Now scheduling appointments for 2020. Please contact me at jo.vanderhooft @ gmail.com.
Welcome!
Thanks for visiting my corner of the web. I’m an editor and writer with twelve years of experience in several areas of publishing–most notably journalism, inspiration/self-help, and fiction. I love meeting and working with publishers as well as authors of all experience levels–though I have a special passion for working with independent authors and those new to the craft, as well as those writing science fiction, fantasy, horror, romance, suspense, or any combination thereof.
I offer the following services:
- Copyediting (basic and heavy) and line editing (.009 cent per word)
- Developmental editing (hourly fee, negotiable)
- Substantive/content editing (1.25 cents per word)
- Bundle package: content editing, copy editing, and line editing (1.5 cents per word)
- Proofreading (.007 cent per word)
- Manuscript critiques (flat fee)
- Writing coaching (hourly fee)
- Individual writing classes (fee negotiable)
I also have extensive experience in article and blog writing, and have published more than a thousand bylined articles and book reviews since 2004. My rates for the following writing services, while based on EFA’s pricing range, are negotiable:
- Blog posts
- Feature articles
- Ad copy
I do, however, typically prefer to work on a per-page, per-word, or per-project rather than an hourly basis with the exception of coaching services, for which I bill hourly. I am regularly looking to work with new clients and would love to offer you a quote for any of these services. I can be reached at jo.vanderhooft@NOSPAMgmail.com or through this website’s contact form. I look forward to helping your book, article, or other project shine!
You may have some questions now, and thankfully I have some answers!
How does this work?
When you contact me in search of services, I will talk with you about what level of editing you seek. At no charge, I will then perform a sample edit of 700 to 1,000 words on your manuscript. I will return it to you typically in 2-4 business days along with a brief letter detailing my thoughts about the sample and the level and type of editing I think it will require (for example, a heavy line and copy edit, a light developmental edit, etc.). If you decide we will work well together and that my editing style suits your goals, we will decide and agree upon manuscript delivery, types of edits performed, and deadlines for both of us.
How do you edit?
I edit using Microsoft Word 2016 edition’s Track Changes feature. Unfortunately, at this time, I cannot offer edits of hard-copy (printed out) manuscripts.
What happens when I hire you?
We determine what service(s) you would like and a deadline that will work for you. I can typically turn manuscripts around in 1-3 weeks but sometimes may need more time, depending on my schedule.
If you would like a developmental edit, you will also receive two additional documents. The first is a style sheet referencing specific spellings and details about characters, places, and other words in your manuscript that may not appear in a dictionary–that is, made-up or non-English words, character names, and unusually punctuated or capitalized words. The second document is a letter describing my impressions of your manuscript, namely its strengths and weaknesses and additional work you may want to consider doing before you submit it to an agent or publisher or self-publish.
I will also provide a style sheet for manuscripts I copy edit upon request.
What genres and subjects do you edit?
I have experience and interest in multiple genres. In fiction, these include:
- Romance (contemporary, BDSM, erotica/erotic romance, paranormal, suspense, steampunk, SF/futuristic, fantasy, M/M, F/F, menage/polyamorous, and LGBTQ romance in general) I do not edit Regencies but do edit romances in most other historical time periods. I am very interested in editing those set in the Victorian period. Romantic suspense is my favorite subgenre.
- Inspiration/Christian titles
- Science fiction
- Fantasy (all types, though I am particularly interested in dark fantasy, high fantasy, urban fantasy, and retold fairy tales, folktales, and myths)
- Horror
- Thrillers
- Mysteries
- Young Adult and Middle Grade
- New Adult
- Poetry
- Novels in verse/experimental fiction
I am experienced in the following categories of nonfiction:
- Memoir
- Self-help
- Religious/Inspirational
- Feature articles
What don’t you edit?
Currently I do not offer academic, medical, or technical editing. I also reserve the right to turn down work that I determine to be racist, sexist, ableist, classist, discriminatory to any gender or sexual orientation, work that is hateful or defamatory, or plagiarized work.
What style manuals and dictionaries do you use?
When editing fiction, I use the Chicago Manual of Style, 16th edition and Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary at M-W.com.
Are you available for consultation on the phone or Skype?
Yes. As with coaching, I bill hourly for this service.
I have a question you haven’t answered here.
Please email me at jo.vanderhooft@gmail.com or use the contact form on this site, and I’ll be happy to help!
