Editing services for indie authors
Publish books you can be proud of
Keep your readers immersed in your stories with expert editing that ensures your text is inclusive, respectful, and empathetic.
Every editor has a different definition of their services, so when you’re hiring an editor, make sure you’re getting the services you need.
Learn about my editing and proofing services
My editorial promises to you:
I will read every word in your manuscript and other materials.
I will use only 100% human intelligence.
I will maintain your author voice.
I will leave respectful, informative comments when I encounter accidentally harmful language. I will always provide possible replacements.
Ready to get started?
“Dayna knows how to deliver feedback in a way that is kind and gentle but also meaningful.
“Their keen eye for detail also ensures your manuscript will receive the attention it deserves. Dayna is truly someone who will make you feel like you have a (very knowledgeable) cheerleader by your side as you navigate the ins and outs of preparing your book for publication.”
Jennia D’Lima, editor/coach
Line/copy editing services
Starting at $.03 per word
Editing software and artificial intelligence are able to catch some of these things, but Your Publishing BFF looks out for all of the following:
Awkward sentence construction
Choppy sentence flow and pacing
Minor showing vs. telling issues
Extraneous language, jargon, and ambiguities
Overused words
Repetition and redundancies
Consistency of spelling, hyphenation, names, and facts
Proper handling of dialogue and dialogue tags
Grammar and spelling
Word choice
Conscious Language
Adherence to current style manuals (Chicago Manual of Style, 18th edition)
Clarity
Numeral usage
Hyphenation
Punctuation
Typos
Minor fact checking via online search
Your edited manuscript will be returned with a style sheet that includes consistency-oriented information, a note of encouragement, and general observations on your work.
“Knowing I can count on Dayna to catch the things I don’t puts my mind at ease.
“Dayna jumped in and did a last-minute edit for me that was amazing. They caught things that others had not. They were so encouraging and easy to work with and made the whole process seamless.”
Jami Albright, romance author
Manuscript evaluation
Starting at $250
You’ve finished your first draft. Yay!
But now the brain weasels become active. Is your book any good? they hiss. Does the plot make sense? Will anyone actually enjoy reading this???
Brain weasels are notoriously difficult to tame, but you can wrangle those rascals with Your Publishing BFF on your team.
What is a manuscript evaluation?
A manuscript evaluation provides actionable feedback on your manuscript. The fresh eyes of a professional can see things an author may not. The overall structure of the book, the point(s) of view, the theme, and the character arcs—all are subject to the professional’s keen eye. The pro will look for significant issues and plot holes as well.
Manuscript evaluations aren’t as detailed/in-depth as developmental edits. And they’re not line or copy edits; i.e., word choice and punctuation are ignored.
The encouragement and empowerment built into manuscript evaluations are an important part of the publishing process. Having someone you trust and knows your genre well read your book and tell you they see the diamond in the rough can go a long way toward fighting off imposter phenomenon.
Picture books (32 pages): $250
Novels (up to 80,000 words): $750
Novels (80,001 to 100,000): $1,000
Novels (100,001 and up): $1,000+
“Dayna has been a great help to me.
“Just want to say thanks for your evaluation of [my book]. You've given me a lot to think about. I knew I would have some re-thinking to do, but didn't know where exactly to apply it.”
Bruce Glass, children’s author
Media kit planning
$500
Media kits are the modern version of the press kit.
Don't let a sloppy or incomplete kit ruin your chances for positive publicity.
What’s included
One hour-long meeting on Zoom to discuss your goals and create a plan for text and visuals
One round of line/copy edits on the completed media kit
Published title evaluation
$500 per title
Are readers excited about your book based on your marketing, but you’re just not getting the purchases or page reads you should? It could be the quality of your text.
Or perhaps you’ve learned about subtle slurs and want to remove ableist, fatmisic, and racist language and situations from your stories.
Many e-book publishers allow you to update your files without penalty, so consider a published title evaluation (re-edit).
What’s included
Feedback on book description, author bio, and book interior
Analysis of reader reviews, focusing on common complaints and praise
Detailed breakdown of what you can fix yourself
Discounted rate for Your Publishing BFF to make the fixes for you
I will listen to your audiobook before you release it, following along in the text and noting any divergences, mispronounced words, slips from character or accent, pops and clicks, or any other artifact that might mar the listening experience.
Audiobook proofing service
$50 per finished hour
“Dayna is a synopsis star.
“They took my clunky summary and made it sing. I absolutely recommend them for anyone wanting help with their synopsis or blurb.”
Carrie Schweiger, author, editor
Additional services
Marketing materials (writing and editing)
$50 per hour, rounded up to the nearest half hour
ad copy
sales copy/blurbs
back matter
author bios
blog posts/newsletters
Critical reading
$0.005 per word
beta reading
authenticity/sensitivity reading for fatness, neurodivergence, (a)gender issues, mobility challenges, Mennonite and Evangelical childhood upbringing, and more
Miscellaneous
$50 per hour, rounded up to the nearest half hour
research character traits, occupations, and other facts and concepts
dig up the dirt on agents and publishing companies—or at least find the right people to get in touch with when you want to go trad
analyze your website so it keeps visitors’ attention
edit and update your Squarespace website
Public speaking
starting at $150 for one hour; includes fifteen minutes of Q&A
I can speak to your group on the following topics:
Tracking Changes: Navigating today’s editorial process
Don’t be a poopyhead: slurs, ableism, and inclusive language
Set yourself up for success: Living and working with neurodivergence
Put your best book forward: The GMCs of author booth design
other topics as requested
My favorite genres
Romance
all levels of heat, steam, and spice
contemporary (cowhands, billionaires, sports, etc.)
romantic comedy/romcom
paranormal and supernatural (no vampires, zombies, or demon MCs)
fated mates
fantasy romance
BDSM (on a kink-by-kink basis)
M/M romance (all the above categories)
M/M omegaverse/mpreg
audiobook-destined
Cozy mystery
food and beverage
paranormal
fiber arts
cross-stitch
sewing
whatever your book features!
Children’s books
Picture books are powerful. Your goal is to communicate a message while keeping young readers engaged in 500 words or fewer. Let’s work together to hone your content.
Odds & Ends
websites
author bios
book blurbs
blog posts
I edit other genres and subjects on a case-by-case basis. And of course, if I can’t help you, I’ll refer you to one of my skilled colleagues.
I do NOT work on material containing the following:
dark romance
child abuse
graphic on-page violence
sexual assault
rape
demons/the Devil
zombies
vampires
underage sex
heartbreaking/gut-wrenching stories
I am sensitive, and I will cry, then dread working on your manuscript. Don’t make me cry!
