Alpha Readers provide a fresh perspective, away from the long, lonely task of writing a novel.
Their positive feedback will bring attention to what is working. Less often, they may ask about a plot hole, or a character that behaves inconsistenly. Any specific feedback will help you refine your work.
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There’s seldom a charge for Alpha Reading. If your reader is also a writer, a common courtesy is to read and share as much feedback as you receive.
A Beta Reader may suggest how agents, publishers, and the public might receive your novel. That provides just one additional perspective.
If you have selected a well-informed, objective person, any reported plot, pacing, or character development issues will help you refine your work-in-progress.
Proofreaders check manuscripts for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. — Isn’t that what word-processing software does?!
Skilled, diligent proofreaders will outshine robotic tools, but if you have the software, use it, then have the proofreader dig into any remaining details and formatting.
Proofreaders |
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Ongoing feedback from a Writing Coach can add depth to characters, shape their story arcs, and weave character stories into a page-turning plot.
Coaches can be motivators and demolishers of writer’s block as they help you develop your voice, style, and technique.
$70 – 90 per hour
A Developmental Editor can help you add depth to the plot and breathe life into your characters.
You will need a tidied-up complete draft or a detailed outline to make this collaboration worthwhile. Given that, the developmental editor’s job is to provide well-reasoned, specific recommendations. As you weave anything that fits the fabric of your novel, you will be one step closer to exceptional work.
$5.00 – 7.50 per page ($40 – 50 per hour)
As your novel nears completion — after you’ve reveled in positive reader feedback — it may be time to consult a Line Editor.
Somewhere in those pages, words and phrases may be overused. Pacing may have lagged. A line editor’s detailed edit of the sentence structure and word choice can bring the reader deeper into the pages with greater emotion.
As your novel nears completion — after you’ve reveled in positive reader feedback — it may be time to consult a Line Editor.
Somewhere in those pages, words and phrases may be overused. Pacing may have lagged. A line editor’s detailed edit of the sentence structure and word choice can bring the reader deeper into the pages with greater emotion.
$6.25 – 10.00 per page ($45 – 60 per hour)
