What I do
A Novel approach to Book editing.
Hi, I’m Sam Stringert, the editor behind Sam Speed Edits! I believe that authors have brilliant, beautiful minds and that every author has a book inside them that will be someone’s favorite book.
More than 97% of books that are started are never finished, but you have finished yours! That’s an incredible achievement! I’d love to work together to make your words shine and get them into the hands of the people who most need your story.
With collaborative editing, we’ll work together to polish your manuscript and get it to unputdownable status. My heart in a red pen is here to help you achieve all of your goals for your words.
Every step of the way, I will be cheering you on as we ensure that you are putting your best words forward when you hit send on a query or publish independently. Let’s make magic together!
Services
Fine-tune your manuscript, one step at a time.
Developmental Editing
Unlock your story’s potential with Developmental Editing. I will complete a full and thorough manuscript read where positive and constructive feedback will be provided. The focus will be on things like character development, plot & timeline consistency, accuracy of information, and overall consistency. Feedback will be provided inline and in an essay if preferred.
Line Editing
Ramp up readability with Line Editing. I will complete a meticulous manuscript read and markup where the focus is on the use of language to tell the story. I will focus on making sure your language is clear and communicates the way you intend.
Copy Editing
Perfect your technique with Copy Editing. I will perform a careful and complete manuscript read and markup that focuses on technical elements of your writing. I will comb the document for any errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax.
Proofreading
Put the final polish on your work with Proofreading. I will perform a close read of your nearly final manuscript to ensure that no final errors need to be corrected. Proofreading is the last step before submission or publication and can mean the difference between a pass or pick up!
Children’s Books
The focus for Children’s Book editing is on read-aloudability and word choice to create compelling stories that kids want to read and listen to time and time again. I work closely with you to ensure that every word is doing its job to make your book one kids and parents alike love to read.
FAQs
How will we know if we’re a fit?
Book a complimentary consultation or sample edit so we can discuss your goals for your work. From there we can decide if working together is a fit!
My manuscript is a mess and I’m overwhelmed that it needs more changes before anyone reads it. Can I still work with you?
Yes! The beauty of collaborative editing is that I meet you where you are. Whether you are on your very first draft or your fiftieth revision, I can partner with you to get your manuscript where you want it to be!
I’m an independent author and I can’t afford most professional editing. What are your rates?
My rates are incredibly competitive because I fully believe in the power of editing to enhance an author’s natural talent. Everyone should have access to professional editing, not just authors who are already signed to a publisher. Developmental editing starts as low as $.005 for inline feedback only and goes to $.010 for inline plus a feedback deep dive essay. Other types of editing are $.008 (proofreading) and $.010 (copy and line). In real terms, this pricing means a 70k word manuscript can be copy edited for a $700 investment.
How quickly can you return feedback to me?
All of my contracts include a 12 business day turnaround time, but I always try to return sooner. On average, feedback is provided 4-6 business days after receipt. Rush service is available for an additional fee.
My previous editor didn’t understand my voice and wanted me to change things to their style. Will you also do that?
Absolutely not! My ultimate goal is to make your voice and your vision shine. My role is fully behind the scenes, and if you disagree on suggestions I’ve made that is perfectly fine! I will never suggest that my way is the only or better way. You know your own voice better than anyone else, and my job is to ensure you’re getting it out in the way you want.
Consultation
Ready to transform your words?
Let’s chat and see if we’re a fit!
Sam Speed Edits 