I offer editing services for horror, fantasy, and science fiction novels, novellas, and comic scripts. Writing clear and cogent prose is challenging and I will use my experiences as a published author and English teacher to help you write the best story possible. Descriptions of services and rates are provided below. Feel free to ask me any questions you have. Thanks for your consideration!

Manuscript Critique:

I will read your manuscript and write a detailed manuscript critique. The critique will start with my general statement about the manuscript, followed by my suggestions for revisions regarding plot structure, character development, and other story elements. No editing involved. $150 per manuscript. Recommended if you need an overall assessment of your work before any editing.

Developmental Editing:

I will suggest big changes on each page of your manuscript, correcting inconsistencies with plot and character development as well as other structural issues. I will also provide in-depth and honest feedback. $35 per hour. Recommended if you are still in the creative phase and have a very rough draft that needs substantial edits.

Copy Editing:

I will correct grammar and spelling mistakes, clarify meaning, eliminate jargon, and polish language for smoothness and clarity while maintaining your voice and style. I will provide some feedback, but it won’t be as in-depth as a developmental edit. $30 per hour. Recommended if the story structure is finalized and you just need the text to be smoother for brevity and clarity.

Proofreading:

I will check your manuscript and correct any remaining problems with spelling, grammar, and use of language. No work will be done on plot, character, or narrative structure. $25 per hour. Recommended if your manuscript has already gone through several rounds of edits and needs one more pass before publication.

Other info:

Payments for editing services are done through PayPal. I am flexible and willing to discuss payment plans that best fit your budget.

On average, it takes me about 2-3 weeks to edit a manuscript or to write a manuscript critique.

If you are unsure that I’m the right editor for you, then send me the first ten pages of your work for a free sample edit.

Testimonials:

“David…gave me remarkably thorough and constructive feedback. Nothing vague or superficial, he was specific and constructive, which made his feedback very useful. He also made himself available for follow-up questions, so it was not a “hit and run” experience, he cares about the product and your satisfaction. Highest recommendation!”

-L Brown

“David edited the first draft of my fourth novel. Of the six editors I’ve used, David was by far the most thorough and professional. Not only did he identify a plethora of errors, he provided solid recommendations on wording, sentence structure, and para organization. After I got over the sting of my writer imperfections, it occurred to me what a gift it was to have an honest and sometimes brutal assessment. I believe his editing has taken my writing to the next level. Moreover, David completed the edit before the promised due date! I almost hate to let everyone know what an awesome editor David is because he might become so busy he won’t have time for me. May he live long and continue to edit my novels. Many thanks David!!”

-NS Austin, author of Stolen World (http://nsaustinwrites.com/)

“David is a pleasure to work with. He provides relevant, knowledgeable, detailed and constructive feedback. He has a great sense for vital narrative elements. His expert feedback was essential in getting my manuscript closer to publication. Highly recommended!”

-Kirk Hammond, author of Opposable (https://badassscifi.com/opposable/)

“David Matteri read my long fantasy novel with utmost care, professionalism, and with thorough eyes. He noticed small inconsistencies with characters and plot threads that went unnoticed by other beta readers. He was able to pinpoint issues down to specific sentences and words which helped me see where my book needed improvement. He offered suggestions for each chapter, not just the book as a whole, which I appreciated.”

-Erika McCorkle