Services and Rates

We offer the following types or levels of editing services. Every editor defines these levels differently. Here’s how we work:

Developmental Editing ($0.08–$0.10/word)

At the developmental stage, we help authors envision and enact the big and small changes needed to ready their texts for peer review and publication. We identify and provide detailed, supportive guidance for revising issues related to argument, structure, evidence, audience, and style.

You will receive a copy of your manuscript with in-text edits and comments made with Word’s track changes function, as well as an editorial report that synthesizes our feedback into an actionable revision plan.

Line Editing ($0.08–$0.10/word)

Where copyediting ferrets out errors on the level of the sentence, line editing looks to make your sentences hum with rhythm and precision. As line editors, we focus on creating varied and engaging syntax, employing accurate and interesting language, ensuring appropriate use of active and passive voice, achieving parallelism, removing redundant or extraneous material, and addressing any idiosyncratic patterns in your prose that may be obscuring meaning. 

Copy editing ($0.06–$0.08/word)

We finetune your sentences for clarity and fix issues of grammar, usage, and spelling. If you are in the final submission stage, we can ensure that your manuscript adheres to the house style of your press or journal. We can also perfect your citations according to Chicago, MLA, APA, or house style.

Additional Details

Book proposals are charged a flat rate of $750. This includes big-picture developmental feedback and line edits focused on adhering to genre conventions.

Payments are accepted by ACH/debit and credit card; international clients can pay by PayPal if necessary. If you decide to work with us, we’ll send you a contract to complete and put your project on the schedule. You’ll receive an invoice with payment options (ACH/EFT, debit, and credit card)when we send you the edited files; payment is due within five days of receipt of files.

Payments are also accepted via institutional funds. If you are planning to pay with research funds, please let us know as soon as possible so we can get that process started. Sarah O’Brien Editing is a registered vendor at many universities and happy to onboard at others with sufficient notice.