Jennifer is a writer, teacher and longstanding professional editor across various categories of fiction and nonfiction. Her editing has covered a broad range from fantasy fiction to memoirs, history, postgraduate theses and journals, and she is a sympathetic and constructive mentor of new writers. Her own writing crosses between literary fiction and memoir.
For thesis editing, reports, and other nonfiction editing, please see nonfiction.
For all enquiries, including sample edits, please use the contact page.
Discounts:
Prior edit: Work that is resubmitted for editing within four (4) months of a prior edit is entitled to a discount of from 20% to 40% (depending on style of editing called for)—please ask.
* Currently, BookAnvil is also offering a 30% discount on any edit to all writers based in Tasmania. This offer will run until further notice.
Fiction editing:
Jennifer doesn’t only mark and correct errors, she also offers consolidated, specialised craft advice that can take you to the next level as a writer. Think of each edit as a personal creative writing course packaged to exactly suit your manuscript, goals and stage of writing.
For fiction/memoir manuscripts, the choices are between a developmental edit (Structure Read) and a Creative Copy Edit, depending on your stage of drafting. Please see each category for explanations and rates.
Structure Read:
A Structure Read is a developmental edit that helps you overcome problems in the overall shape of the manuscript. Issues may include theme, pacing, characterisation, scene balance, story logic, narrative voice, point of view, writing style/syntax, mood, exposition, tone and audience. It is the job of a Structure Read to coach authors through these and other issues.
A Structure Read offers solid critique with positive, actionable suggestions and clear examples of techniques to build the work and sharpen you as a writer. Whether you need extra energy to get past writer’s block, or new ways to think through drafting problems, you will find a Structure Read helpful.
Cost for a Structure Read:
Novellas and shorter works from 20,000–50,000 words: $440 flat fee.
Novels and memoirs up to 110,000 words: $750 flat fee.
Below 20,000 or over 110,000 words: rates by request (please use contact form).
What you get:
At the end of the Structure Read, you’ll receive a detailed summary report (4–12 pages) that sets out issues in order of importance, all cross-referenced to a number of examples in the manuscript. As a result, a Structure Read is both general and particular, with the report showing a range of ways forward, and margin comments adding some stepping-stones.
Creative Copy Edit:
A Creative Copy Edit suits fiction writers who want line-editing with an additional focus on fiction writing at the craft level.
While the focus is on producing clean copy, a Creative Copy Edit can also point out and suggest solutions for a range of issues, from grammar and punctuation to pacing, the ‘hook’ in first paragraphs, clichéd language, exposition (telling rather than showing), imagery, character consistency, word-use, realism and plot logic.
If there are significant structural flaws, the work will always be referred back to a Structure Read. However, in general, a Creative Copy Edit is a close process that can also give deeper craft advice, helping to build better writers.
Cost for a Creative Copy Edit:
Creative Copy Edit (first pass): $35 per 1000 words.
Sample fee: An 80,000 word novel without a prior copy edit costs $2,800.
What you get:
Your manuscript will be returned to you with all minor changes made in the text, and less minor ones also marked and discussed in the margins. Wider issues—for instance, plot inconsistencies or heavy reliance on exposition—are commented on in the margins along with suggestions for ways forward. Meanwhile, all changes (bar the most rudimentary, such as formatting) are tracked for ease of acceptance or rejection.
A separate summary report is not included with a Creative Copy Edit, however you will find the margin comments extremely detailed, informative and helpful.
Note that, in manuscripts where there will be a good deal of rewriting, the material will probably require at least one successive edit (as any rewriting will potentially import new errors).
Nonfiction editing:
General nonfiction: Jennifer’s editing covers a range of nonfiction material from historical works and PhD theses to agricultural and veterinary reports, news releases and brochures.
Theses: Jennifer is an experienced and ethical editor of Australian university doctoral theses in various humanities disciplines including creative arts, media studies, nursing, diplomacy, gender studies and sociology.
Copy Edit:
Nonfiction Copy Edit (first pass): $45 per 1000 words. Later passes attract increasing discounts.
Please use the contact form to discuss your nonfiction editing needs.
All fees are accurate as at August 16, 2023.