offer developmental editing for every manuscript, because I am not an expert in all genres and am not claiming to be. If we've worked together in the past and/or I am confidently familiar with your genre, we can discuss this option.
Line Editing or Copy Editing
Line editing is a heavier type of edit, complete with mark-up and in-line comments. This should take place after a developmental edit is complete and the manuscript will not have further content-related revisions.
In-line comments as well as document mark-up.
$0.018 per word
Copy editing requires the content to be final and should take place before the manuscript is formatted/typeset.
In-line comments, when necessary, as well as document mark-up.
$0.015 per word
Proofreading
Ideally, this step occurs after the manuscript has been formatted/typeset for print. This is the final polish.
In-line comments, when necessary, as well as document mark-up.
$0.01 per word in Word doc
$0.012 per word in a typeset PDF
Why? Because when the book has been typeset, I will be looking for typesetting errors as well as typos/edits that slipped through. Typesetting errors include bad breaks, stacks, orphans/widows, inconsistent kerning/leading, and more.
Blurb/Summary support
Includes two rounds of assessment and feedback and wraps up with a complementary proofread. I will not create this blurb from scratch; you will have to deliver a workable draft.
$50 for two rounds
Additional rounds can be added for $10 each
Typesetting
For text-based interiors or interiors with minimal artwork. Two options available:
Ebook Formatting
Following the guidelines set by your self-publishing platform to prepare your manuscript for upload. Will produce an .epub or .kpf file or both.
$22/hour
Typesetting
Custom/personalized interior design created in InDesign, adhering to guidelines set by your self-publishing platform.
$25/hour
query review packages
Option 1: Two rounds of assessment and complementary proofread on the letter only.
$50
Option 2: Two rounds of assessment and complementary proofread on the synopsis only.
$100
Option 3: Two rounds of assessment and complementary proofread on the letter AND synopsis.
$150
Option 4: Two rounds of assessment and complementary proofread on the letter and synopsis PLUS proofreading of the first pages of your submission (usually about three chapters).
$150 + 0.01/word of manuscript provided
NEW in 2025: book coaching/brainstorming CALLS
You may be at the beginning of your journey, not yet published, or perhaps you already have a few books out and you’re thinking of your next. Either way, everyone needs a sounding board.
Whether you have an idea you want to hash out, want to spend some time brainstorming titles, cover ideas, keywords, marketing strategies or anything in between, let’s schedule a call and see if a one-on-one call can wipe away the cobwebs or shove aside some imposter syndrome to set you back on the right path.
Introductory rate: $40/hour
Ready to work together?
let’s get you on the schedule!
Click any of the book buttons above or here or email me directly at nicole@nicolefrail.com.