Writing & Editing Services

Do you need help with a fiction or non-fiction writing project? Do you have a grant you need written? Have a manuscript that needs edited? Are you an author who needs advice on book marketing and building your platform? I can help.

I am an award-winning author specializing in adult and young adult fiction and a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association.

My suspense novel, Pitcher Plant, won a 2018 Independent Publishers Book Award. I’ve won other book awards as well. I have edited fiction for Lorincz Literary and Barking Rain Press, and contributed monthly articles on writing, editing, and book marketing to BookDaily.com.

I have over fifteen years of experience writing and editing grants and academic articles. I have published numerous academic articles in peer-reviewed journals such as The Journal of College and Character and The College Student Affairs Journal. My Ph.D. is in Higher Education, and I have a background in counseling, teaching, and assessment.

“A wonderful editor. Skilled, responsive, and encouraging. Made my book better!” –Marian McMahon Stanley, author of The Immaculate

Here are some of the services I offer. If you don’t see what you need, email me at solasbeir at gmail dot com.

Developmental Editing:

  • Developing a manuscript from an initial concept, outline, or draft.

  • Making suggestions about content, organization, or presentation.

  • Writing, rewriting, and researching.

Basic fee: $50/hour.*

Copyediting:

(Also called line editing.)

  • Correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. while preserving the meaning and voice of the original text.

  • Checking for consistency in style and format, and preparing a style sheet.

  • Reading for overall clarity and sense.

Basic fee: $40/hour.*

Proofreading:

  • Checking a proof against style sheet or typesetting specifications.

  • Correcting errors or inconsistencies that may have escaped a writer or editor.

Basic fee: $30/hour.*

Writing:

  • Fiction

  • Non-fiction

  • Grants

  • Blog posts

Basic fee: $50/hour (or $0.25-$0.50/word, depending on the type of writing)*

Consulting:

  • Query letter review

  • Building a marketing platform

  • Websites and social media

Basic fee: $50/hour*

*Fees may vary depending on the needs of a project, and the above fees follow the industry standards of the Editorial Freelancers Association. If a project requires more in-depth editing, fees may be higher. Let’s talk about your needs. I can review your project and give you a solid estimate. I’m also happy to do a sample edit so you can determine if I’m the right fit for your project.

I’m passionate about helping other authors. Here are some articles I’ve written to provide information and resources about writing and book marketing.

Thoughts on Writing

Thoughts on Marketing

© Melissa Eskue Ousley 2012