Otterville Overhaul, LLC
Science Fiction, Fantasy
& Paranormal Romance
Editorial Assistance
Helping authors create seamless escapes from reality
by copyediting, proofreading, and beta reading science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal romance.
You've finally managed to get your story out of your head and all written out. Problem #1: You are a storyteller, not a grammar nerd. Problem #2: It's nearly impossible for you to read your story objectively (and you've read and re-read it so many times), so you're gonna miss some issues.
That's okay. I've got you covered. With multiple certificate editing courses under my belt and decades of practical experience, I can help with your technical writing issues. I've also been reading SFF/PNR for 40+ years, so I can talk about generation ships, orc v. elf v. dwarf, sex scenes, shifters and the applicable laws of physics, hard v. soft magic systems, and so on, ... and on and on and on.
I'm strictly an editor. I am so much not a writer that you will never need to worry that I'll be re-writing your story in my own words. My focus is on making your story, as told by you in your own words, a little cleaner, a little tighter, a little smoother, so your readers can just dive in and enjoy.
Am I the right editor for you? See for yourself. Contact me for a free sample.
Following are the boring but well organized details you'll need to know about my services and how to hire me. Take a look, then email me and we can discuss your project (the fun stuff).
2023 SERVICES, RATES & SCHEDULING
STANDARD SERVICES*
Proofread. Inline correction of basic grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues (including correction of tenses and homophone confusion, notation of awkward sentences, and overused or repeated words), link verification, trigger warning suggestions, and proofreading style sheet. (No fact checking or formatting.) This service is designed to follow an experienced self-edit or professional edit. Corrections are made inline using Track Changes and explanations will be made in Comments. ($7.00-$10.00 per 1000 words**)
Copyedit. (Light to Medium) Two full passes plus an editorial letter and five style sheets. Pass 1: Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar, four style sheets (Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar; Characters; Places; Things & Special Words). Pass 2: Word choice/meaning, sentence structure, dialog, repetition, timeline style sheet & timeline review, continuity issues, review of Pass 1. (Light fact checking, no formatting.) Editorial letter: Explanation of concepts applied that are too broad to address in Comments and specific suggestions to improve author’s writing skills. ($12.00-$16.00 per 1000 words**)
Beta Read. Identification of problems with plot holes, logic, flow, point of view, continuity, characters, believability, readability, hook, ending, info-dumps, complex scenes, overused words, repeated actions using inline comments and a written report. ($2.00-$2.50 per 1000 words)
Blurb Critique/Edit. Only available as an add-on. ($30.00 for up to 200 words)
BUNDLE & SAVE*
Proofread Plus. (1 pass) Proofread with Pass 1 copyediting notes (expanded to help the author find and address issues) I work from during the second copyediting pass. These notes in no way comprise the totality of changes I would have made in a second copyediting pass. They generally focus on repetitive issues. ($8.00-$12.00 per 1000 words)
Copyedit-Proofread. (3 passes total, 2 scheduling slots) Full copyedit and proofread as listed above at 25% savings on the proofread. These must be scheduled at the same time and within six months of each other.
Beta-Copyedit-Proofread. (4 passes total, 3 scheduling slots) Full standard beta, copyedit, proofread, and blurb critique/edit at 25% savings on the proofread. These must be scheduled at the same time and with no more than twelve months between the beta read and proofread.
* All Standard (except Blurb Critique/Review) and Bundle services require a no obligation sample so that (1) you understand what you will be getting and (2) I can (a) decide if the project is a good fit for me and (b) provide a quote. Samples vary by service, so please wait for me to describe the sample I will need.
** To save you time on comparison shopping: Editorial Freelancers Association’s 2020 national average rate chart for editorial services. https://www.the-efa.org/rates/ My rates are lower as I have little overhead costs to pass along to my clients. I have certificates in Fiction Copyediting, Beginning Copyediting, and Intermediate Copyediting and 30+ years of experience in light copyediting and proofreading legal documents and business letters.
SCHEDULING INFORMATION
Wait List. My established clients generally schedule on the Wait List, 8 to 10 months in advance. As the future is uncertain, this list is quite flexible. I pencil projects in for the quarter (ex. 2023 Q4) and then assign specific dates a few months before that quarter. If, when I check in with an author, they will not be ready, I'll either schedule them late in the quarter or move them into the next quarter that isn't full.
Karma List. This list handles the fact that stuff happens, authors cancel or can't meet their scheduling deadline, etc. While the first author on the list gets preference, if their project doesn’t fit my opening, I move on down the list until I find a good fit.
You can be on both lists and take whatever comes first.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
Projects up to $500.00 require a 50% payment to start with the balance due upon delivery. Projects $500.00+ will require a 25% scheduling deposit, 40% start payment, balance due upon delivery.
I invoice and receive payments via PayPal in US Dollars.
Payment terms and conditions, project scope, etc. will be detailed on the invoice. Payment of the deposit will signify acceptance of said terms and conditions, project scope, etc.
TURNAROUND
All projects are different. I will provide a turnaround estimate with the sample. I do not do rush jobs. I am more concerned with getting it done right than getting it done ASAP. Barring the unforeseen, your work will be completed by the date promised. If for any reason I am unable to complete a project by the date promised, I will refund all payments previously made unless we agree to the contrary.
Email me so we can discuss your project suemckerns@gmail.com