Services
Where to Start
The Word Cubby offers four editing services and custom packages. Each service builds on the previous one, but not all manuscripts need the same attention.
If you have a completed manuscript but are unsure if it is ready for beta readers or the submission process, the manuscript evaluation is the best place to start. The evaluation is not as detailed as the developmental edit but highlights areas for improvement before moving on to the next milestone in the publishing process.
If you have an idea, an outline, a partial manuscript, or a draft that feels like it is missing something or not as good as it should/could be, the developmental edit is the best place to start. This is an in-depth analysis of the manuscript on a chapter-by-chapter basis.
If your manuscript has been through beta readers, critique partners, developmental editing, or an evaluation, it is time to dive in for a line edit. This edit takes an in-depth look at the story on a line-by-line basis and brings out the writer’s best voice. The Word Cubby does not ghostwrite, and all suggestions are presented using track changes and comments.
The last editing stop before proofreading and formatting is the copy edit. At this stage, the only items being addressed are spelling, grammar, and punctuation. If The Word Cubby provided your line edit, this service is provided for free.
Manuscript Evaluation
A manuscript evaluation is a high-level journey through your manuscript. It focuses on four distinct aspects: structure, story, mechanics, and genre.
- Voice & Style
- Plot
- Pacing
- Character Development
- Setting
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Inconsistencies
- Point of View Issues
- Points of Confusion
- Genre Expectations
- Marketability
- Anything Else That Needs Improvement
A manuscript evaluation is not a developmental edit; it provides an overview of the manuscript, whereas the developmental edit dives head-first into the manuscript’s idea and structure. A few comments and suggestions will be noted within the manuscript, but a manuscript evaluation is a separate document that provides editorial feedback, help, and suggestions.
Developmental Edit
Developmental editing focuses on the big-picture elements of story and structure on a chapter-by-chapter basis. Some of the things The Word Cubby focuses on are:
- Plot
- Pacing
- Character Development
- Setting
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Structure
- Voice & Delivery
- Inconsistencies
- Point of View
- Story
The amount of feedback a client receives varies depending on how much of the story was developed, but the average is one page of feedback per chapter. Total feedback provided in the developmental edit averages 15-30 pages.
Line Edit
The line edit is the heart of the editing process that focuses on the following:
- Word Choice
- Grammar & Punctuation
- Dialogue
- Delivery
- Reader Engagement
- Voice
Every line is read and evaluated under a “is this the best way to present this” lens. The Word Cubby is not a ghostwriter and does not change the writer’s voice. Grammar and punctuation errors are fixed in-line, while any suggestions regarding word choice and delivery are presented as comments. All edits and suggestions are done using Track Changes, so the writer can quickly accept or reject the suggested edit.
Copy Edit
After all previous edits have been completed, the last editorial pass before proofreading is the copy edit. This pass focuses on grammar and punctuation, spelling, and consistency. After this, the manuscript is ready for proofreading and formatting. The Word Cubby provides this service free of charge to all editing clients. However, it is available as a standalone service for a fee.
TTRPG
From GM Guides and Spellbooks to Player Guides and Campaigns, TTRPGs also require editing to ensure reader ease, engagement, and smooth adoption or integration. The Word Cubby creates style sheets (unless provided one) based on your chosen integration. Great care is taken with consistency, streamlined presentation, and readability.
Rates
- Manuscript Evaluation: $350/ 2-week turnaround
- Developmental Edit: $.03 per word/ 4-week turnaround
- Line Edit: $.04 per word/ 4-week turnaround
- Copy Edit: $700/ 2-week turnaround
- TTRPG: Request a quote
The Word Cubby understands professional editing is quite an investment and one that is out of reach for many self-publishing authors. We offer a variety of payment options, so don’t let cost stand in the way of polishing your manuscript.