THIS WEB PAGE HAS MOVED
All of my book coaching and editing services, plus detailed info about what these services include, have moved to my new website: ErinPTCanning.com/editing-and-coaching.
Looking for an editor?
You've written your story. Congratulations! I know firsthand how much work you just put into your manuscript.
Now you need an editor, and I'm here to help.
Not sure where to get started?
What do editors do?
There are three main types of editors: a developmental editor, a line editor (sometimes called a copyeditor), and a proofreader.
A developmental editor looks at the big-picture, meaning they help with a story's overall structure and address any issues with plot holes, character arcs, too many characters, the timeline or time jumps, and flow from start to finish. They don't mark up the document itself; instead, they usually send you two pages worth of notes. Never underestimate the value of a developmental editor.
A line editor and copyeditor look at the structure within each chapter and make sentence-level edits within the document using Track Changes. In terms of sentence-level edits, we look for flow, consistency, grammar, word choice, and clarity.
Unlike copyeditors, a line editor should also identify the goal or purpose for each chapter and note what paragraphs support that goal. We might also offer suggestions on ways in which the author could expand upon that idea and go deeper. Likewise, we note what paragraphs might distract from the chapter's goal and suggest cutting, reducing, or saving for later that portion.
A proofreader is your last line of defense. Right before you hit publish, they check your final manuscript for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Discover out how finding the right editor can help you avoid or conquer your confusion and doubt. Learn more about these editors, when to use their services, how much they cost, and where beta readers can fall into the mix by tuning into episode 63 of the Parents Who Write podcast.
The author creates the vase. The editor helps it shine as brightly as possible.
Book a FREE 30-min call
Not sure you need a developmental or inline editor?
Have questions about how I can help you finish your book with confidence and direction?
Want to know how I preserve your voice while making your prose shine?
Book a call with me so we can discuss your story, clarify what you're looking for, and get you on track to finish your book.
Estimating cost
Reserve my services
An editor's schedule can fill up quickly, leaving you scrambling for options.
Reserve my time in advance with a nonrefundable deposit, which I subtract from the total project fee.
- $50 for manuscripts with 10K to 15K words
- $75 for manuscripts with 16K to 20K words
- $100 for manuscripts greater than 20K words
GENERAL RATE
$0.03
/ word for in-line edits*
NOTE: Please contact me so I can get you a customized quote based on your needs.
* Note: My rates align with the Editorial Freelancers Association.
Frequently asked questions
Payments are processed using Stripe. I offer two payment options:
- Pay in full when you submit your manuscript for editing.
- Pay half up front and then the second half upon completion. The first half is due before I start work, and the second half is due before I send you the completed edits.
The turnaround time depends on the length of the project and your deadline. I average 30K words per week, but I may be working on a few projects simultaneously, depending on my availability and how you reserve my time.
Send me an email, and we'll look at your deadline and estimated word count and my calendar. Then you just need to submit a nonrefundable deposit, which I deduct from the total project fee. The deposit varies by word count:
- $50 for manuscripts with 10K to 15K words
- $75 for manuscripts with 16K to 20K words
- $100 for manuscripts greater than 20K words
Yes. After we discuss your deadline and my availability, I'm happy to edit up to five pages of your manuscript so that you can see for yourself the quality of my feedback and verify that you feel like we're a good fit. I want my writers to feel comfortable and confident when they send me their writing. As a writer myself, I know how intimidating handing over your hard work can be.
I became an editor in 2004. For my first job, I was a science magazine editor (even though I didn't know much about science back then). Afterward, I worked for eight years as a nonfiction book editor. Now, I edit memoir, fiction, and creative nonfiction, all of which are my true passion.
I earned my BA in Literature from The American University and MA in Writing from The Johns Hopkins University. During both of those programs, I took advanced English grammar courses (yay for syntactic design and revision!), and I continue to challenge myself with online grammar courses to make sure my skills don't slip over the years.
I edit fiction, memoir, and creative nonfiction of at least 10K words, which includes both novellas and novels. My specialty is fantasy and romance.
However, I don't usually provide line edits for BDSM or erotica. While I’m happy to edit those genres as a non-practicing member of the community, my experience with it is limited, which means my editing would be limited to grammar, sentence structure, etc. I would not be able to provide feedback regarding safe practices and accuracy, which I think is essential.
Books I've edited
Check out what clients say
I’ve been writing professionally for almost 20 years now, so I’ve worked with a variety of editors over the years. Erin is one of the BEST!
She offers a truly professional edit by going through each and every line of my manuscript. She asks tough questions, understands the reader’s perspective, and catches phrases that could easily be interpreted differently from how I intended them. Erin’s understanding of grammar and the particulars of applying CMOS to fiction adds a level of expertise I’ve not found in anyone else.
As a highly qualified professional, Erin’s rates align with the Editorial Freelancers Association. They are not “cheap” because Erin’s work is not “cheap” quality. That said, any writer looking to elevate their skills and produce top-notch books would benefit from collaborating with her.
Maria Secoy
Author of the Twisted Willow Series
I was nervous going to into the editing process for the first time, worried that when it was done, my book would read like someone else wrote it. That worry was not necessary. Erin really got my voice and my characters and enhanced both with her edits.
Erin was thorough but gentle. She took the guesswork out of how to get my manuscript from shitty first draft to something people would actually enjoy reading. She did so much more than fix my grammar. And the grammar changes she did make, she did in a way that taught me how to do it myself the next time.
Erin helped make sense of scenes that needed reorganization. She was never pushy, but her notes and suggestions were perfectly in line with what I wanted my story to be. She communicated with me throughout the process and was available when I had questions during my revisions after she return my manuscript.
Michelle Summers
Author of The Chosen One, My Ass!
Erin became personally invested in the project and not only made corrections and suggestions but also took the time to explain why the changes should be made or how they would improve the material overall. Her comments actually got me to think about my writing style and gave me the freedom to improve it if I chose to do so.
Because Erin was willing to work with me and talk via chat about the changes and suggestions, I feel like she understood my current writing style, so the edits she made matched with it and were spot on. Her knowledge of writing mechanics, current trends in fiction, and the fundamentals of the manual of style are top drawer. And because of that, it was easy to trust her changes and recommendations.
I would absolutely use her services again! She was professional, insightful, and helped me improve not only the mechanics of my manuscript but the composition as well. Working with Erin wasn’t work. She made something that could have been seen as a negative more like discussing my story with a friend who is equally passionate about making it the best it can be.
Her responses to my questions were always prompt and meaningful. I never felt neglected or that she was too busy for me. And being a first-time novelist, I had a lot of questions. Erin was gracious and informative in all of her responses.
Having had beta readers and friends who give “feedback,” I was pleased with Erin's professionalism and knowledge and that she wasn’t going to just shine me on and tell me I had a great story even if it wasn’t. I couldn’t be more pleased.
K.L. Richardson
Author of The Sons of Skyland
I’ve worked with Erin both for line and developmental editing on several books and find her approach, taking time to understand the nature and content of a book and its target audience, takes her editing and my prose to a higher level.
Her technical skills in both Chicago and Oxford styles are exemplary, as is her professionalism in keeping the writer informed and in meeting her deadlines.
Edward Green
Author of Meeting Him: Ella Jane Part One
Erin provides outstanding and professional editorial services to her clients. I admire how she reserves the author’s voice and authenticity. She provides detailed and concrete feedback to help her clients polish and improve their work. Erin’s services are a good investment, and I highly recommend them.
Zina Zeigler
Author of "Riding the Waves"
About me
I have worked for more than 15 years as a magazine and book editor, encouraging each writer’s individual voice and strengthening their writing goals.
After I stopped writing for six years to focus on my family, depression, anxiety, and anger forced me to search for myself. Despite fearing my skills had atrophied, I started writing again.
One journal entry led to one blog post that led to me creating the Parents Who Write podcast, where I offer free writing and editorial support. My current role as a podcaster and writing coach enables me to help others pursue their writing dreams.
I am also the author of the Aerytol Saga.
I earned my BA in Literature from The American University and MA in Writing from The Johns Hopkins University.
Get your free guide
We all deserve a safe space where we can return to being just ourself. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Use this personal guide to help you
- make time for yourself,
- identify what to write about, and
- get started writing without your inner judge silencing you.