Why do I need a freelance editor?
Whether you’re looking to be the next big indie publishing success or you’re aiming to be a steady mid-list traditionally published author, a good editor can help you take your manuscript to the next level. While sharing your writing with writing groups and other unbiased readers has it’s advantages, there’s no substitute for a professional and objective opinion from someone with real industry experience. I can’t guarantee working with me will get you published-that’s something no freelance editor can guarantee-but I can help you produce a much more polished manuscript.
What kind of material do you work on?
My specialties are crime fiction, romantic suspense, and science fiction and fantasy but I have experience working on a wide range of commercial fiction. Please feel free to email me a short synopsis of your project and I’ll let you know if I can help.
If I want to submit to Carina Press, can you still edit my manuscript?
Sure. But to avoid confusion and conflicts of interest your query to Carina should makes it clear that you hired me for freelance edits on your manuscript, and that you send that submission to someone other than me.
How long is this going to take?
Right now I’m scheduling about a month out. It usually takes me a month or so to get back to an author with an editorial letter. I will always do my best to fit in a rush project so please email me and I’ll let you know what I can do for you.
How much is this going to cost?
For developmental edits between 50k-100k words I charge a flat fee of $600. Developmental edits will consist of an extensive editorial letter outlining the strengths of your work and opportunities for improvement backed up by specific chapter-by-chapter notes. I’ll work with you on possible solutions, both in the editorial letter and through follow-up emails.
I also offer line edits. For line edits I will mark up the manuscript using Microsoft Word’s Track Changes feature to identify (and correct when possible) sentence level issues with spelling and grammar, awkward sentences, repetition of sentence patterns, crutch words, hollow dialogue, and other stylistic and tone issues. Rates will depend upon the level of attention needed to each sentence, but will average about $0.008 per word, or $640 for an 80k word manuscript. Half of the fee is due up front with the other due upon receipt of the editorial letter or line edited manuscript.
NOTE: I’m looking to book more combo packs of developmental and line edits. So for a limited time I’ll be offering a package discount of 20% of of the regular price.
For projects outside of that word count range, email me and we’ll figure something out.
**I will provide a 5 page sample edit for free if requested**
What’s your cancellation policy?
If you cancel your reservation at least two months before your edits are due to start, 100% of your down payment will be refunded. If it’s between two months to two weeks before your edits are due to start, 50% your down payment will be refunded. For cancellations less than two weeks before edits are supposed to start, no refund will be given.
Why should I hire YOU?
As an editor, I’ve worked for Random House and Carina Press, the digital-first single title imprint of Harlequin Books. I was also the Gumshoe Award-winning editor and publisher of DEMOLITION magazine. As a writer I’ve been published in a number of print and online journals and was a finalist for the CWA Debut Dagger Award.
What do writers you’ve worked with have to say about you?
“Professional. Knowledgeable. Fast. Those are the three qualities a professional editor possesses and Bryon Quertermous is a professional editor. He’ll take the time to understand your work, work with you to make it better and deliver what he’s promised on time. Can’t imagine finding an easier person to work with.”-Jeff Shelby, bestselling author of THREAD OF BETRAYAL
“Bryon Quertermous has a keen editorial eye, an inspired touch and a nose for good drama, all the things you want from an editor. He whipped my first short story into shape without me realizing I was being edited. All these years later, I still remember the click of recognition I had when he made his suggestions. They made all the difference, and his advice stays with me.”
-J.T. Ellison, bestselling author of the Taylor Jackson series“Bryon’s got eagle eyes, a great ear, and wonderful taste. The man can make a manuscript sing. If you need someone to help you make your writing better, Bryon’s your guy.”
-Dave White, author of WITNESS TO DEATH“When I first approached Bryon for a developmental edit of my third Marty Singer detective novel, One Right Thing, I was looking for a little bit of cleanup on a simple rock-em, sock-em cop adventure. What I got instead was an in-depth, chapter-by-chapter critique that forced me to find a deeper, grittier, and ultimately richer story than I ever expected. Many people have told me this is my best novel, perhaps my best writing, and I’ve got Bryon to thank for it. (As an added bonus, he came up with a better title than my original, too!)”
-Matthew Iden, author of ONE RIGHT THING“Bryon was a pro to work with, and I hope to do it again.”
-Keith Snyder, author of THE NIGHT MEN
If you are interested in working with me, please contact me at bryon@bryonquertermous.com and include the genre, word count, and a brief description of your manuscript. I look forward to working with you.