Need another set of eyes on your work to help get it to the next level?
I offer a range of services to help in the development of your story, including big-picture structural feedback, fine-detail editing, and mentoring.
I have:
- Published in a variety of genres (including creative non-fiction, children’s books and speculative fiction) and won multiple awards
- Particular expertise in science fiction, fantasy and horror
- Professional editing qualifications from the University of Technology, Sydney
- Worked in book publishing, sales, marketing and distribution for almost fifteen years
Critique
In a critique, I’ll look at what’s working in your story and what needs improvement. You’ll receive a summary of the strengths and weaknesses in the story, as well as thoughts and suggestions to improve aspects such as structure, characterisation, pacing, dialogue, setting. A marked-up copy of your manuscript is also included.
Fees
Short story (up to 5,000 words): $250
Short story (up to 10,000 words): $350
Novella (50,000 words or less): $750
Novel (50,000 to 120,000 words): $950
Editing
Editing can range from a structural edit to a copyedit or proofreading.
A structural edit is a ‘big picture’ edit of the entire work, and looks at aspects such as plot, character, pace, logic and consistency. It does not involve correcting grammar or punctuation. In a structural edit and you will receive a detailed report explaining the bigger-picture issues to be addressed, and some comments on the manuscript.
Fees:
Short story (up to 5,000 words): $350
Short story (up to 10,000 words): $750
Novella (50,000 words or less): $1500
Novel (50,000 to 120,000 words): $2250 to $3000
A copyedit is a line-by-line edit of the manuscript. It will focus on the details of language, such as grammar and punctuation, but also ensure consistency throughout the work. You will receive a marked-up manuscript, and separate report detailing any large changes or issues discovered.
Fees:
Short story (up to 5,000 words): $350
Short story (up to 10,000 words): $500
Novella (50,000 words or less): $1250
Novel (50,000 to 120,000 words): $2000 to $2500
Proofreading is done after all edits are complete and just before publication. It will check your work for any errors, typos or formatting issues. It is done entirely on the manuscript, electronically for physically depending on your requirements.
Fees:
Short story (up to 10,000 words): $100
Novella (50,000 words or less): $250
Novel (50,000 to 120,000 words): $500
Mentoring
Through mentoring I am able to provide individual support not only on your manuscript but on your development as a writer. Maybe you have the first draft of a novel, and need support to begin a constructive rewrite? Or you’ve done a couple of workshops, got some great feedback, but aren’t sure how to apply it in a productive way?
Mentoring is broad and flexible, often incorporating some manuscript development and editing along with support, advice and accountability. The process will also depend on where you are in your career as a writer, and what you’re hoping to get out of it.
I will provide written feedback on your work where appropriate, and we will allocate blocks of time to spend discussing it and bigger picture aspects of the writing life. This is usually done online, via Skype or similar.
Fees: start from $100 per session but may change depending on the kind of work we agree to do.
Payment
- Via PayPal, once we have agreed on the work to be done and a completion date.
- Payment must be made prior to the commencement of the work.
Contact
To discuss working together, please contact me on: anderton.joanne (at) gmail.com
Testimonials
“Joanne Anderton understands story. She can get inside everything from language and grammar to character motivation and narrative, and she can help you make it all better. As a mentor or editor, you can’t do better than Joanne.”
— Alan Baxter, multiple award-winning author of Devouring Dark, Hidden City, Crow Shine, The Alex Caine Series and much more!
“Joanne Anderton has a deep understanding of story and an eagle eye for detail. She’s not afraid to tell those uncomfortable truths that are exactly what your story needs, but tells you in a way you don’t mind hearing. Every story of mine she’s read has improved immeasurably based on her feedback, and one was shortlisted for an Aurealis Award – thanks, no doubt, to Jo’s expert counsel.”
—J. Ashley-Smith, award-winning author of The Attic Tragedy
“Joanne Anderton’s clear and professional advice on my manuscript helped bring it to the next level. So much so that it went on to win the CBCA mentorship award.”
—Trudi Sommers, author of Dandy Lion & the Fireflies
“Joanne Anderton is a master in her craft of writing in a variety of genres. She has the gift of also being able to communicate how to create a literary treasure through her finely tuned analytical skills, her knowledge of writing and her experience as a published author. What sets her apart from others in the field is her education and her experience.
This experience is also seen in her remarkably honed editing skills. Joanne’s suggestions about where to cut, and where to alter make her the Coco Chanel of the editing world. If you are looking for someone to help you fashion your writing into a masterpiece, Joanne is the person to do it.
She is very thorough, professional and also very easy to get along with. I am incredibly grateful to have found someone like Joanne who has helped me to achieve excellent results in terms of the many facets of writing including plot, character, structure and editing.”
—Nicole Lenoir-Jourdan, White Mouse Publishing House and First Class Magazine
“If a sentence can be shorter, clearer or more polished, Joanne is already on it. With a sensibility of an editor who is first of all a practising writer, she brings out the best in your writing. Her editorial suggestions make things more than just correct. Love working with Joanne; I’m confident she has my story’s best interest at heart, and I trust her editorial process.”
—Josipa Kosanovic, writer and radio producer
