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 and crime 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 technical editing, please see nonfiction. For editing of memoirs, novels and short-form creative work, please see fiction.
For all enquiries, including sample edits/feedback, please use the contact page.
Discounts:
Prior edit: Discounts of 10% to 30% (depending on degree of revision and state of the work) apply for any copy edit requested within three months of a prior edit. Please ask.
Special offer for Tasmanian writers: Currently, BookAnvil is offering a 10% discount for a copy edit (excluding Structure Read) to any writer who resides 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 you through these and any other structural 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:
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. The combination of margin commentary and discussion in the report will give a wide range of ways to improve technique, hone wordcraft and consolidate the work.
Creative Copy Edit:
A Creative Copy Edit suits fiction and memoir writers who want line-editing with an additional focus on improving the skill base—think of it as a personalised coaching round on top of a copy edit.
While the focus is on producing clean copy, a Creative Copy Edit will also point out and suggest solutions for a range of issues, from manuscript-wide grammar and punctuation to pacing, the ‘hook’ in first paragraphs, clichéd language, exposition (telling rather than showing), imagery, character consistency, language, realism and plot logic.
In some cases, if substantial rewriting is called for, the writer might choose to go back to a Structure Read (I will always point out if I feel copy editing is best done later). However, a Creative Copy Edit will prove excellent value for any writer who wants to build stronger craft skills during the process of a standard copy edit.
* Note that any rewriting for structural concerns will most likely introduce new copy errors, so a single Creative Copy Edit may not be the final pass.
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 unless the structural issues are substantial and more discussion is called for. However, you will find the margin comments extremely detailed, informative and helpful.
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): $40 per 1000 words.
Please use the contact form to discuss your nonfiction editing needs.
All fees are accurate as at August 1, 2024.