Reader, editor, and creative writer, based in Oklahoma City.

Let’s make your storytelling dreams a reality!

My Editing Process

 1

SAMPLE EDIT AND QUOTE

Before I ever send a quote, I get in touch with potential clients and perform a sample edit of roughly 10 pages to assess the scope of the project and the level of editing needed.

The sample edit is a free of charge service that demonstrates to the author my editing style and skills. This gives me a better idea of what I’m working on and you a better idea of who you’re working with.

2

BEGIN EDITING

Once the sample edit has been completed, I discuss with the client what specific services will be needed depending on the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses.

If the client agrees with my editing style and suggestions, and would like to move forward with the process, I send them an editorial contract. Once both parties have signed, I will begin the outlined editing work on the project.

3

RETURN EDITED MANUSCRIPT

Once the editing has been completed, all deliverables will be returned to the client along with a comprehensive editorial letter detailing each change made to the project.

An estimated fifty percent of the payment is due at the start of the project and the remaining balance is due at completion. Editing is always conducted electronically through Microsoft Word’s Tracked Changes feature.

Additional Information

Booking My Services

I usually book up one to two months in advance. The time it takes to edit a manuscript varies depending on the work itself and the kind of editing being performed, but a 50,000 word manuscript should take around a week to ten business days to edit, depending on other commitments.

Communication

I always keep clients abreast throughout my editorial process. I may reach out to you for questions about inconsistencies throughout the work or to get your thoughts on certain changes I feel should be made. I prefer email as the primary means of contact between clients and myself and will always follow-up the project with a detailed phone call to make sure we’re both on the same page. I always ensure satisfaction and close projects on a positive note.

Payment

I accept payment by direct invoices, Venmo, CashApp, or PayPal payments (A $10 service fee will be added for PayPal Payments). The estimated first fifty percent of the payment that is due at the start of the project is nonrefundable. If you decide not to proceed with services, I will return a partially edited manuscript and our contract will be voided.

Rush Projects

Sometimes you need an editor on the job, stat. I’m happy to conduct a rush edit with a project return in under a week. Rush projects require a full payment up front and adequate communication in case any editing questions arise. Rush projects include my normal editing rates plus a nonrefundable $250 rush project fee. Rush project fees are required for any projects booked less than two weeks from the project start date.

Discounts

• Free Full Edit Giveaway: If you’d like to enter for a chance to win a free full edit for your manuscript, please sign up for my newsletter. I chose two winners each year so make sure you’re signed up! You can find that on my Contact page!

• Free 25-Page Edit Giveaway: If you’re an active member of the Oklahoma Writer’s Society, you are entered to win a FREE 25-Page Edit from one of the editors who are also part of the OWS.

• Student Discounts: I offer student discounts of 10% off the total calculated price for editing. I will only proofread academic writing for spelling and grammatical errors, and formatting.

• EDIT10 Program: I am also a member of the Developmental Editors Connection Group on Facebook, and will offer clients referred to me by them, 10% off the total calculated price as per their EDIT10 Program. Likewise, clients whom I refer to other editors in the group will be offered 10% of project fees by working with my colleagues.

• Refer-a-friend: If you refer a fellow writer to me and you both book and pay the deposit on services, you both will receive a 20% discount on all editing services for life.

Consultations

Sometimes we just need to talk through the details to determine the scope and best direction for a project. If you’d like to meet, we can schedule a meeting online (Via Zoom or Microsoft Teams) or in-person at a public space such as a coffee shop, library, or co-working space in Oklahoma City. I charge the same rate for online consultations as I do for in-person meetings, so you have the option to select which works best for you! My availability changes from month to month, so feel free to reach out to schedule an appointment.

• $35 for a 30-Minute Consultation (Online or In-Person)

• $75 for a 1-Hour Consultation (Online of In-Person)

Please Note: Consultation fees are due 24-hours before the scheduled meeting date for online appointments, or at the time of meeting for in-person appointments. Consultation fees are non-refundable, but if you would like to reschedule, please notify me at least 24-hours prior to the scheduled meeting date.

Services and Rates

Below is a complete list of the services I offer, as well as the rates per hour and per word for each service, and the standard pacing of work for each service. My rates are within industry standards and vary depending on the nature of the work. The industry standard for a manuscript page is a firm 250 words.

Please note: I do not do perform writing, editing, or proofreading for medical/STEM, or Translation so those rates have been left out of the table above. Additionally, I will only proof academic writing for spelling, grammatical, typographical, and formatting errors. I will also conduct a plagiarism check free of charge.

If you are interested in a service not listed above, please reach out to me at hello@paytonhayes.com.