"I found out three weeks ago that a publisher was interested in Nine Lives, and the panic since I had never had it professionally edited. I emailed Autumn, sent her the 83,000-word document, and, being the little grammar wizard that she is, she had it done in a week-and-a-half with all the changes that made it a much better product to present to my publisher. I cannot imagine being more pleased with the results! Thank you, Autumn."~ Author Frank Say, a recent client
If you need copyediting or proofreading done, I can help! Whether it is a term paper, a short story, or the next great American novel, I want to read your work and help you streamline it! Since 2006, I have been a freelance editor, and have worked for writers like Rosemarie Piemonte, Rachel Madorsky, and Tony Thorne, among others.
I am a published author myself, so I know how important creative liberty and deadlines are. I will proofread your work for content and style, punctuation, spelling, and typos. I can be as stringent or as loose as you need me to be, and I offer quick turnaround, personal service, and low rates! I can also work with you via email or postal mail, so no traveling or lengthy phone calls are necessary!
Contact me today, and let me polish that manuscript for you! I'd be happy to provide you with a resume and references.
What Are Your Background and Qualifications?
Since 1985, I have worked as a freelance writer, with my work appearing in several local and national publications, including Shades of Gray, Parenting, Entertainment Weekly, Home Life, Child, Woman’s Touch, Jr. Trails, The Standard, Over the Back Fence, Women’s World, New Moon, and others. My writing has also been featured in the Chicken Soup and Soul Matters book series, and my first two novels were published in 2005. In addition to this, I have written series and columns for several newspapers and magazines, and have placed highly in several notable writing contests since the mid-eighties.
As far as editing experience, I have worked as co-editor for two ezines, and edited for local businesses and newspapers since the mid-eighties. I am also a member of the Absynthe Muse Young Writer’s Mentoring Program, through which I have the opportunity to work with young authors to help them improve their grammar and content. In summer of 2006, I began freelance editing and proofreading and have since edited two novels, one non-fiction book, and several smaller projects such as dissertations, essays, advertising materials, and resumes.
My technical qualifications incudes an educational background in English and composition, an Associate’s Degree in Word Processing, and years of practical work experience writing and editing various types of business and advertising communication. I have also studied with Writer’s Digest Schools, I have an extensive knowledge of Microsoft Word and email and internet applications, and I can type nearly 100 WPM.
What Services Do You Offer?
While most proofreaders provide only a specific service in checking your work and charge you accordingly, your work will always get a three-tier treatment with me:
- General Proofreading – Checking documents for spelling, grammar, punctuation, mixed tenses, and consistency. These things detract from your work, and I will fix them!
- Copyediting – Checking wording and sentence structure to help clarify your writing for your readers, while maintaining your overall style and tone. I will also make suggestions for rewrites and reorganizations that you may want to consider for smoother reading.
- Ghostwriting – Ever have something you want to say, but just can’t make it sound right on paper? I can help you reword and clear up passages that don’t make sense, and even offer suggestions for getting your ideas down on paper.
One thing to remember is that I will NEVER turn your work into my work and will be a careful guardian of your style and tone. I am an author, too, so I know how important your work is and how much thought you’ve put into it! You will have the final say in how much of a change to make or whether to make changes at all, and how involved I get will be determined by your specific needs. Regardless of how little or how much revision your work needs, we will work together to make it shine for your readers and say what you want to say.
Keyboarding/Typing Service:
If you have a handwritten document that needs typed, I can do this for you while simultaneously editing it. (Additional rates will apply.)
Additional Services:
Additional services such as page layouts, typesetting, insertion of clipart, fact checking, format and style setup, and in-depth document design may be available for additional negotiable fees. I have much experience with creating newsletters and brochures from scratch, so don’t hesitate to ask if you need this type of service.
What Type of Projects/Manuscripts do You Edit?
I will accept almost any project of any length on any topic, with the exception of poetry (I don't tamper with this type of art) or foreign-language pieces (I only write and read in English). I have experience with brochures, newsletters, novels, non-fiction books, resumes, website text, manuals, articles, essays, reports, term papers, and other materials. I also have experience with authors who struggle with converting their writing to proper English because of language barriers.
I can adhere to almost any style or format requirements and have experience with spacing and formatting for various types of manuscripts and academic work.
Do You Accept Projects from Outside the US?
I will accept international works as long as they are written in English, the format and style requirements are clearly stated, and you are able to communicate with me clearly in English. Also, you must be able to use Paypal or money orders for payment, and you will be responsible for any additional banking fees incurred, as well as international postage incurred if you use hard copy submissions.
How do I Submit My Project/Manuscript?
You can choose from hard copy or electronic submissions. In either case, upon acceptance of your project, you will be asked to sign a contract service agreement for legal purposes. A copy of this agreement will be given to you for your records.
Hard Copy Submissions:
If you choose to have your hard copy hand-checked (redlined), you may send me the hard copy by postal mail or courier – it will be hand-checked and sent back to you with corrections/revisions marked clearly in red, along with a list of the standard proofreader’s marks that I use. You will be responsible for return postage and for the copy charges for making one copy of your document to retain in my records. If your hard copy is handwritten and needs typed, additional rates will apply for the typing service. A hard copy of your edited manuscript will be kept and available to you for a minimum of one month, unless you request it be destroyed from my archives sooner or stored longer. You will receive written acknowledgement to verify that your documents have been destroyed, so confidentiality is never a worry.
Electronic Submissions:
This is by far the quickets turnaround type of copyediting. If you choose to have an electronic file edited, you can email me your document (preferably as a Microsoft Word attachment) or mail it to me on CD-ROM, and it will be edited using the Microsoft Word Track Changes feature (so that you can easily accept or reject the changes) and then emailed back to you. Electronic files will be maintained and available to you for a minimum of one month, unless you request they be destroyed from my archives sooner or stored longer. Confidentiality and copyright are guaranteed, and you will receive written acknowledgement to verify that your documents have been destroyed.
What Fees Are Charged?
General Proofreading/Copyediting Services................................ $1/DS page
Printouts/Photocopies (one copy required for hard-copy edits)........ $.15/page
Typing/Keyboarding from Handwritten Copy................................ $1.50/page
Deposits May Be Required and Will Be Deducted from Final Invoice.
Estimating Your Cost:
Unlike many proofreaders who will charge you a "per hour" rate, my rates are a simple $1 per double-spaced manuscript page. To determine your cost for copyediting, do a word count of your manuscript, and divide by 300, then multiply this by $1. You will be responsible for the printing and postage costs associated with printing out, photocopying, and mailing your document.
How Long Will it Take to Do My Project?
The amount of time it takes for a project to be completed will be contingent on two things: the length of the project and the desired completion date. I will do my best to accommodate your deadlines (as a writer myself, I know how important it is to meet publication deadlines). I am very honest and will not take on your project if I cannot feasibly complete it within your necessary timeframe.
I do work at the fastest, yet most accurate pace that I can and do most of my editing work during the evenings and on weekends. In most cases, email communications and electronic files will only be sent back to you during weekday business hours (not on weekends or evenings), but you are always welcome to contact me by phone if you have concerns about your editing job.
How Do I Send My Deposit and Invoice Payments?
I require a 20% up-front payment. All charges must be paid via Paypal (please ask for the address) or by Money Orders issued by a United States Post Office only. In some circumstances, type or computer-generated business checks may be acceptable. I do not accept credit cards or personal checks.
References, Recommendations, and Samples
The following clients and associates have offered to act as references for my writing and editing work. Feel free to contact any of them if you have questions about my work:
Book
Authors for Whom I have Copyedited
o
Sandy Goforth, Fiction Novelist, sazzisandi@yahoo.com
o
Sarah Buchanan, Medical Writer/Web Content Producer, lomax-pk@xtra.co.nz
o
Stan Marine, Sci-Fi Novelist, stan@marineresidentialmortgage.com
o
Frank Say, Sci-Fi Novelist, fsay@earthlink.net
o
Tony Thorne, MBE, Anthology Author, tonythorne@aol.com
o
Rosemarie Piemonte, Romance Novelist, gabrielleravolie@yahoo.com
o
Rachel Madorsky, Medical-spiritual Nonfiction, quasimur@yahoo.com
o
Amy Ray-Hutchins, Suspense Novelist, idescend@hotmail.com
o
Sharon Lee Prentice, Fiction Novelist, dgpslp@easyfeed.com
o
Barb Flamm, Gothic Novelist, flamm1211@aol.com
- Other
Authors for Whom I Have Copyedited
o
Gail Howard, Travel Blogger, bfagailhoward@aol.com
o
Libby Choiniere, Academic Papers, godsblondeprincess77@yahoo.com
o
Bonnie Robbins, Business Copywriting, brobbins@woh.rr.com
o
Tiffany Tillman, Web Content Manager, tlc3000@sbcglobal.net
o
Dian Moore, Editor, moore@handsforhope.com
o
Dan Kinjorski, Editor, daniel.kinjorski@us.army.mil
o Saskia Tielens, Student Writer, sm_tielens@yahoo.com
Additional References Available Upon Request
Here are some of the kind things my clients and readers have said about my work:
- Recommendations
from Copyediting Clientele
o
“I'd
like to endorse the editorial services of Autumn Conley. Ms. Conley recently
completed editorial work on my manuscript, "Hearts of Fire." She did
this work economically and expertly without altering the plot of my novel. I
highly recommend Ms. Conley's services for writers who are looking for
editorial assistance from an editor who is a very talented, capable, skilled
and professional editor...” ● Durrel Owens, Author
o
"Autumn
is a superlative editor. I highly recommend her based upon past experience
where her contribution to my work and deadlines truly made all the difference
in the world. Her resourcefulness and meticulous attention to detail are truly
an asset to behold, and I very much look forward to doing business with her in
the future." ● Brett Hatten, Film Producer
o
“I have read your document, and I am absolutely delighted. Thank you
very much indeed. I can tell you have put allot of work into it, and it shows.
I love the language and way you have worded things and how it now has a great
flow. I think also that it comes across that you have former knowledge of the
topic as well, so from my part, it’s a perfect fit…You have a satisfied
customer here.” ● Sarah Buchanan, Writer and Web Content
Producer
o
“I appreciate
your time and effort in making my book more complete and therefore more
marketable…Autumn was hired to copyedit my new book UNDERCOVER My Story 307 pages of Fictional Memoir. She provided excellent
service, timely and was good to consult with” ● Greg Quesnelle, Author
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o
“…I will be contacting you for more editing. I like
to have someone else go over it and really correct the nitty gritty, and you
have proven yourself very valuable in my mind…” ● Michael La Pean, Author
o
“I'm so excited about you illuminating my
book, as you can see this is my first. I feel great energy about you and I
haven't even met you…” ● Darlene Harris, Author
o
“Your proofreading is accurate and prompt, and your
editorial suggestions are right on. I really appreciate your professionalism,
and I am recommending you to all of my colleagues…I really appreciate your
work!…You are so right on with your corrections. You might make me a better
writer!” ● Nellie Edge, Speaker
and Educator for Nellie Edge Seminars and Resources
o
“Thank you very much
for the excellent job you did for me editing [Criterion of Treason]…I
must say I’m impressed with your care and attention. An agent has expressed
interested. I’m hoping she will as pleased as I am. Thank you for your
enthusiasm…which is very encouraging!” ● Otto Wiche, Novelist
o
“I am so glad I found you. You have really put life into my
novel!...Your work added value to my novel, and I studied your additions and
learned a lot. You’ve helped me identify a weakness in my writing…You are the
only one I would want to edit my next novel!…[Autumn] is very talented and
should be writing novels rather than editing them. She will edit a sequel I am
working on….Her work was so excellent that I mentioned [it] in my dedications
and I gave her a bonus above the payments we agreed on because her service was
above the normal.” ● Stan Marine, Author
o
“I found out three weeks ago that a publisher was
interested in Nine Lives, and the panic began, since I had never had it
professionally edited. I emailed Autumn, sent her the 83,000-word document,
and, being the little grammar wizard that she is, she had it done in a
week-and-a-half with all the changes that made it a much better product to
present to my publisher. I cannot imagine being more pleased with the results!
Thank you, Autumn.” ● Frank Say, Author
o
“Autumn Conley was absolutely
wonderful. Her turnaround time was always one to two days. Her editing and
proofreading skills are above and beyond. She always gave me excellent advice
and reworked paragraphs when needed. She has excellent skills and her expertise
is above and beyond. I worked with Autumn for many
months as I wrote my second novel. Her editing skills amazed me. She was very
supportive, as well as helpful in showing me the errors of my ways. I would
want no other editor but Autumn. Her coaching, efficiency and guidance will
continue throughout my career as an author. I will begin my third novel next
year, and I will not publish it without the continued input of Autumn Conley. I
look forward to working with her again.” ● Rosemarie Piemonte, Author
o
“Autumn has that type of ameliorative attitude that you can
trust your work to, always striving to make your ideas sound or look better.” ●
Kristine Dillard, Illustrator
o
“Conley is clearly an experienced writer. Her grammar is
flawless, her writing style clear and concise.” ● Jennifer Brown, Book Reviewer
o
“When I read your edited version, I could see where you
inserted continuity or improved clarity.”
● Gail Howard, Blogger
- Reviews
of My Writing
o
“This is one of the very best articles that I have seen on
Associated Content or almost anywhere. Wonderful, heartfelt writing. Bravo!” ●
Thomas J. McCabe, Writer
o
“The author of this story has not only the talent of
writing, but this person has the courage to open her emotions to her readers.
Excellent work!” ● Rachel Madorsky, Author
& Speaker
o
“It is clear that Autumn is a voice to be reckoned with.
The grammar of her writing is near flawless, and the characters are excellent
metaphors for society” ● Brett Hatten, Film
Director and Screenwriter
- “Never before has a novella been able to capture such genuine
emotion and fear with all the intensity of a 400-page novel. This book is
designed to hit you with a barrage of unnerving psychological issues, and
does not shy away from that gray area of the human mind that many authors
simply refuse to go to. It really is a great little read, and I guarantee
you’ll cover-to-cover it in one sitting. A true, thought provoking,
new-age, Lecter-style psycho-thriller. Totally recommended!” ● Wesley
James Parks, Author
If you'd like to see some samples of my writing, please click the following links:
http://www.associatedcontent .com/article/34734/coffee_and_weight_loss_does_it_really.html (I have several articles posted at Associated Content. Feel free to check them out!)http://wtonline.ag.org/relationships/singlewoman/big_faith_of_a_little_word.cfm
Contact Information
If you have any further questions or would like to see if I can take on your project, please feel free to contact me any time! (Email is ALWAYS the best way to contact me, but feel free to write or call if necessary!)
Autumn J. Conley
Post Office Box 134
Tremont City, Ohio 45372
314-620-9627