I specialize in fiction editing, particularly fantasy, science fiction, and romance — or a combination of all three! I’m open to all fiction genres, so don’t feel like you have to stick to any particular one to work with me! I love working with indie authors in particular.
I updated my prices to an hourly format, which represents a better compromise between affordability and the use of my time; on average, I can edit between 7,000-10,000 words per hour. Under this new prices, I will do a first pass on the first 15,000 words in your piece, and provide you with an estimated hourly quote based on that.
Any questions? Feel free to reach out here!
Storyboarding
You’ve got characters, you’ve got a handful of plot, but you’re unsure about how to get started. Sometimes you just need a little guidance. Before you dive into a new project — or re-envision an old one — let’s talk! In a half-hour or hour-long conversation, I’ll work with you to figure out structural questions about worldbuilding, plot, and characterization, as well as to set goals for your story.
$25 USD/half hour; $50 USD/hour for video/voice calls (hosted via Discord or Zoom)
Coaching
I also offer short or long term coaching services, specifically to help writers establish healthy, sustainable goals. Whether it’s meeting weekly to discuss what did (or didn’t) work, setting up times where I act as an accountability buddy, or anything in between, I am happy to help you carve out time for your creative work.
Email me to discuss your specific needs, and receive a quote!
Developmental Editing
Here, I focus on large-scale issues — plot, characterization, pacing, consistency — while also offering scene-by-scene analysis. Full or partial drafts are welcome; my notes will include places where I think scenes could be expanded or streamlined, digging into character motivations, or clarifying aspects of your worldbuilding.
You’ll receive my feedback in an annotated copy of your draft, including what I liked/what your strengths, as well as a letter detailing my observations on the large-scale aspects of your story. Additionally, once you’ve received my feedback and gone over my notes, I offer a one-hour video or voice call to discuss them in more detail (one such call is included in your Developmental Edits package; any additional calls are subject to the Storyboarding prices).
$50 USD per hour
Line Editing
Here is where we start to look at story flow, and what the experience of reading your story is. I will preserve your unique voice, and your goals for this story, while also making sure it’s clear and easy to read, with solid dialogue.
$50 USD per hour
Interested in combining the Developmental and Line Editing services? Let’s talk! Email me at bethanyleighwords@gmail.com to discuss the precise needs of your story, and to determine total package cost.
Copyediting
We’ve all been there: the point at which you’ve lived with your story for so long you can’t see the double “the”s on every other page. At this stage, I focus on the technical aspects: grammar, spelling, word repetition. This is a great end-stage process, when you’re satisfied with your story on a developmental and line-editing level, but can be combined with the above services as well.
$0.02 USD/word, unless combined with either Developmental Edits or Line Editing; then $50 USD
Testing the Waters
Unsure what you need, or if my services will work for you? I offer a trial package, in which I provide developmental and line edits for your first three chapters (or 15,000 words), along with a one-hour video/voice call to talk over my process and notes.
$50/USD total
The Process, and Some Details
If you know which service or combination of services you’re interested in, fill out my Contact Form, with any information about deadlines or particular story needs. Once I’ve received that information, we will finalize your service package as well as a schedule for the edits and video/voice calls. You will be invoiced, and given a write-up of our mutually-agreed-upon schedule and plan.
I require a payment of 50% of the agreed-upon fee before I begin edits; the second payment will be due before I send my finalized notes. I accept payment through Paypal or Venmo — other payment methods can be discussed during the scheduling stage.
I require — and will give — at least 48 hours’ notice for any schedule changes. Life happens! Let’s keep each other in the loop when something comes up.
Unless otherwise specified, I will use either Track Changes in Word, or the Suggesting feature in Google Docs, for my edits. You will always be able to see and assess each edit individually. I use standard American English, as well as the Chicago Manual of Style.
If accommodations are needed to make it easier for you to work with an editor — if you are dealing with chronic illness, disability, or other issues — please let me know and I will adjust my process to the best of my ability to make things work for you. Any discussion of accommodations will be confidential.
I reserve the right to refuse to edit any story, but I point-blank will not edit stories that are racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic, transphobic, or ableist (please note that there’s a difference between a story that deals with those topics, and a story that is those things); TERFs/SWERFs are not welcome here, and neither are any “oh but here’s one nice racist/Nazi/slave owner” stories. I also will not edit stories generated via AI tools. This “will not edit” list is not comprehensive, and is subject to expansion and clarification.
Any questions? Please feel free to contact me!
oh! the hero complex 