IndieCat Editorial
Developmental Fiction Editing
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Ready for a professional
manuscript assessment?
Supercharge your plot, your characters and your writing.
IndieCat Editorial offers a number of services, including an opening chapters developmental edit of 15,000 words, complete with track commenting in the margins of the manuscript, an editorial letter, and a list of recommended books. This is an intensive look at your crucial opening scenes. The package includes an analysis of the synopsis.
The manuscript critique is an editorial report that looks at your entire manuscript and gives detailed feedback. These reports run to many thousands of words and include recommended reading. There are no margin comments in this package.
The full developmental edit consists of an editorial letter, track comments in the margins of the manuscript, and a reading list. It is the largest package which covers full novels and novellas. Book maps are included where appropriate.
Whichever package you choose, feedback is targeted at your overall needs and goals. At the outset of the project, you are asked to complete a questionnaire regarding your writing experience, intentions (indie publishing, traditional publishing or simply improving your writing skills), and so on.
If you want to test out my services, you can order a FREE sample edit of up to 2,000 words. It must be from a work of longer fiction like a novella or novel. It cannot be a short story or a piece of non-fiction. Feel free to contact me if you want a sample developmental edit. You can email me at: karen@indiecateditorial.com
Opening Chapters Assessment (Up to 15,000 words)
Your opening scenes and chapters are among the most important in your book. Are your opening chapters pulling their weight or dragging you down?
special deal - flat fee - £180
Who it’s for:
Writers wanting to try out a developmental fiction edit. Writers who want to trial my services before buying a larger package. And writers who want to have their opening chapters checked before submitting to an agent. This is also a good option for those still writing their book, who need guidance or feedback on how things are going so far. Your synopsis – if you provide one – will also be analysed. This means you can get feedback on the overall narrative and character arc of your story.
What’s included:
Clients receive an editorial letter and a copy of their manuscript with track commenting. The report will include feedback on any synopsis or outline of the rest of your novel. You also receive a reading list, and some email support/feedback. Payment in 2-3 instalments.
Price: £180
Time to complete: 14 days.
Manuscript Critique
This service provides you with a critique of your whole manuscript. You'll receive an editorial letter with an analysis, a plan of action, and a reading list.
price depends on word count.
Who it’s for:
Authors who want a critique of their entire manuscript, including those still working on earlier drafts right through to those planning to self-publish or submit to an agent.
What’s included:
Your manuscript will be read in depth several times. I will then draw up an editorial letter with feedback, analysis, advice and a plan on what to do next. I’m also available for up to three hours of email coaching or feedback.
Click the link below for the dedicated Manuscript Critique Services page and prices.
Time to complete: 2 to 3 weeks.
Full Developmental Edit
Want to dig deeper into your novel? Here you'll receive track commenting in your manuscript, plus an editorial letter and recommended reading list.
the most in-depth analysis.
Who it’s for:
Authors who want the most detailed feedback on a page-by-page basis. I will point out problems and fixes directly in your manuscript, allowing you to redraft your book more easily.
What’s included:
I’ll read your novel several times and make margin notes in your manuscript. I’ll also draw up an editorial letter and a list of recommended books, plus a book map. Other visual maps may be included where appropriate.
The payments are in 4-5 instalments.
Try a free sample edit first.
Time to complete: 4-6 weeks.
Beta Read
Do you want a beta read with a 2-3 page report?
Contact me for exact quote
Who it’s for:
Writers who are tired of unreliable beta readers who never get back to them. You’ll get a 2-3 page report addressing both your concerns and any issues I notice in the manuscript.
What’s included:
Clients receive a 2-3 page report and a recommended reading list. You will also get some follow-up email feedback. Those who opt for a beta read can ask for add-on extras like track comments on your opening and closing chapters. This will cost extra and will depend on the word count. You will also receive 10% off a later manuscript critique or developmental edit.
Time to complete: 14 days
How Does It Work?
1. Contact me
You can contact me using the site form and tell me a little about your project and your plans for your book. If you’re looking for coaching while you work on a piece of writing, you can contact me about that too.
2. We'll chat!
I’ll reply and discuss your needs. I will also ask for a short sample of your work. If, after chatting, we decide we’re a good fit, I’ll send you a quote. This will include payment instalment options, the agreed scope of the work and my ToS.
3. Order and Delivery
My policy is to request a deposit of 25% in advance. Once I receive the deposit, your place and delivery time will be booked. The remaining payment schedule depends on whether you’ve ordered one or two rounds of editing.
