Freelance Editor
Open to anything with a speculative element: science fiction, fantasy, horror, magical realism, romance, young adult, or historical (I do not fact-check history.)
SHORT FICTION WELCOME
Experience
I've been a freelance editor for indie authors and small presses since 2014, and since then I've edited novels, novellas, and single-author collections. I've also worked on several professional magazines and anthologies including Lightspeed, Nightmare, Wastelands 2, Triangulation, Women Destroy SF/F/H, Fantasy Magazine (ebook conversion). My full resume with references is available upon request, and projects I've worked on are listed here with links.
Basically I love grammar and want to help authors tell their best stories. And yes, I read CMOS for fun. Don't judge.
Once Upon the Longest Night edited by Charissa Weaks, 2018 (assistant)
Fire of Ages by J.S. Bangs, 2017
The Tesla Paradox 2: Kraut Balls by Lawrence Rowe, 2017
A Modest Proposal by Lawrence Rowe, 2017
The Tesla Paradox 1: Foo Fighters by Lawrence Rowe, 2017
Peak Crosser by Adam Mangum, 2016
Throne of Ruins by J.S. Bangs, 2016
Queen of Slaves by J.S. Bangs, 2016
Pride of Empires by J.S. Bangs, 2016
I am Providence by Nick Mamatas, 2016
Bubblenomics II by Lawrence Rowe, 2016
Coin of Kings by J.S. Bangs, 2016
Witch King by Simon Kewin, 2016
Heir of Iron by J.S. Bangs, 2016
Wyrm Lord by Simon Kewin, 2015
Hyrn by Simon Kewin, 2015
Fire from Ashes by B.E. Priest, 2015
Women Destroy Horror edited by Ellen Datlow, 2014 (proofreader)
Women Destroy Fantasy edited by Cat Rambo, 2014 (proofreader)
Women Destroy Science Fiction edited by Christie Yang, 2014 (proofreader)
Drunk on Writing: The Best of Write1Sub1, Volume 1 edited by Stephanie Lorée, 2014
Heir Expectant by B.E. Priest, 2014
Blue Eyes at Night by J.P. Wilder, 2014
Scion of the Wood by B.E. Priest, 2014
Hedge Witch by Simon Kewin, 2014
The Genehunter: The Complete Casebook by Simon Kewin, 2014
Triangulation: The Morning After, 2012, edited by Stephen V. Ramey (assistant)
Testimonials
"Stephanie Lorée was about the best editor I could ask for. Her edit was thorough and exhaustive, catching a multitude of errors in mechanics, clarity, and continuity, all the while respecting the style of the piece. I recommend her to anyone looking to put the final polish on their novel."
"Steph has edited four of my novels (and one novella) and done a fantastic job on all of them. Her comments and suggestions are always astute, comprehensive and frequently witty. She’s always friendly and helpful, and she knows her gerund from her subjunctive. She's helped me improve my sentences, chapters and books greatly, and I recommend her highly."
"Stephanie is the total editorial package. She gave attention to every word I wrote, helping with more than just grammar, syntax, and story. Her notes explore the work from the perspective of the writer as well as the reader. She breaks down plot, pacing, character, dialog, setting, theme, ETC, and leaves you in a position to craft the best work possible. And beyond that, Stephanie offered me support, as an editor, as a fan, and as a friend. It’s really all you can ask and more."
Services & Pricing
All amounts are approximate and vary if you need heavier or lighter edits. New clients will need to provide a sample of their work, which I will edit to see if we'll be a good fit for each other. The scope of work/price will be negotiated with the author and a contract will be signed. No surprises. I require half of the agreed price up front and the final half on delivery of the edited manuscript. I accept payments via PayPal, Stripe, or snail-mail check.
Unless otherwise discussed with the author, I use The Chicago Manual of Style 17th edition, Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary 11th edition (primary), American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 5th edition (secondary), Shunn standard manuscript formatting, and US English wherever possible.
Manuscript Evaluation ~ $50 / 10k words
Similar to a writing coach, this is a way for writers to receive feedback as they develop their novel and improve their overall craft. It's also great for shorter stories, where a full line edit and copyedit might not be cost effective.
I will provide 1-5 pages of editorial notes focused on the overall story and prose. I will look for plot errors, characterization issues, repetitive grammatical issues, and provide general advice to improve your prose. I'll cover narrative description, dialogue, actions/reactions, setting, pacing, tension, emotional impact, and theme. Finally, based on my experience as an acquiring editor and slush reader, I will tell you if I believe this is ready for pro-market sale and/or which markets I'd suggest for submission.
Line Editing ~ $0.01 / word
Line editing is about the sentence and paragraph level of your craft. It improves the strength of your prose, making sure your ideas are conveyed to the reader clearly and as you intended them. Line edits are not only for improving your current manuscript but also for making you a better writer in the future. A good line editor will help you develop and enhance your own authorial voice without overriding it with their own.
I will provide in-line suggestions via Word's Track Changes or Google Doc's Editing mode for the following: confusing or awkward sentences, smoothing transitions and the "flow" of sentences and paragraphs, enhancing readability, eliminating wordiness, tightening repetitive or redundant word usage, character motivation issues, depth of characterization/setting issues, point of view slips, flagging clichés, inappropriate jargon or figures of speech, and recommending show over tell where needed, including the use of passive voice.
Copyediting ~ $0.01 / word
Copyediting covers spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax. If line editing is about craft, copyediting is the minutiae of writing. It also assures your manuscript is properly formatted for your layout designer and tracks the internal consistency of your story and characters.
I will provide in-line suggestions via Word's Track Changes or Google Doc's Editing mode for the following: spelling, grammar, punctuation, incorrect word usage, verb tense changes, style consistency for hyphenation, numerals, fonts, and capitalization. I will track consistency with characters, settings, fictitious words, and plot history in a style sheet, which you will receive at the end of the project.
All of the above over 3 rounds with the author ~ $0.02 / word (average for a 100k novel = $2000)
In addition to a manuscript evaluation, line edit, and copyedit, I will provide reasonable consultation during your revisions to answer any questions, provide additional feedback, and give general guidance and encouragement. This is truly having me as your personal editor. These returning clients will receive priority for booking.
Proofreading ~ $0.005 / word
This is a final pass to correct any surface errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation, as well as typographical and formatting errors. I will not proofread a manuscript that has not been first seen by another editor. Corrections can be provided in Word's Track Changes, Google Doc's Editing mode, or as classic red ink on a print or scanned copy. If you choose to utilize regular postal mail, you will cover all the costs of shipping and postage.
Availability
2020
January - Booked
February - Booked
March - Booked
April - Booked
May - Booked
June - Partial Availability
July - Partial Availability
August - Partial Availability
September - Partial Availability
October - Available
November - Available
December - Available
2021
January - Available
February - Available
March - Available
April - Available
May - Available
June - Available
July - Available
August - Available
September - Available
October - Available
November - Available
December - Available