NO EDITING PRICE CHANGES FOR 2020

For more information, please go to my main website.

Always open to taking on new clients.

 

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS 

Editing Services 2019

Reminder: please go to new website for the most up-to-date information.

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Editing Packages

2019 Prices

 

Proofreading starts at .0075 a word

Proofreading is done on a final draft and includes line-by-line correction of spelling and grammar. Each proofread receives only one pass before being sent back to the author. This package does not include second edit after author reviews changes. It is extremely rare that I accept a manuscript for proofread only, and almost never for new clients. If manuscript has been copy edited by a reputable editor, I will consider it.

Package fees are baseline fees. Please be aware that books that need excessive editing outside of the package picked may lead to extra fees. The fees will be discussed with the author before any work is done.

Anything under 20,000 words is automatically $150 (or above).

Detailed Copy Editing starts at .0085 a word

Copy Editing is done on a final draft and includes detailed, line-by-line editing for sentence structure, grammar, spelling, and, if needed, other issues that do not require major changes, such as plot consistency, character analysis, and style. Each detailed copy edit receives at least two passes before being sent back to the author. This package does not include second edit after author reviews changes.

Package fees are baseline fees. Please be aware that books that need excessive editing outside of the package picked may lead to extra fees. The fees will be discussed with the author before any work is done.

Anything under 20,000 words is automatically $170 (or above).

Detailed Copy Editing & Proofread Package starts at .01 a word

(Recommended)

This is the package I recommend most for every author, as well as my best-selling and best-value package. It also includes a free blurb edit ($50 value). The Detailed Copy Editing and Proofread Package combines both services. This package has two different steps. First, Detailed Copy Editing will be done to a manuscript and sent back to the author. The author will then make all the changes they need to based on offered suggestions. Once the author has finished this stage and sent it back, a thorough Proofread will be done on the finished product. Please refer to the above explanations for each service to see what they entail. This is the most cost-effective package if you desire both a detailed copy edit as well as a final proofread after suggested changes have been made. This package gives the most-polished end product. It is the author’s responsibility to supply the blurb at the time of the edit.

Package fees are baseline fees. Please be aware that books that need excessive editing outside of the package picked may lead to extra fees. The fees will be discussed with the author before any work is done.

Anything under 20,000 words is automatically $200 (or above).

Total Manuscript Tense and POV Change

First person present to third person past. Third person past to first person present. Price quotes available on request.

$50 for Blurb Editing & Critique

Need help making your blurb great? Need a fresh pair of eyes to check for errors and readability? This is your option. This is a flat-rate service with a five-day turnaround. (plus $2.50 processing)

$50 Flat Rate for Small Jobs

Almost anything under 5,000 words, such as query letters, expanded synopses, and chapter samples. (plus $3.00 processing)

Press Releases, Expanded Synopses, Chapter Samples, Website Material, Articles, and any other Non-Fiction Works over 5,000 Words – (I do not edit non-fiction books)

Price will need to be discussed on an as-needed basis.

Facebook Groups PA Service and Review Wrangler Service: (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)

Want your books posted in the multitude of book groups on Facebook, but don’t have the time to do it? I am a member of over 115+ Facebook book groups, and adding more every day. These range from Kindle Unlimited to Erotica to Dystopian to Romance to Reviews and everything in between.

$30 : ONCE A MONTH/No review Wrangling: I will post your preferred promotional material in at least 25 relevant book groups once a month (25 posts). 3 and 6-month packages available. Includes multiple promotional posts on Editing Services by Cynthia Shepp’s Facebook and Twitter.

$150 : 75 POSTS A MONTH WITH REVIEW WRANGLING: I will post your preferred promotional material in at least 25 relevant book groups, number of posts spread throughout the month (75 posts) as well as coordinate any review copies/reviewers if review seeking is your goal from group promotion–which includes seeking reviewers, communication with reviewers, and follow-ups to attempt to get them to remember to post their reviews. 3 and 6-month packages available. Includes multiple promotional posts on Editing Services by Cynthia Shepp’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. BEST PACKAGE!

Prices listed are limited-time promo prices while service is new and getting adjusted. Subject to change.

Blog Post and Newsletter Editing

Price will need to be discussed on an as-needed basis. Monthly prices available based on number sent out.

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*PayPal fees are calculated and added to final bill.* http://thefeecalculator.com/ .

2019 UPDATES

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR AUTHORS:

Effective January 1, 2019, there will be an increase in editing rates on all packages and updates to the terms and conditions. Please read carefully as they have changed.

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SCHEDULED spots per month are limited. Once they are booked, no others will be accepted until the next opening. A $52.50 fee will be charged at time of scheduling to book a spot. If slots are cancelled or submissions are late, the fee will not be refunded. If scheduled date is met, fees will be subtracted from final invoice. Fees pertaining to missed scheduling dates will be strictly enforced.

All submissions will have up to an eight week (see below [¹] ) completion period, and any submission accepted with less than an eight-week completion date will be considered a rush with a rush fee depending on the amount of time given to complete.

Submissions with set preorders will not be accepted if less than eight weeks from scheduled editing date or six weeks with prior approval.

⬆On rare occasions, exceptions may be made concerning completion dates and preorders—for established clients only—if approved by the editor beforehand.

[¹] Eight weeks is fifty-six days. It may sound like a lot, but it is less than two months. Since I (try to) no longer work on weekends, this equals out to forty workdays for me. This does not include blackout dates for holidays or vacations.  (Example: If New Year’s Eve and New Year’s day fell during your fifty-six days, you would add two extra days to completion time for a total of fifty-eight days.) 

HOWEVER, not all edits require the full amount of time for completion. The deadline is simply set in place to allow for ample time in case of a full schedule, unexpected delay or circumstance, sickness, or any other happenstance. IF an edit is completed before the deadline, it will be delivered to the author early. Just in case, always expect an edit could take the full amount of time, but know the editor works diligently to complete projects sooner.

MANUSCRIPTS must be submitted in Times New Roman, size 11 font, and 1 1/2 spaced. If they are not, I will change them. It makes the editing process cleaner and easier.

I DO NOT edit non-fiction books. However, I will edit non-fiction articles, website material, press releases, and other such subject matter. I am also not familiar with UK grammar. I will edit UK books, but only if they are being completely Americanized.  If you want to keep some UK tone, (colour instead of color, sayings, etc) that is fine. You just have to make sure to tell me. However, any and all grammar related issues that I do recognize will be Americanized.

GRAPHIC and/or gratuitous RAPE scenes are not accepted. Books containing them are subject to IMMEDIATE return without refund or completion.

HOWEVER, books that contain rape are not an automatic no. A girl trying to get over being raped, a fade-to-black rape scene that is integral to the story, a book about rape that inspires hope in victims, a crime book that manages to impress the violence without making it graphic and pleasingly sexual, etc… would all be considered and most likely accepted. Please just explain the scenes to me beforehand.

Erotica books that use rape as something pleasingly sexual, or any book that does, or any book that describes rape in graphic, violent, sexual, scene-by-scene detail, will NOT be accepted. If in a book I accepted without my prior knowledge, it will be returned with NO REFUND OR COMPLETION. (Rape Clause Added October 20, 2015)

AUTHORS are responsible for getting their books to me by the date agreed upon. Scheduled submissions that miss their scheduled date and wish to stay on the schedule will be charged an additional late fee (starting at) $52.50 and will be rescheduled to the next available slot. Late or cancelled submissions that have occurred three or more times will no longer be accepted.

RUSH JOBS, which I rarely take and usually only from established clients, will incur a fee. It will depend on length of the manuscript and amount of time given to finish. The base amount of a rush is $150, and it goes up from there. Any submission with less than an eight-week completion date will be considered a rush with a rush fee depending on the amount of time given to complete. The less amount of time given to complete the edit, the higher the rush fee.

Rush jobs are hard on me, so while I do not mind occasionally taking them, please respect the amount of pressure it puts on me and not make a habit out of it. I do understand there are times when there are no other choices and life happened, but always try to schedule in advance.

Rush submissions will need to be preapproved and will require at least five business days for completion, unless approved by the editor in advance.

⬆An occasional emergency exception may be made for established clients.

PLEASE be aware that books that need excessive editing outside of the package picked may lead to extra fees. Submissions turned in that do not meet approved price-based sampled standards will be returned to authors to have them brought up to standards, or they will be charged a fee of up to 20% of invoice to be brought to standards by the editor.

Manuscripts are only taken at packages they are ready for. If authors request a proof or detailed copy edit only, it must be in a condition that will assure a quality final product.

My name is my brand. Please understand finalized products attached to my brand reflect on my services.

FACT-CHECKING is not included in any package. As a courtesy, if I notice anything that does not sound right, I will look it up and point it out. However, if your book has excessive fact-checking that needs to be completed, it should  be addressed during the developmental editing stage, which I am not responsible for.

PAYMENT is accepted up front, with the scheduling fee of $52.50 invoiced on day submission is scheduled. When submission is received on or before the scheduled date, an invoice will be sent through PayPal. No work will be done until invoice is paid in full. PayPal fees are calculated and added to final bill. If slots are cancelled or submissions are late, the scheduling fee will not be refunded. If scheduled date is met, fees will be subtracted from final invoice. Fees pertaining to missed scheduling dates will be strictly enforced.

Editing is not a hobby; it is my livelihood. Cancellations leave me without the paycheck I counted on when the author reserved a time slot, and last-minute cancellations are hard to fill. Please be courteous and respect my time as I make every attempt to do yours as well.

HOLIDAYS, holiday weekends, and vacation days DO NOT count toward the estimated amount of time given to edit your manuscript. Those times are spent with my family. We always take a vacation during the week of Thanksgiving, a week at the end of March, a week in the summer—usually in July—and I take a week off at Christmas—usually December 20-27th. Please be respectful of those times. If any of those fall during your time period, please be aware of this.

Example: If you are given a time period which includes December 20-27, please be aware you will need to add an additional 7 days to completion time for a total of 63 days. 

I no longer work on weekends unless it is an emergency. I have to have at least one to two days a week off. Please remember this is now factored into scheduling. (see above [¹] )

Times given are estimates unless completely firmed up with me by way of a preorder publication date. Two-week turnarounds on copy edits are no longer automatically given. Submissions are given six week turnarounds [¹] unless approved by the editor in advance. Several manuscripts are in my hands at all times. I work for multiple publishing companies as well as freelance.

Manuscripts are given my complete attention and are turned over in as timely a manner as possible. Sometimes, life happens and a manuscript may be delayed, though never more than a couple of days. Please be patient. This rarely happens. Also, I am a night owl. If a book is due to client on (example) the 26th, any time before is 5AM on the 27th is considered on time.

***I am NOT a developmental editor. I am a final-draft editor. If you are a FIRST-TIME AUTHOR who needs extensive help with plot, character development, and flow, I would recommend you hire a developmental editor to work with you through the different stages of pre-editing before you contact me.***

I reserve the right to refuse any and all manuscripts at my discretion. I also employ a contributing freelance editor who does occasional copy OR proof for me. Every manuscript, however, makes it way through me for first and final edits.

Contact Details:
To contact me about availability, questions, or to submit your manuscript, please email me at cynthiashepp@yahoo.com. Please be aware that my schedule fills up quickly. A 4-6 week pre-schedule and manuscript acceptance procedure is necessary to guarantee a spot.

However, do not hesitate to contact me about sooner availability. It is always possible that I have open spots.

(No Refunds… No Exceptions.)
I always recommend that authors send the manuscript to betas after editing. No manuscript will ever be 100% perfect. Betas can help find those stray errors before publication. They are a valuable asset. I have three beta proofers who occasionally do third-glance proofreads for me, but only after initial edits and proofreads are already done. They are more of a second-set-of-eyes part of the process. If, for any reason, you do not want this extra (Free to the author–I pay for it.) addition, please let me know. I just like to make sure manuscripts are given the best treatment. One more set of eyes never hurts; it can only help.

 

I continuously update my Terms and Conditions. It is the client’s responsibility to occasionally glance at them to see if anything has changed.

 

🔴  Please email cynthiashepp@yahoo.com to schedule a spot. Full list of terms and conditions can be found at www.cynthiashepp.com.

🔴 During 2019, if you have been a longtime client and you have an occasional emergency or an opportunity arises that needs to be completed in less time, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I may not be able to accommodate every request, but it never hurts to ask. ❤️

 

 

2017 Editing Prices

NEW WEBSITE

Proofreading starts at .0055 a word

Proofreading is done on a final draft and includes line-by-line correction of spelling, grammar, and minor sentence structure issues. Each proofread receives at least two passes before being sent back to the author. This package does not include second edit after author reviews changes. Proofreads are only accepted if full manuscript has been approved by me or previous editing by a reputable copy editor has been confirmed.

Package fees are baseline fees. Please be aware that books that need excessive editing outside of the package picked may lead to extra fees. The fees will be discussed with the author before any work is done.

Anything under 20,000 words is automatically $110.

Detailed Copy Editing starts at .0070 a word

Copy Editing is done on a final draft and includes detailed, line-by-line editing for sentence structure, grammar, spelling, and, if needed, other issues that do not require major changes, such as plot consistency, character analysis, and style. Each detailed copy edit receives at least two passes before being sent back to the author. This package does not include second edit after author reviews changes.

Package fees are baseline fees. Please be aware that books that need excessive editing outside of the package picked may lead to extra fees. The fees will be discussed with the author before any work is done.

Anything under 20,000 words is automatically $140.

Detailed Copy Editing & Proofread Package starts at .0090 a word

(Recommended)

This is the package I recommend most for every author, as well as my best-selling and best-value package. It also includes a free blurb edit ($35 value). The Detailed Copy Editing and Proofread Package combines both services. This package has two different steps. First, Detailed Copy Editing will be done to a manuscript and sent back to the author. The author will then make all the changes they need to based on offered suggestions. Once the author has finished this stage and sent it back, a thorough Proofread will be done on the finished product. Please refer to the above explanations for each service to see what they entail. This is the most cost-effective package if you desire both a detailed copy edit as well as a final proofread after suggested changes have been made. This package gives the most-polished end product. It is the author’s responsibility to supply the blurb at the time of the edit.

Package fees are baseline fees. Please be aware that books that need excessive editing outside of the package picked may lead to extra fees. The fees will be discussed with the author before any work is done.

Anything under 20,000 words is automatically $180.

$35 Flat Rate for Blurb Editing & Critique

Need help making your blurb great? Need a fresh pair of eyes to check for errors and readability? This is your option. This is a flat-rate service with a two-day turnaround. 

$50 Flat Rate for Small Jobs

Almost anything under 2500 words, such as query letters. (Query letter format)

Experience:

BA from Grand Canyon University in English/Literature.

Graduated with Honors: Cum Laude.

Four Years of Experience.

Editor in chief for Clean Teen Publishing and Crimson Tree Publishing. www.cleanteenpublishing.com and http://www.crimsontreepublishing.com.

Freelance copy editor for Tule Publishing. http://tulepublishing.com 

I have edited, compiled, and published four anthologies through Indie Style Press, which is a compilation of Editing Services by Cynthia Shepp & Phycel Designs by Rene Folsom, Author. 

Apocalypse: An Anthology by Authors & Readers, Paranormal Anthology with a TWIST, Stalkers: A Collection of Thriller Stories, and Stardust: A Futuristic Romance Collection.  You can find these on Amazon.

Terms and Conditions:

I occasionally update my Terms and Conditions. It is the client’s responsibility to occasionally glance at them to see if anything has changed. 

MANUSCRIPTS must be submitted in Times New Roman, size 12 font, and double spaced. If they are not, I will change them. It makes the editing process cleaner and easier.

I DO NOT edit non-fiction books. However, I will edit non-fiction articles, website material, press releases, and other such subject matter. I am also not familiar with UK grammar. I will edit UK books, but only if they are being completely Americanized.  If you want to keep some UK tone, (colour instead of color, sayings, etc) that is fine. You just have to make sure to tell me. However, any and all grammar related issues that I do recognize will be Americanized.

GRAPHIC and/or gratuitous RAPE scenes are not accepted. Books containing them are subject to IMMEDIATE return without refund or completion.

HOWEVER, books that contain rape are not an automatic no. A girl trying to get over being raped, a fade-to-black rape scene that is integral to the story, a book about rape that inspires hope in victims, a crime book that manages to impress the violence without making it graphic and pleasingly sexual, etc… would all be considered and most likely accepted. Please just explain the scenes to me. Erotica books that use rape as something pleasingly sexual, or any book that does, or any book that describes rape in graphic, violent, sexual, scene-by-scene detail, will not be accepted and if in a book I accepted without my knowledge, will be returned with NO REFUND OR COMPLETION. (Rape Clause Added October 20, 2015)

AUTHORS are responsible for getting their books to me by the date agreed upon. If I have not received it within two days of the agreed upon date, I will move on to the next in line, unless I have an email from the author and we agree on other terms.

RUSH JOBS, which I rarely take and usually only from established clients, will incur a fee. It will depend on length of manuscript and amount of time given to finish. The start amount is $100, and it goes up from there. Anything expected in less than ten days is considered a rush. The less amount of time given to complete the edit, the higher the rush fee.

-There is no harm in asking if a rush is possible, for a new or established client. I just can’t promise it will always be possible, so I would not base a publishing date on it unless verified with me in advance.

PLEASE be aware that books that need excessive editing outside of the package picked may lead to extra fees. The fees will be discussed with the author before any work is done. If while editing the book, excessive editing outside the package becomes a problem, progress will halt while the author is contacted. This rarely happens. However, I have had a book for proofread that the sample was great, but when I received the book, only the first two chapters were acceptable. The rest needed more of a developmental edit. This is the reason I mainly ask for middle-of-the-book samples.

PAYMENT is accepted up front. An invoice will be sent through PayPal when the manuscript is received. No work will be done until invoice is paid in full. PayPal fees are calculated and added to final bill. A $100 cancellation fee will be charged if the client cancels their time slot less than a week before their date. A $50 cancellation fee will be charged if the client cancels their time slot less than two weeks before their date. This fee is strictly enforced.

HOLIDAYS and holiday weekends DO NOT count toward the estimated amount of time given to edit your manuscript. Those times are spent with my family. We always take a vacation during the week of Thanksgiving and one week in the summer. Please be respectful of those times. If any of those fall during your time period, please be aware of this. Example: If you are given a time period over Christmas, please be aware the holidays will interfere with the edit time. Times given are estimates unless completely firmed up with me by way of a pre-order publication date. Two-week turnarounds are no longer automatically given. Manuscripts are given my complete attention and are turned over in as timely a manner as possible. Sometimes, life happens. Please be patient.

***I am NOT a developmental editor. I am a final-draft editor. If you are a FIRST-TIME author who needs extensive help with plot, character development, and flow, I would recommend you hire a developmental editor to work with you through the different stages of pre-editing before you contact me.***

I reserve the right to refuse any and all manuscripts at my discretion.

Contact Details:

To contact me about availability, questions, or to submit your manuscript, please email me at cynthiashepp@yahoo.com. Please be aware that my schedule fills up quickly. For assurance of a spot, a 4-6 week pre-schedule is necessary. However, do not hesitate to contact me about sooner availability. It is possible that I have open spots.

Books Edited:

(Some titles and authors are not listed due to privacy)

Jason Brant: The Gate, Tartarus, Sheol, The Dark, Devoured, Consumed, Ravaged, Ash, Madness, The Perfect Crime, Clown

Melissa McClone: (USA Today Best-Selling Author) The Wedding Charade

Marquita Valentine: (NYT and USA Today Best-selling Author) Twice Tempted, Just Desserts, Only For You , True For You, Not Over You, Wish For You, Burn For You, The Request, Be Mine, All the Right Moves, The Deception, Need You Tonight, Love So Hot, Dare Me Once, Love So True, Love So Irrestible, The Forgotten Bride, The Temporary Bride, The Billionaire Bride, Seducing the Billionaire’s Wife, Skin Deep, Royal Scandal

Sawyer Bennett: (USA Today Best-selling Author) Off Course, If I Return, Forever Young, Off Chance, Legal Affairs 1-6, On the Rocks, Make it a Double, Confessions of a Litigation God, Sugar on the Edge, Uncivilized, Off Season, With a Twist, Off Duty, Shaken Not Stirred, Wicked Fall, Clash, Crash, Grind, Yield, Love Uncivilized, Wicked Fall, Wicked Lust, Wicked Need, Wicked Ride, Wicked Bond, Sexy Lies and Rock and Roll

Rene Folsom: Heart You, Voices of the Soul, Eyes of the Soul, Truths of the Soul, Blood of the Soul, Secrets of the Soul, Bind Me, Hearts of the Soul, Shuttered Affections, Exposed Affections, Flatter Me, For Liberty, Adventurous, Tempt, The Wager, Game Changer, Trust, Trapt, The Break, Game On, Promise You, By Chance

Rebecca Hamiliton: (NYT & USA Today Best-Selling Author)& Conner Kressley (USA Today Best-Selling Author): Charmed by the Beast, Under: An Adult Dystopian Paranormal Romance: Othala Witch Collection (Sector 5)

Rebecca Hamiliton: Origin: an Adult Dystopian Paranormal Romance: Othala Witch Collection (Sector 1) (NYT & USA Today Best-Selling Author)

Jasmine Walt: (NYT Best-Selling Author) & M. Moya: Marked by Magic, Betrayed by Magic

Shelly Crane: (NYT Best-selling Author) Smash Into You

Tabatha Vargo: (NYT Best-Selling Author) On The Plus Side

Tabatha Vargo & Melissa Andrea: (NYT Best-Selling Authors) The Procedure

Jon Messenger: The Brink of Distinction Trilogy, Card Tricks, Rage

Kay Bratt: Somewhere Beautiful, Where I Belong

Sonya Loveday: The Summer I Fell, End Note, If Ever I Fall, Relevance, The Vows We Make

Candace Knoebel: Evernight, Everlost, Everdeep

Sonya Loveday & Candace Knoebel: Love Always, Runaway Heart, When Two Hearts Collide

T.L. Frye: The Secret of Magik and Dragons

Rebecca Gober & Courtney Nuckels: Exposing Ele, Surviving Ele, Ending Ele

Tanith Morse: Super Dark 2 and Super Dark 3

Rene Folson & Juli Valenti: Adventurous, Bound, Charming

Hans Cummings: Zack Jackson & The Cytherean Academy, Zack Jackson & The Hives of Valtra, Scars of the Sundering

Rachael James: Hook, Line, and Garter, Crazy B*tch, Baby B*tch

Erika Kathryn: Audie the Angel and the Angel Army, Audie the Angel: Plague

Phil Taylor: White Picket Prisons, 50 Shades of Phil, The Sneaker Tree

Nicholas Andrews: Festival of the Saints, Babyface Fire

Cheyanne Young: Powered

Shelby Fallon: Stealing Grace, Taking Faith

Ryan Casey: The Painting, The Disappearing

Jennifer Foor: Hustle Him

Andris Bear: Angel Unleashed, Demon Undamned, All Wicked’s Eve, Lover’s Lane, Memory Lane, Dead End Lane, Inked, Daring to Fall

M.L. Ryan: Special Offers, Special Attraction, Special Passage, Special Deception

Nicki Scalise: Prayer for the Dead

Jennifer Clay: The Other Side of Normal

Bart Hopkins: Dead Ends

Michael Loring: Number Eighteen, Say My Name

Dawn Husted: Safe

E.G. Gaddess: Dhampyr Journey

Jim Proctor: Made in the Stars, Veronica Phoenix, Search for the Phoenix

G.E. Saturley: The Real Deal

Toni Aleo: (NYT and USA Today Best-Selling Author) Breaking Away, Tangled in the Laces, The Whiskey Prince

Shaun Dowdall: Rebirth (A Thousand Hearts), Second Chance, From Beyond, Chrysalis Blooms (Serial Episodes)

Stephanie Summers: Haunting, Awakening

Stephanie Erickson: Unseen, The Dead Room, Unforgiven, Undivided, The Fate, The Reaper, The Human, The Dead World

Kyan Yauchler: Homeostasis Lost, Autumn Nation

A.G. Henley: The Fire Sisters

Katie French: The Brothers, Clay: A Breeder’s Story, The Barriers, Monster Island Serial Series

Marta Brown: Sun-Kissed Summer

Shelbi Wescott: Virulent Stories

Peter Boland: The Spiral Arm Episodes 2-4

Pete Bauer: Kneel and Pray, Lost and Found, Sins and Suicide, Gods and Martyrs

Annalise Nixon: Between a Wolf and a Hard Place 1-6, Bargain with the Bear, Saving the Wolf

Richard Gibbons: Battlefield Abductions, The Battlefield Indoctrination

Catherine Wilson: Look to the Stars, The Darkest Night

Charity Vandehey: Pirate Bound

Catherine Stine: Witch of the Cards

E.R. Arroyo: Aggression

Kristina Canady: Eclipsed by Midnight, Scrupulous, Valorous

Kelly Miller: My Blue Nightmare

Rickie Blair: From Garden to Grave, Danger and the Sting, A Branch Too Far

Jennifer Anne Davis: The Key, Red, War, Cage of Deceit, Burning Shadows

L.B. Gilbert: (USA Today Best-Selling Author) Air: The Elementals Book Two

Anthologies:

Apocalypse, Twist, Stalkers, Stardust

Tule Publishing:

Madeline Ash: Breaking Good

Dani Collins: His Christmas Miracle (USA Today Best-Selling Author)

Eve Gaddy: Love Me, Cowgirl (Best-Selling Author)

Melissa McClone: (USA Today Best-Selling Author) A Thankful Heart, Christmas at the Castle

Robin Bielman: (USA Today Best-Selling Author) Once Upon A Royal Christmas

Clean Teen Publishing:

Rebecca Gober & Courtney Nuckels: Exposing Ele, Surviving Ele, Ending Ele

Gabrielle Arrowsmith: Concealed in the Shadows, Released from the Darkness, Reduced to Dust

Cindy Saunders: Double Star

Wonderstruck: Various Authors

B.T. Lyons: Heartkeeper, Heartbound

Jon Messenger: Wind Warrior, Flame Caller, Water Shaper, Earth God

Lauren Nicolle Taylor: The Woodlands, The Wall, The Wounded, The Wanted, The Willful (Woodlands Novella), Nora and Kettle

Holly Kelly: Rising, Descending, Avenging, Raging

Melissa J. Cunningham: Reluctant Guardian, The Elementalist, The Celestine Sword, The Undoer

Erica Kiefer: Lingering Echoes, Rumors, Vanishing Act

Kelly Risser: Never Forgotten, Current Impressions, Always Remembered, Sea of Memories

Sherry Ficklin: Haunting Zoe, Queen of Someday, Queen of Tomorrow, Queen of Always, Playing With Fire, In Too Deep, Digital Horizons

Delsheree Gladden: Wicked Power, Wicked Glory

Neil Harris: The Last Orphan, The Harvest, Enslaved

Amanda Strong: The Awakener, Hidden Monster, Holy and the Fallen, Inner Demons

Michelle K. Pickett: Finding Willow, Unspeakable, Milayna, Milayna’s Angel, The Innocent

K.C. Finn: A Place Halfway

Sandy Goldsworthy: Aftermath, Aftershock, Afterlife

Renee Shearer: The Hunted, The Forsaken

Shannon Maynard: Wicked Luck, Wicked Fate

Tyler Jolley and Sherry D. Ficklin: Prodigal, Riven, Extracted

Audrey Greathouse: The Neverland Wars, The Piper’s Price

Jennifer Derrick: Broken Fate, Avenging Fate

Kendra Saunders: Dating an Alien Pop Star, Engaged to an Alien Pop Star

Kristin Smith: Catalyst, Forgotten

Lila Felix: Lightning Forgotten

Jenna-Lynne Duncan: Blue Tide

Nely Cab: Marker of Hope

Crimson Tree Publishing:

Alicia Michaels: Secrets (Bionics 3), Spark (Bionics 4), Flame (Bionics 5), Revolt (Bionics 6), The Resistance, Bellamy and the Brute

Jon Messenger: Brink of Distinction series, Wolves of the Northern Rift, The Blood Thief of Whitten Hall, The Golem of Solomon’s Way

Peggy Martinez: Sweet Contradiction, Perfect Contradiction, Contradiction Cookbook

Ranae Glass: Chasing Daybreak, Chasing Midnight

June Stevens: Voodoo Moon, Changing Moon

Becky Doughty: A Long Way Home

Julie Wetzel: Blazing Moon

References:

Clean Teen and Crimson Tree Publishing:

We have worked with numerous other editors in the past. There hasn’t been one who has stood out from the crowd for us like Cynthia Shepp has. Cynthia’s edits are not only thorough and accurate, but she offers a personal touch by adding simplified grammar lessons along with her edits to help our authors grow. Her professionalism and desire to go the extra mile make her a notch above the rest. We will continue to use Cynthia for our editing services for many years to come!

Marquita Valentine:

I highly recommend working with Cynthia for all of your editing needs. She always goes the extra mile and catches things that most others wouldn’t in a manuscript. I find her prices reasonable and her work exceptional. I plan to continue to work with Cynthia on future projects. (New York Times and USA Today Best-Selling Author)

Jason Brant:

For anyone reading this and thinking about hiring Cynthia Shepp, let me tell you to stop waffling around and do it. That’s a decision you won’t regret. Her quality of work is so spectacular that she is now my full-time editor. My prose is stronger, my characters more believable, and my stories more plausible because of the fantastic work she has done.

Timely, accurate, professional, and affordable – what more could you ask for?

Jon Messenger:

Like most independent authors, I spent a significant amount of time looking for a quality editor. I tried companies that didn’t live up to my expectation. I found numerous editors who charged far more than Cynthia did but, when compared side by side, Cynthia’s editing work was of a far higher quality.

If you’re looking for an editor, you won’t find a better quality for a better price and a quicker turnaround. Cynthia is absolutely dedicated to providing the highest quality editorial services. Her editing was so impressive that I’ve even hired her to re-edit novels that I’ve already published, just because she makes my work that much better.

If you’re still on the fence or searching for an editor, hire Cynthia. You won’t be disappointed.

Sawyer Bennett:

Cynthia just finished a manuscript for me, and I cannot even begin to describe how thrilled I am by her work. It was thorough and professionally executed. Her insight into my work was invaluable. I will be using Cynthia for all of my future editing work. I cannot sing her praises loud enough. (USA Today Best-Selling Author)

Melissa McClone:

I lucked out when I found Cynthia to edit my stories. I’ve worked with her on a novella, bonus story materials, and two novels. She’s fantastic to work with, and I appreciate all she does to make a manuscript and my writing as strong as it can be. She’s thorough and willing to offer suggestions like adding an epilogue when needed. I look forward to working with her on more projects! (USA Today Best-Selling Author)

Kay Bratt:

When it comes to editing, Cynthia Shepp is one of the best. I’m first and foremost a storyteller, and I’ll admit my weakness is grammar and its plethora of rules. However, with Cynthia on the job, I can rest easy knowing that her attention to detail will give my manuscript that professional touch it needs. (Bestselling author of The Tales of the Scavenger’s Daughters.)

Tanith Morse:

Let me start by saying that I have worked with a LOT of editors and Cynthia is hands down the best ever. Not only is she first rate at spotting all those little typos and continuity errors that all authors dread, but her turn around time is nothing short of miraculous. Throughout working with Cynthia, she was always a consummate professional, always keeping me up to date with her progress and, wait for it … she actually delivered the project THREE days earlier than agreed. Cynthia is a truly marvelous editor, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. If you are an Indie author concerned about finding a diamond in all the murky waters of sub-par editors, I can wholeheartedly say that Cynthia is the real deal. A truly first-rate editor that I will be recommending to all my friends.

Phil Taylor:

I recently received my first manuscript edited by Cynthia Shepp. I was blown away by the quality of her work. Her editing increased the quality of my writing immeasurably. Her rates gave me an incredible return on my investment and she was fast as well. I could not be more satisfied. I plan to use her again and have no hesitation at all recommending her to others. Thank you, Cynthia!

Hans Cummings:

I’ve worked with other editors before Cynthia, but she is the one I will be going back to. Her feedback was extremely helpful and her communication was great. There are many comments already left here which sum up my feelings for working with her, so I’ll just say: they’re right!

Cheyanne Young:

Cynthia is a fabulous editor with a really quick turnaround time. She promised dates to me and they were met with no problem. One thing I really liked about her editing was that she would include the reason why she changed some of my grammar errors, thus enabling me to learn from my mistakes and not make them again. I found that super helpful and it was a way of going above and beyond when editing my novel. I can’t wait to have her edit all of my future novels.

Shaun Dowdall:

Blurb Editing: Cynthia was recommended to myself by my cover designer, and I must say I was more than impressed by the quality and efficiency of her work! I would definitely recommend her services for editing, and I hope to work with her again once my second draft is complete! Wonderful job on my blurb.

Copy/Proof: Cynthia’s work is fantastic. Not only does she pick up on my errors, but she also gives some very helpful direction and feedback. Having Cynthia edit my work has been an educational experience and her feedback is extremely constructive. I would definitely recommend her.

Rachel James:

I recently hired Cynthia Shepp to edit my manuscript and to critique my blurb. I was positively thrilled with the results. Not only is Cynthia professional, timely, and affordable, but she was also very much committed to bringing out the best in both. I have learned so much from the experience, and I truly believe she has helped me become a better writer. For anyone looking for an editor, I cannot recommend her strongly enough. We have already begun discussing my next project, and I am very much looking forward to working with her in the future. Cynthia, you are fabulous!

Andris Bear:

Cynthia is fabulous–efficient, professional, and affordable. She met my high expectations on a tight schedule and was delightful to work with. She explains her reasons behind every suggestion (which is a big value to the flighty, anal retentive, worrywarts such as myself). I cannot recommend her enough and will definitely hire her again!

S.L. Dearing:

I have been fortunate enough to have three of my short stories chosen to be in Cynthia’s Anthologies. Through the course of being chosen, I have also had the opportunity to be exposed to her editing abilities. She is exactly what a writer is looking for in an editor! She is thorough, detailed, knowledgeable and interactive. She is looking to make your manuscript the best it can be not only when it comes to correcting the grammar and punctuation, but also the flow and content. She is definitely my first choice when my next novel is finished, and I have complete confidence in her ability to make me shine!

Tara Moeller:

Best. Editor. Ever. Seriously. She is fast, good, and friendly. She does an excellent job, without taking your voice out of your work.

M.L. Ryan:

If you are thinking of hiring an editor, you can’t do better than Cynthia. A consummate professional, she is thorough, prompt, and a joy to work with. I can’t envision trusting my future manuscripts to anyone else, and you shouldn’t either!

Jim Proctor:

Cynthia edited a short story for me, and I was thrilled with the results. I had thought that the story was well written, having carefully gone over it numerous times. Cynthia’s edits amazed me. She made my work shine. She made rough sections flow beautifully. She suggested changes that made the story better without changing my meaning. Her comments explaining various issues throughout the story were very clear and extremely helpful. I was blown away. Her work is impeccable and her prices are very reasonable. I will never publish another book or story without hiring Cynthia to edit it.

Carrie Avery Moriarty:

Cynthia was great in editing my short story. She was concise in her changes, never making the story deviate from the original, and helped me present a better finished project. If she was unsure of my intentions, she asked for clarification. This was helpful because I was able to see where a reader would question what I had written. I couldn’t ask for a better editor for my work.

Pete Bauer:

Cynthia Shepp’s skills are top-notch. She has an extensive knowledge about the genre and age range for which my book was intended and gave clear, concise guidance on areas of concern. She has an eagle eye when it comes to finding punctuation, spelling, and grammatical mistakes. No matter how many times I’ve read my book or had it read by others, Cynthia was able to spot the places we missed.

Best of all, Cynthia is a dream to work with. She was clear in her communication and remained true to her word on expectations and process, delivering her services in a timely manner. I spent a lot of time researching editors and her previous/current clients were all unified in their satisfaction. Like them, I couldn’t be happier.

Marta Brown:

I cannot thank Cynthia enough! She is an amazing editor who goes above and beyond for her clients. She is a real find. Quick, kind, and a consummate professional. You will not be disappointed!

Stephanie Erickson:

I have worked with Cynthia Shepp on my last four books, and I have no intention of stopping any time soon. As a perfectionist, I require two things from my editorial team: accuracy and reliability.

Cynthia does an amazing job editing. One of the most consistent compliments my books get is that they are well edited. That is thanks to Cynthia’s critical eye and firm grasp of grammatical rules. Not only will she make a change, but she cites why the change was made, and even includes online links so you can see—and understand—for yourself.

Second, with such a tight publishing schedule, I have to have someone reliable, and Cynthia is just that. She tells you upfront when she can have your project done, and then she delivers on or before that date. That quality is priceless to me, and it helps me meet all my deadlines.

I highly recommend Cynthia for all your editing needs. Seriously, she’s amazing. Stop reading this now and get in touch with her. I mean it.

A.G. Henley:

(Author of The Scourge, a 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Award finalist)
Cynthia did an excellent job proofreading my novel, The Fire Sisters. She was timely, professional, detailed, and always available for questions. She even taught me a few tips and tricks to make my next manuscript better. I highly recommend her!

Stephanie Summers:

Cynthia is awesome! She is very professional, and I love that she lets you know why something is incorrect so you can learn from it. Highly recommend!

Tieran Smith:

I am getting ready to release the second book in my new adult romance series. I was struggling with the blurb. I’d had some help, but couldn’t come up with what I really envisioned for the book. I asked for a critique here in the forum, and she reached out to me. I went to her website and saw her prices are super reasonable, so I hired her for the job. Let me tell you, she is spectacular to work with. She started the same day and after only going back and forth a few times, I had the perfect blurb. She took what I had, which wasn’t great, and turned it into something entirely different. It was like she had read the book, even though she hadn’t. I am amazed.

If I could give one piece of advice to all writers out there it’s this: Invest in your blurb. It is your sales pitch. Your cover garners initial attention and interest, but the blurb is what potential readers use to make their final decision. For just $35 (actually $30 because I received a discount for having her re-vamp the blurb for the first book in the series) she provided me an awesome blurb.

Best part yet, she is lovely to work with. Super responsive with a quick turn around.

__________

Contact: cynthiashepp@yahoo.com

(No Refunds… No Exceptions.)

I always recommend that authors send the manuscript to betas after editing. No manuscript will ever be 100% perfect. Betas can help find those stray errors before publication. They are a valuable asset.

2017 Rate Increase Bulletin

Price Increase for 2017 and Terms and Conditions Update

Editing Prices are going up on January 1, 2017. The prices go into effect for every manuscript done on and after January 1, 2017, even if it was scheduled for 2017 in 2016. The price goes into effect for every author, new and established. 

The common rates through the Editorial Freelancers Associations are $40-60 an hour with the norm being an accepted ONE to six pages done in an hour. 250 words is considered a page. At my HIGHEST rate, six pages at 250 words a page only adds up to $13.50. I strive to keep my prices affordable for independent authors. It is my goal to help every book possible achieve its greatest potential, despite budget. Rate increases are necessary to keep a business running, but never will my prices jump to unachievable levels. I look forward to working with you in the coming year. 

2016 Prices:

Proofread starts at: .0045 a word

Copy Edit starts at: .0060 a word

Copy/Proof starts at: .0080 a word

2017 Prices

Proofreads starts at: .0055 a word

Copy Edit starts at: .0070 a word

Copy/Proof Package starts at .0090 a word

The minimum price for under 20,000 words for each package will also increase according to the new prices.

Terms and Conditions that may have been Modified or Added (These are in effect now)

I occasionally update my Terms and Conditions. It is a client’s responsibility to glance at it once in a while to see if anything has changed. 

MANUSCRIPTS must be submitted in Times New Roman, size 12 font, and double spaced. If they are not, I will change them. It makes the editing process cleaner and easier.

I DO NOT edit non-fiction books. However, I will edit non-fiction articles, website material, press releases, and other such subject matter. I am also not familiar with UK grammar. I will edit UK books, but only if they are being completely Americanized. If you want to keep some UK tone, (colour instead of color, sayings, etc) that is fine. You just have to make sure to tell me. However, any and all grammar related issues I do recognize will be Americanized.

GRAPHIC and/or gratuitous rape scenes are not accepted. Books containing them are subject to IMMEDIATE return without refund or completion.

HOWEVER, books that contain rape are not an automatic no. A girl trying to get over being raped, a fade-to-black rape scene that is integral to the story, a book about rape that inspires hope in victims, a crime book that manages to impress the violence without making it graphic and pleasingly sexual, etc… would all be considered and most likely accepted. Please just explain the scenes to me. Erotica books that use rape as something pleasingly sexual, or any book that does, or any book that describes rape in graphic, violent, sexual, scene-by-scene detail, will not be accepted, and, if in a book I accepted without my knowledge, will be returned with NO REFUND OR COMPLETION.

AUTHORS are responsible for getting their books to me by the date agreed upon. If I have not received it within two days of the agreed-upon date, I will move on to the next in line, unless I have an email from the author and we agree on other terms.

RUSH jobs, which I very rarely take, will incur a fee. It will depend on length and time given to finish. The start amount is $100, and it goes up from there.

PLEASE be aware that books that need excessive editing outside of the package picked may lead to extra fees. The fees will be discussed with the author before any work is done. If while editing the book, excessive editing outside the package becomes a problem, progress will halt while the author is contacted. This rarely happens. However, I have had a book for proofread that the sample was great, but when I received the book, only the first two chapters were acceptable. The rest needed more of a developmental edit. This is the reason I ask for middle-of-the-book samples, although that is not always a foolproof method.

PAYMENT is accepted up front. An invoice is sent through PayPal when I receive the manuscript. No work will be done until invoice is paid in full. PayPal fees are calculated and added to final bill. A $100 cancellation fee will be charged if the client cancels their time slot less than a week before their date. A $50 cancellation fee will be charged if the client cancels their time slot less than two weeks before their date. This fee is strictly enforced.

*If an author contacts me and makes other arrangements to reschedule or cancel before the two-week mark, there is no fee. Be respectful of my time and let me know two weeks in advance if you cannot keep your spot.

PRICES are baseline prices. Each sample or manuscript is evaluated before a quote is given. Prices depend on how much work each individual manuscript needs. I am very fair, and baseline prices are given whenever possible. I encourage every author to self-edit at least twice and to use (good) beta readers BEFORE turning it in for editing. It is the best way to keep your prices down.

HOLIDAYS and holiday weekends DO NOT count toward the estimated amount of time given to edit your manuscript. Those times are spent with my family. We always take a vacation during the week of Thanksgiving and a week in the summer, usually in July. Please be respectful of those times. If any of those fall during your time period, please be aware of this.

Example: If you are given a time period over Christmas, please be aware the holidays will interfere with the edit time. Times given are estimates unless completely firmed up by way of a pre-order publication date. Two-week turnarounds are no longer given. Manuscripts are given my complete attention and are turned over in as timely a manner as possible. Please be patient. 

I am NOT a developmental editor. I am a final-draft editor. If you are a FIRST-TIME author who needs extensive help with plot, character development, and flow, I would recommend that you hire a developmental editor to work with you before contacting me for copy/line and proofreading.

I reserve the right to refuse any and all manuscripts at my discretion.

If you have any questions regarding this post, or an editing slot, please contact me either through this form or cynthiashepp@yahoo.com.

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Editing Services (2016)

NEW WEBSITE

Putting your manuscript into someone else’s hands is a scary task. With four years of experience, a BA in English/Literature, and over three hundred edited books, this is where I can help. My pledge is to treat your book with the respect it deserves, working with you to polish your dream into a reality. Everything from proofreads to detailed copy edits, and even money-saving packages, I can give you the best service possible at an affordable price.

Prices & Packages: 

Proofreading starts at .0045 a word

Proofreading is done on a final draft and includes line-by-line correction of spelling, grammar, and minor sentence structure issues. Each proofread receives at least two passes before being sent back to the author. This package does not include second edit after author reviews changes.

Package fees are baseline fees. Please be aware that books that need excessive editing outside of the package picked may lead to extra fees. The fees will be discussed with the author before any work is done

Anything under 20,000 words is automatically $100.

Detailed Copy Editing starts at .0060 a word

Copy Editing is done on a final draft and includes detailed, line-by-line editing for sentence structure, grammar, spelling, and, if needed, other issues that do not require major changes, such as plot consistency, character analysis, and style. Each detailed copy edit receives at least two passes before being sent back to the author. This package does not include second edit after author reviews changes.

Package fees are baseline fees. Please be aware that books that need excessive editing outside of the package picked may lead to extra fees. The fees will be discussed with the author before any work is done

Anything under 20,000 words is automatically $125.

Detailed Copy Editing & Proofread Package starts at .0080 a word

(Recommended)

This is the package I recommend most for every author, as well as my best-selling and best-value package. It also includes a free blurb edit ($35 value). The Detailed Copy Editing and Proofread Package combines both services. This package has two different steps. First, Detailed Copy Editing will be done to a manuscript and sent back to the author. The author will then make all the changes they need to based on offered suggestions. Once the author has finished this stage and sent it back, a thorough Proofread will be done on the finished product. Please refer to the above explanations for each service to see what they entail. This is the most cost-effective package if you desire both a detailed copy edit as well as a final proofread after suggested changes have been made. This package gives the most-polished end product. It is the author’s responsibility to supply the blurb at the time of the edit.

Package fees are baseline fees. Please be aware that books that need excessive editing outside of the package picked may lead to extra fees. The fees will be discussed with the author before any work is done

Anything under 20,000 words is automatically $165.

$35 Flat Rate for Blurb Editing & Critique

Need help making your blurb great? Need a fresh pair of eyes to check for errors and readability? This is your option. This is a flat-rate service with a two-day turnaround. 

$50 Flat Rate for Small Jobs

Almost anything under 2500 words, such as query letters. (Query letter format)

Experience:

BA from Grand Canyon University in English/Literature.

Graduated with Honors: Cum Laude.

Four Years of Experience.

Editor in chief for Clean Teen Publishing and Crimson Tree Publishing. www.cleanteenpublishing.com and http://www.crimsontreepublishing.com.

I have edited, compiled, and published four anthologies through Indie Style Press, which is a compilation of Editing Services by Cynthia Shepp & Phycel Designs by Rene Folsom, Author. 

Apocalypse: An Anthology by Authors & Readers, Paranormal Anthology with a TWIST, Stalkers: A Collection of Thriller Stories, and Stardust: A Futuristic Romance Collection.  You can find these on Amazon.

Terms and Conditions:

I occasionally update my Terms and Conditions. It is the client’s responsibility to occasionally glance at them to see if anything has changed. 

MANUSCRIPTS must be submitted in Times New Roman, size 12 font, and double spaced. If they are not, I will change them. It makes the editing process cleaner and easier.

I DO NOT edit non-fiction books. However, I will edit non-fiction articles, website material, press releases, and other such subject matter. I am also not familiar with UK grammar. I will edit UK books, but only if they are being completely Americanized.  If you want to keep some UK tone, (colour instead of color, sayings, etc) that is fine. You just have to make sure to tell me. However, any and all grammar related issues that I do recognize will be Americanized.

GRAPHIC and/or gratuitous RAPE scenes are not accepted. Books containing them are subject to IMMEDIATE return without refund or completion.

HOWEVER, books that contain rape are not an automatic no. A girl trying to get over being raped, a fade-to-black rape scene that is integral to the story, a book about rape that inspires hope in victims, a crime book that manages to impress the violence without making it graphic and pleasingly sexual, etc… would all be considered and most likely accepted. Please just explain the scenes to me. Erotica books that use rape as something pleasingly sexual, or any book that does, or any book that describes rape in graphic, violent, sexual, scene-by-scene detail, will not be accepted and if in a book I accepted without my knowledge, will be returned with NO REFUND OR COMPLETION. (Rape Clause Added October 20, 2015)

AUTHORS are responsible for getting their books to me by the date agreed upon. If I have not received it within two days of the agreed upon date, I will move on to the next in line, unless I have an email from the author and we agree on other terms.

RUSH jobs, which I very rarely take, will incur a fee. It will depend on length and time given to finish. The start amount is $100, and it goes up from there.

PLEASE be aware that books that need excessive editing outside of the package picked may lead to extra fees. The fees will be discussed with the author before any work is done. If while editing the book, excessive editing outside the package becomes a problem, progress will halt while the author is contacted. This rarely happens. However, I have had a book for proofread that the sample was great, but when I received the book, only the first two chapters were acceptable. The rest needed more of a developmental edit. This is the reason I mainly ask for middle-of-the-book samples.

PAYMENT is accepted up front. An invoice will be sent through PayPal when the manuscript is received. No work will be done until invoice is paid in full. PayPal fees are calculated and added to final bill. A $100 cancellation fee will be charged if the client cancels their time slot less than a week before their date. A $50 cancellation fee will be charged if the client cancels their time slot less than two weeks before their date. This fee is strictly enforced.

HOLIDAYS and holiday weekends DO NOT count toward the estimated amount of time given to edit your manuscript. Those times are spent with my family. We always take a vacation during the week of Thanksgiving and one week in the summer. Please be respectful of those times. If any of those fall during your time period, please be aware of this. Example: If you are given a time period over Christmas, please be aware the holidays will interfere with the edit time. Times given are estimates unless completely firmed up with me by way of a pre-order publication date. Two-week turnarounds are no longer automatically given. Manuscripts are given my complete attention and are turned over in as timely a manner as possible. Sometimes, life happens. Please be patient.

***I am NOT a developmental editor. I am a final-draft editor. If you are a FIRST-TIME author who needs extensive help with plot, character development, and flow, I would recommend you hire a developmental editor to work with you through the different stages of pre-editing before you contact me.***

I reserve the right to refuse any and all manuscripts at my discretion.

 

Contact Details:

To contact me about availability, questions, or to submit your manuscript, please email me at cynthiashepp@yahoo.com. Please be aware that my schedule fills up quickly. For assurance of a spot, a 4-6 week pre-schedule is necessary. However, do not hesitate to contact me about sooner availability. It is possible that I have open spots.

(Many are not listed due to privacy)

Jason Brant: The Gate, Tartarus, Sheol, The Dark, Devoured, Consumed, Ravaged, Ash, Madness, The Perfect Crime

Marquita Valentine: (NYT and USA Today Best-selling Author) Twice Tempted, Just Desserts, Only For You , True For You, Not Over You, Wish For You, Burn For You, The Request, Be Mine, All the Right Moves, The Deception, Need You Tonight, Love So Hot, Dare Me Once, Love So True, Love So Irrestible, The Forgotten Bride, The Temporary Bride, The Billionaire Bride, Seducing the Billionaire’s Wife, Skin Deep,

Sawyer Bennett: (USA Today Best-selling Author) Off Course, If I Return, Forever Young, Off Chance, Legal Affairs 1-6, On the Rocks, Make it a Double, Confessions of a Litigation God, Sugar on the Edge, Uncivilized, Off Season, With a Twist, Off Duty, Shaken Not Stirred, Wicked Fall, Clash, Crash, Grind, Yield, Love Uncivilized, Wicked Lust

Rene Folsom: Heart You, Voices of the Soul, Eyes of the Soul, Truths of the Soul, Blood of the Soul, Secrets of the Soul, Bind Me, Hearts of the Soul, Shuttered Affections, Exposed Affections, Flatter Me, For Liberty, Adventurous, Tempt, The Wager, Game Changer, Trust, Trapt, The Break, Game On, Promise You,

Shelly Crane: (NYT Best-selling Author) Smash Into You

Tabatha Vargo: (NYT Best-Selling Author) On The Plus Side

Tabatha Vargo & Melissa Andrea: (NYT Best-Selling Authors) The Procedure

Jon Messenger: The Brink of Distinction Trilogy, Card Tricks, Rage

T.L. Frye: The Secret of Magik and Dragons

Rebecca Gober & Courtney Nuckels: Exposing Ele, Surviving Ele, Ending Ele

Magen McMinimy: Blood Claim, Resurrection Stone, Shadowed Memories, Primal Hunger, Immortal Craving, Primal Calling, Immortal Promise, Immortal Blood, Immortal Rapture, Immortal Rising, Wicked Perfection

Tanith Morse: Super Dark 2 and Super Dark 3

Rene Folson & Juli Valenti: Adventurous, Bound, Charming

Hans Cummings: Zack Jackson & The Cytherean Academy, Zack Jackson & The Hives of Valtra

Rachael James: Hook, Line, and Garter, Crazy B*tch, Baby B*tch

Erika Kathryn: Audie the Angel and the Angel Army, Audie the Angel: Plague

Phil Taylor: White Picket Prisons, 50 Shades of Phil, The Sneaker Tree

Nicholas Andrews: Festival of the Saints, Babyface Fire

Cheyanne Young: Powered

Shelby Fallon: Stealing Grace, Taking Faith

Ryan Casey: The Painting, The Disappearing

Jennifer Foor: Hustle Him

Andris Bear: Angel Unleashed, Demon Undamned, All Wicked’s Eve, Lover’s Lane, Memory Lane, Dead End Lane, Inked, Daring to Fall

M.L. Ryan: Special Offers, Special Attraction, Special Passage

Nicki Scalise: Prayer for the Dead

Jennifer Clay: The Other Side of Normal

Bart Hopkins: Dead Ends

Michael Loring: Number Eighteen, Say My Name

Dawn Husted: Safe

E.G. Gaddess: Dhampyr Journey

Jim Proctor: Made in the Stars, Veronica Phoenix

G.E. Saturley: The Real Deal

Toni Aleo: (NYT and USA Today Best-Selling Author) Breaking Away, Tangled in the Laces, The Whiskey Prince

Shaun Dowdall: Rebirth (A Thousand Hearts), Second Chance, From Beyond, Chrysalis Blooms 1-2

Kay Bratt: Somewhere Beautiful

Sonya Loveday: The Summer I Fell, End Note, If Ever I Fall

Candace Knoebel: Evernight, Everlost

Sonya Loveday & Candace Knoebel: Love Always, Runaway Heart

Stephanie Summers: Haunting, Awakening

Stephanie Erickson: Unseen, The Dead Room, Unforgiven, Undivided, The Fate

Kyan Yauchler: Homeostasis Lost, Autumn Nation

Katie French: The Brothers, Clay: A Breeder’s Story

Marta Brown: Sun-Kissed Summer

Shelbi Wescott: Virulent Stories

Peter Boland: The Spiral Arm Episodes 2-4

Pete Bauer: Kneel and Pray, Lost and Found

Annalise Nixon: Hard Place 1-6

Anthologies: Apocalypse, Twist, Stalkers, and Stardust

Clean Teen Publishing:

Rebecca Gober & Courtney Nuckels: Exposing Ele, Surviving Ele, Ending Ele

Gabrielle Arrowsmith: Concealed in the Shadows, Released from the Darkness, Reduced to Dust

Cindy Saunders: Double Star

Wonderstruck: Various Authors

B.T. Lyons: Heartkeeper, Heartbound

Jon Messenger: Wind Warrior, Flame Caller, Water Shaper, Earth God

Lauren Nicolle Taylor: The Woodlands, The Wall, The Wounded, The Wanted, The Willful (Woodlands Novella), Nora and Kettle

Jennifer Anne Davis: The Key, Red, War, Cage of Deceit

Holly Kelly: Rising, Descending, Avenging

Melissa J. Cunningham: Reluctant Guardian, The Elementalist, The Celestine Sword

Erica Kiefer: Lingering Echoes, Rumors, Vanishing Act

Kelly Risser: Never Forgotten, Current Impressions, Always Remembered, Sea of Memories

Sherry Ficklin: Haunting Zoe, Queen of Someday, Queen of Tomorrow, Queen of Always, Playing With Fire, In Too Deep

Delsheree Gladden: Wicked Power, Wicked Glory

Neil Harris: The Last Orphan, The Harvest, Enslaved

Amanda Strong: The Awakener, Hidden Monster, Holy and the Fallen, Inner Demons

Michelle K. Pickett: Finding Willow, Unspeakable, Milayna, Milayna’s Angel, The Innocent

K.C. Finn: A Place Halfway

Sandy Goldsworthy: Aftermath, Aftershock

Renee Shearer: The Hunted, The Forsaken

Shannon Maynard: Wicked Luck, Wicked Fate

Tyler Jolley and Sherry D. Ficklin: Prodigal, Riven

Audrey Greathouse: The Neverland Wars

Jennifer Derrick: Broken Fate

Audrey Greathouse: The Neverland Wars

Kendra Saunders: Dating an Alien Pop Star

Crimson Tree Publishing:

Alicia Michaels: Secrets (Bionics 3), Spark (Bionics 4), Flame (Bionics 5), Revolt (Bionics 6), The Resistance

Jon Messenger: Brink of Distinction series, Wolves of the Northern Rift, The Blood Thief of Whitten Hall, The Golem of Solomon’s Way

Peggy Martinez: Sweet Contradiction, Perfect Contradiction, Contradiction Cookbook

Ranae Glass: Chasing Daybreak, Chasing Midnight

June Stevens: Voodoo Moon

 

References:

Clean Teen and Crimson Tree Publishing: 

We have worked with numerous other editors in the past. There hasn’t been one that has stood out from the crowd for us like Cynthia Shepp has. Cynthia’s edits are not only thorough and accurate, but she offers a personal touch by adding simplified grammar lessons along with her edits to help our authors grow. Her professionalism and desire to go the extra mile make her a notch above the rest. We will continue to use Cynthia for our editing services for many years to come!

Marquita Valentine:

I highly recommend working with Cynthia for all of your editing needs. She always goes the extra mile, and catches things that most others wouldn’t in a manuscript. I find her prices reasonable and her work exceptional. I plan to continue to work with Cynthia on future projects. (New York Times and USA Today Best-Selling Author)

Jason Brant:

For anyone reading this and thinking about hiring Cynthia Shepp, let me tell you to stop waffling around and do it.  That’s a decision you won’t regret.  Her quality of work is so spectacular that she is now my full time editor.  My prose is stronger, my characters more believable, and my stories more plausible because of the fantastic work she has done.

Timely, accurate, professional, and affordable – what more could you ask for?

Jon Messenger:

Like most independent authors, I spent a significant amount of time looking for a quality editor.  I tried companies that didn’t live up to my expectation.  I found numerous editors who charged far more than Cynthia did but, when compared side-by-side, Cynthia’s editing work was of a far higher quality.

If you’re looking for an editor, you won’t find a better quality for a better price and a quicker turn around.  Cynthia is absolutely dedicated to providing the highest quality editorial services.  Her editing was so impressive that I’ve even hired her to re-edit novels that I’ve already published, just because she makes my work that much better.

If you’re still on the fence or searching for an editor, hire Cynthia.  You won’t be disappointed.

Sawyer Bennett:

Cynthia just finished a manuscript for me and I cannot even begin to describe how thrilled I am by her work. It was thorough and professionally executed. Her insight into my work was invaluable. I will be using Cynthia for all of my future editing work. I cannot sing her praises loud enough. (USA Today Best-Selling Author)

Tanith Morse:

Let me start by saying that I have worked with a LOT of editors and Cynthia is hands down the best ever. Not only is she first rate at spotting all those little typos and continuity errors that all authors dread but her turn around time is nothing short of miraculous. Throughout working with Cynthia she was always a consummate professional, always keeping me up to date with her progress and, wait for it … she actually delivered the project THREE days earlier than agreed. Cynthia is a truly marvelous editor and I cannot recommend her highly enough. If you are an Indie author concerned about finding a diamond in all the murky waters of sub par editors I can wholeheartedly say that Cynthia is the real deal. A truly first rate editor that I will be recommending to all my friends.

Phil Taylor:

I recently received my first manuscript edited by Cynthia Shepp. I was blown away by the quality of her work. Her editing increased the quality of my writing immeasurably. Her rates gave me an incredible return on my investment and she was fast as well. I could not be more satisfied. I plan to use her again and have no hesitation at all recommending her to others. Thank you, Cynthia!

Hans Cummings:

I’ve worked with other editors before Cynthia, but she is the one I will be going back to. Her feedback was extremely helpful and her communication was great. There are many comments already left here which sum up my feelings for working with her, so I’ll just say: they’re right!

Cheyanne Young:

Cynthia is a fabulous editor with a really quick turnaround time. She promised dates to me and they were met with no problem. One thing I really liked about her editing was that she would include the reason why she changed some of my grammar errors, thus enabling me to learn from my mistakes and not make them again. I found that super helpful and it was a way of going above and beyond when editing my novel. I can’t wait to have her edit all of my future novels.

Shaun Dowdall:

Cynthia was recommended to myself by my cover designer and I must say I was more than impressed by the quality and efficiency of her work! I would definitely recommend her services for editing and I hope to work with her again once my second draft is complete! Wonderful job on my blurb. Thank you very much.

Rachel James:

I recently hired Cynthia Shepp to edit my manuscript and to critique my blurb. I was positively thrilled with the results. Not only is Cynthia professional, timely, and affordable, she was also very much committed to bringing out the best in both. I have learned so much from the experience, and I truly believe she has helped me become a better writer. For anyone looking for an editor, I cannot recommend her strongly enough. We have already begun discussing my next project, and I am very much looking forward to working with her in the future. Cynthia, you are fabulous!

Andris Bear:

Cynthia is fabulous–efficient, professional, and affordable. She met my high expectations on a tight schedule and was delightful to work with. She explains her reasons behind every suggestion (which is a big value to the flighty, anal retentive, worrywarts such as myself). I cannot recommend her enough and will definitely hire her again!

S.L. Dearing:

I have been fortunate enough to have three of my short stories chosen to be in Cynthia’s Anthologies and through the course of being chosen I have also had the opportunity to be exposed to her editing abilities.  She is exactly what a writer is looking for in an editor!  She is thorough, detailed, knowledgeable and interactive.  She is looking to make your manuscript the best it can be not only when it comes to correcting the grammar and punctuation, but also the flow and content.  She is definitely my first choice when my next novel is finished and I have complete confidence in her ability to make me shine!

Tara Moeller:

Best.  Editor.  Ever.  Seriously.  She is fast, good, and friendly.  She does an excellent job, without taking your voice out of your work. 

M.L. Ryan:

If you are thinking of hiring an editor, you can’t do better than Cynthia.  A consummate professional, she is thorough, prompt, and a joy to work with.  I can’t envision trusting my future manuscripts to anyone else, and you shouldn’t either!

Jim Proctor:

Cynthia edited a short story for me, and I was thrilled with the results. I had thought that the story was well written, having carefully gone over it numerous times. Cynthia’s edits amazed me. She made my work shine. She made rough sections flow beautifully. She suggested changes that made the story better without changing my meaning. Her comments explaining various issues throughout the story were very clear and extremely helpful. I was blown away. Her work is impeccable and her prices are very reasonable. I will never publish another book or story without hiring Cynthia to edit it.

Carrie Avery Moriarty:

Cynthia was great in editing my short story. She was concise in her changes, never making the story deviate from the original, and helped me present a better finished project. If she was unsure of my intentions, she asked for clarification. This was helpful because I was able to see where a reader would question what I had written. I couldn’t ask for a better editor for my work.

Kay Bratt:

When it comes to editing, Cynthia Shepp is one of the best. I’m first and foremost a storyteller, and I’ll admit my weakness is grammar and its plethora of rules. However, with Cynthia on the job, I can rest easy knowing that her attention to detail will give my manuscript that professional touch it needs. (Bestselling author of The Tales of the Scavenger’s Daughters.)

Pete Bauer:

Cynthia Shepp’s skills are top-notch. She has an extensive knowledge about the genre and age range for which my book was intended and gave clear, concise guidance on areas of concern. She has an eagle eye when it comes to finding punctuation, spelling or grammatical mistakes. No matter how many times I’ve read my book or had it read by others, Cynthia was able to spot the places we missed.

Best of all, Cynthia is a dream to work with. She was clear in her communication and remained true to her word on expectations and process, delivering her services in a timely manner. I spent a lot of time researching editors and her previous/current clients were all unified in their satisfaction. Like them, I couldn’t be happier.

Marta Brown

I cannot thank Cynthia enough! She is an amazing editor who goes above and beyond for her clients. She is a real find. Quick, kind, and a consummate professional. You will not be disappointed!

Stephanie Erickson

I have worked with Cynthia Shepp on my last four books, and I have no intention of stopping any time soon. As a perfectionist, I require two things from my editorial team: Accuracy and reliability.

Cynthia does an amazing job editing. One of the most consistent compliments my books get is that they are well edited. That is thanks to Cynthia’s critical eye and firm grasp of grammatical rules. Not only will she make a change, but she cites why the change was made, and even includes online links so you can see—and understand—for yourself.

Second, with such a tight publishing schedule, I have to have someone reliable, and Cynthia is just that. She tells you upfront when she can have your project done, and then she delivers on or before that date. That quality is priceless to me, and it helps me meet all my deadlines.

I highly recommend Cynthia for all your editing needs. Seriously, she’s amazing. Stop reading this now and get in touch with her. I mean it.

A.G. Henley

Cynthia did an excellent job proofreading my novel, The Fire Sisters. She was timely, professional, detailed, and always available for questions. She even taught me a few tips and tricks to make my next manuscript better. I highly recommend her! (author of The Scourge, a 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Award finalist)

__________

Contact: cynthiashepp@yahoo.com

(No Refunds… No Exceptions.)

I always recommend that authors send the manuscript to betas after editing. No manuscript will ever be 100% perfect. Betas can help find those stray errors before publication. They are a valuable asset.

2016 Editing Rate Increase

Price Increase for 2016 and Terms and Conditions Update

Editing Prices are going up on January 1, 2016. The prices go into effect for every manuscript done on and after January 1, 2016. The price goes into effect for every author, new and established. The rate increase is .0005 on every package.

The common rates through the Editorial Freelancers Associations are $40-60 an hour with the norm being an accepted ONE to six pages done in an hour. 250 words is considered a page. At my HIGHEST rate, six pages at 250 words a page only adds up to $12. I strive to keep my prices affordable for independent authors. It is my goal to help every book possible achieve its greatest potential, despite budget. Rate increases are necessary to keep a business running, but never will my prices jump to unachievable levels. I look forward to working with you in the coming year. 

2016 Prices:

Proofread starts at: .0045 a word

Copy Edit starts at: .0060 a word

Copy/Proof starts at: .0080 a word

Terms and Conditions that may have been Modified or Added (These are in effect now)

I occasionally update my Terms and Conditions. It is a client’s responsibility to occasionally glance at it to see if anything has changed. 

MANUSCRIPTS must be submitted in Times New Roman, size 12 font, and double spaced. If they are not, I will change them. It makes the editing process cleaner and easier.

I DO NOT edit non-fiction books. However, I will edit non-fiction articles, website material, press releases, and other such subject matter. I am also not familiar with UK grammar. I will edit UK books, but only if they are being completely Americanized. If you want to keep some UK tone, (colour instead of color, sayings, etc) that is fine. You just have to make sure to tell me. However, any and all grammar related issues I do recognize will be Americanized.

GRAPHIC and/or gratuitous rape scenes are not accepted. Books containing them are subject to IMMEDIATE return without refund or completion.

HOWEVER, books that contain rape are not an automatic no. A girl trying to get over being raped, a fade-to-black rape scene that is integral to the story, a book about rape that inspires hope in victims, a crime book that manages to impress the violence without making it graphic and pleasingly sexual, etc… would all be considered and most likely accepted. Please just explain the scenes to me. Erotica books that use rape as something pleasingly sexual, or any book that does, or any book that describes rape in graphic, violent, sexual, scene-by-scene detail, will not be accepted and if in a book I accepted without my knowledge, will be returned with NO REFUND OR COMPLETION.

AUTHORS are responsible for getting their books to me by the date agreed upon. If I have not received it within two days of the agreed upon date, I will move on to the next in line, unless I have an email from the author and we agree on other terms.

RUSH jobs, which I very rarely take, will incur a fee. It will depend on length and time given to finish. The start amount is $100, and it goes up from there.

PLEASE be aware that books that need excessive editing outside of the package picked may lead to extra fees. The fees will be discussed with the author before any work is done. If while editing the book, excessive editing outside the package becomes a problem, progress will halt while the author is contacted. This rarely happens. However, I have had a book for proofread that the sample was great, but when I received the book, only the first two chapters were acceptable. The rest needed more of a developmental edit. This is the reason I ask for middle-of-the-book samples, although that is not always a foolproof method.

PAYMENT is accepted up front. An invoice is sent through PayPal when I receive the manuscript. No work will be done until invoice is paid in full. PayPal fees are calculated and added to final bill. A $100 cancellation fee will be charged if the client cancels their time slot less than a week before their date. A $50 cancellation fee will be charged if the client cancels their time slot less than two weeks before their date. This fee is strictly enforced.

*If an author contacts me and makes other arrangements to reschedule or cancel before the two-week mark, there is no fee. Be respectful of my time and let me know two weeks in advance if you cannot keep your spot.

HOLIDAYS and holiday weekends DO NOT count toward the estimated amount of time given to edit your manuscript. Those times are spent with my family. We always take a vacation during the week of Thanksgiving and a week in the summer. Please be respectful of those times. If any of those fall during your time period, please be aware of this. Example: If you are given a time period over Christmas, please be aware the holidays will interfere with the edit time. Times given are estimates unless completely firmed up by way of a pre-order publication date. Two-week turnarounds are no longer given. Manuscripts are given my complete attention and are turned over in as timely a manner as possible. Please be patient. 

***I am NOT a developmental editor. I am a final-draft editor. If you are a FIRST-TIME author who needs extensive help with plot, character development, and flow, I would recommend that you hire a developmental editor to work with you through the different stages of editing.***

I reserve the right to refuse any and all manuscripts at my discretion.

If you have any questions regarding this post, or an editing slot, please contact me.

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Editing Services (2015)

*2015*

NEW WEBSITE

Putting your manuscript into someone else’s hands is a scary task. With two years’ experience, a BA in English/Literature, and over one hundred edited books, this is where I can help. My pledge is to treat your book with the respect it deserves, working with you to polish your dream into a reality. Everything from proofreads to detailed copy edits, and even money-saving packages, I can give you the best service possible at an affordable price.

Prices & Packages: 

.0040 a word for Proofreading

Proofreading is done on a final draft and includes line-by-line correction of spelling, grammar, and minor sentence structure issues. Each proofread receives at least two read throughs before being sent back to the author. This package does not include second edit after author reviews changes.

Anything under 20,000 words is automatically $80.

.0055 a word for Detailed Copy Editing

Copy Editing is done on a final draft and includes detailed, line-by-line editing for sentence structure, grammar, spelling, and, if needed, other issues that do not require major changes, such as plot consistency, character analysis, and style. Each detailed copy edit receives at least two read throughs before being sent back to the author. This package does not include second edit after author reviews changes.

Anything under 20,000 words is automatically $110.

.0075 a word for Detailed Copy Editing & Proofread Package (Recommended)

This is the package I recommend most for every author, as well as my best-selling and best-value package. It also includes a free blurb edit ($25 value). The Detailed Copy Editing and Proofread Package combines both services. This package has two different steps. First, Detailed Copy Editing will be done to a manuscript and sent back to the author. The author will then make all the changes they need to based on offered suggestions. Once the author has finished this stage and sent it back, a thorough Proofread will be done on the finished product. Please refer to the above explanations for each service to see what they entail. This is the most cost-effective package if you desire both a detailed copy edit as well as a final proofread after suggested changes have been made. This package gives the most-polished end product. It is the author’s responsibility to supply the blurb at the time of the edit.

Anything under 20,000 words is automatically $150.

$25 Flat Rate for Blurb Editing & Critique

Need help making your blurb great? Need a fresh pair of eyes to check for errors and readability? This is your option. This is a flat-rate service with a two-day turnaround. 

$25 Flat Rate for Small Jobs

Almost anything under 1000 words, such as query letters. (Query letter format)

Experience:

BA from Grand Canyon University in English/Literature.

Graduated with Honors: Cum Laude.

Two+ Years’ Experience.

Editor in chief for Clean Teen Publishing and Crimson Tree Publishing. www.cleanteenpublishing.com and http://www.crimsontreepublishing.com.

I have edited, compiled, and published four anthologies through Indie Style Press, which is a compilation of Editing Services by Cynthia Shepp & Phycel Designs by Rene Folsom, Author. 

Apocalypse: An Anthology by Authors & Readers, Paranormal Anthology with a TWIST, Stalkers: A Collection of Thriller Stories, and Stardust: A Futuristic Romance Collection.  You can find these on Amazon.

Terms and Conditions:

I occasionally update my Terms and Conditions. It is a client’s responsibility to occasionally glance at it to see if anything has changed. 

MANUSCRIPTS must be submitted in Times New Roman, size 12 font, and double spaced. If they are not, I will change them. It makes the editing process cleaner and easier.

I DO NOT edit non-fiction books. However, I will edit non-fiction articles, website material, press releases, and other such subject matter. I am also not familiar with UK grammar. I will edit UK books, but only if they are being completely Americanized. If you want to keep some UK tone, (colour instead of color, sayings, etc) that is fine. You just have to make sure to tell me. However, any and all grammar related issues I do recognize will be Americanized.

GRAPHIC and/or gratuitous rape scenes are not accepted. Books containing them are subject to IMMEDIATE return without refund or completion.

HOWEVER, books that contain rape are not an automatic no. A girl trying to get over being raped, a fade-to-black rape scene that is integral to the story, a book about rape that inspires hope in victims, a crime book that manages to impress the violence without making it graphic and pleasingly sexual, etc… would all be considered and most likely accepted. Please just explain the scenes to me. Erotica books that use rape as something pleasingly sexual, or any book that does, or any book that describes rape in graphic, violent, sexual, scene-by-scene detail, will not be accepted and if in a book I accepted without my knowledge, will be returned with NO REFUND OR COMPLETION.

AUTHORS are responsible for getting their books to me by the date agreed upon. If I have not received it within two days of the agreed upon date, I will move on to the next in line, unless I have an email from the author and we agree on other terms.

RUSH jobs, which I very rarely take, will incur a fee. It will depend on length and time given to finish. The start amount is $100, and it goes up from there.

PLEASE be aware that books that need excessive editing outside of the package picked may lead to extra fees. The fees will be discussed with the author before any work is done. If while editing the book, excessive editing outside the package becomes a problem, progress will halt while the author is contacted. This rarely happens. However, I have had a book for proofread that the sample was great, but when I received the book, only the first two chapters were acceptable. The rest needed more of a developmental edit. This is the reason I ask for middle-of-the-book samples, although that is not always a foolproof method.

PAYMENT is accepted up front. An invoice is sent through PayPal when I receive the manuscript. No work will be done until invoice is paid in full. PayPal fees are calculated and added to final bill. A $100 cancellation fee will be charged if the client cancels their time slot less than a week before their date. A $50 cancellation fee will be charged if the client cancels their time slot less than two weeks before their date. This fee is strictly enforced. *If an author contacts me and makes other arrangements to reschedule or cancel before the two-week mark, there is no fee. Be respectful of time and let me know two weeks in advance if you cannot keep your spot.

HOLIDAYS and holiday weekends DO NOT count toward the estimated amount of time given to edit your manuscript. Those times are spent with my family. We always take a vacation during the week of Thanksgiving. Please be respectful of that time. If any of those fall during your time period, please be aware of this. Example: If you are given a time period over Christmas, please be aware the holidays will interfere with the edit time. Times given are estimates unless completely firmed up by way of a pre-order publication date. Sometimes, life happens. Manuscripts are given my complete attention and are turned over in as timely a manner as possible. Please be patient. 

***I am NOT a developmental editor. I am a final-draft editor. If you are a FIRST-TIME author who needs extensive help with plot, character development, and flow, I would recommend that you hire a developmental editor to work with you through the different stages of editing.***

I reserve the right to refuse any and all manuscripts at my discretion.

Contact Details:

To contact me about availability, questions, or to submit your manuscript, please email me at cynthiashepp@yahoo.com. Please be aware that my schedule fills up quickly. For assurance of a spot, a 4-6 week pre-schedule is necessary.

(Many are not listed due to privacy)

Jason Brant: The Gate, Tartarus, Sheol, The Dark, Devoured, Consumed, Ravaged, Ash, Madness, The Perfect Crime

Marquita Valentine: (NYT and USA Today Best-selling Author) Twice Tempted, Just Desserts, Only For You , True For You, Not Over You, Wish For You, Burn For You, The Request, Be Mine, All the Right Moves, The Deception, Need You Tonight, Love So Hot, Dare Me Once, Love So True, Love So Irrestible, The Forgotten Bride, The Temporary Bride, The Billionaire Bride, Seducing the Billionaire’s Wife

Sawyer Bennett: (USA Today Best-selling Author) Off Course, If I Return, Forever Young, Off Chance, Legal Affairs 1-6, On the Rocks, Make it a Double, Confessions of a Litigation God, Sugar on the Edge, Uncivilized, Off Season, With a Twist, Off Duty, Shaken Not Stirred, Wicked Fall, Clash, Crash, Grind, Yield, Love Uncivilized,

Rene Folsom: Heart You, Voices of the Soul, Eyes of the Soul, Truths of the Soul, Blood of the Soul, Secrets of the Soul, Bind Me, Hearts of the Soul, Shuttered Affections, Exposed Affections, Flatter Me, For Liberty, Adventurous, Tempt, The Wager, Game Changer, Trust, Trapt, The Break, Game On

Shelly Crane: (NYT Best-selling Author) Smash Into You

Tabatha Vargo: (NYT Best-Selling Author) On The Plus Side

Tabatha Vargo & Melissa Andrea: (NYT Best-Selling Authors) The Procedure

Jon Messenger: The Brink of Distinction Trilogy, Card Tricks, Rage

T.L. Frye: The Secret of Magik and Dragons

Rebecca Gober & Courtney Nuckels: Exposing Ele, Surviving Ele, Ending Ele

Magen McMinimy: Blood Claim, Resurrection Stone, Shadowed Memories, Primal Hunger, Immortal Craving, Primal Calling, Immortal Promise, Immortal Blood, Immortal Rapture, Immortal Rising, Wicked Perfection

Tanith Morse: Super Dark 2 and Super Dark 3

Rene Folson & Juli Valenti: Adventurous, Bound, Charming

Hans Cummings: Zack Jackson & The Cytherean Academy, Zack Jackson & The Hives of Valtra

Rachael James: Hook, Line, and Garter, Crazy B*tch, Baby B*tch

Erika Kathryn: Audie the Angel and the Angel Army, Audie the Angel: Plague

Phil Taylor: White Picket Prisons, 50 Shades of Phil, The Sneaker Tree

Nicholas Andrews: Festival of the Saints, Babyface Fire

Cheyanne Young: Powered

Shelby Fallon: Stealing Grace, Taking Faith

Ryan Casey: The Painting, The Disappearing

Jennifer Foor: Hustle Him

Andris Bear: Angel Unleashed, Demon Undamned, All Wicked’s Eve, Lover’s Lane, Memory Lane, Dead End Lane, Inked

M.L. Ryan: Special Offers, Special Attraction, Special Passage

Nicki Scalise: Prayer for the Dead

Jennifer Clay: The Other Side of Normal

Bart Hopkins: Dead Ends

Michael Loring: Number Eighteen, Say My Name

Dawn Husted: Safe

E.G. Gaddess: Dhampyr Journey

Jim Proctor: Made in the Stars, Veronica Phoenix

G.E. Saturley: The Real Deal

Toni Aleo: (NYT and USA Today Best-Selling Author) Breaking Away, Tangled in the Laces, The Whiskey Prince

Shaun Dowdall: Rebirth (A Thousand Hearts), Second Chance, From Beyond

Kay Bratt

Sonya Loveday: The Summer I Fell, End Note, If Ever I Fall

Candace Knoebel: Evernight, Everlost

Sonya Loveday & Candace Knoebel: Love Always

Stephanie Summers: Haunting, Awakening

Stephanie Erickson: Unseen, The Dead Room, Unforgiven, Undivided, The Fate

Kyan Yauchler: Homeostasis Lost, Autumn Nation

Katie French: The Brothers, Clay: A Breeder’s Story

Marta Brown: Sun-Kissed Summer

Shelbi Wescott: Virulent Stories

Peter Boland: The Spiral Arm Episodes 2-4

Pete Bauer: Kneel and Pray, Lost and Found

Anthologies: Apocalypse, Twist, Stalkers, and Stardust

Clean Teen Publishing:

Rebecca Gober & Courtney Nuckels: Exposing Ele, Surviving Ele, Ending Ele

Gabrielle Arrowsmith: Concealed in the Shadows, Released from the Darkness, Reduced to Dust

Cindy Saunders: Double Star

Wonderstruck: Various Authors

B.T. Lyons: Heartkeeper, Heartbound

Jon Messenger: Wind Warrior, Flame Caller, Water Shaper, Earth God

Lauren Nicolle Taylor: The Woodlands, The Wall, The Wounded, The Wanted, The Willful (Woodlands Novella), Nora and Kettle

Jennifer Anne Davis: The Key, Red, War, Cage of Deceit

Holly Kelly: Rising, Descending, Avenging

Melissa J. Cunningham: Reluctant Guardian, The Elementalist, The Celestine Sword

Erica Kiefer: Lingering Echoes, Rumors, Vanishing Act

Kelly Risser: Never Forgotten, Current Impressions, Always Remembered, Sea of Memories

Sherry Ficklin: Haunting Zoe, Queen of Someday, Queen of Tomorrow, Queen of Always, Playing With Fire, In Too Deep

Delsheree Gladden: Wicked Power, Wicked Glory

Neil Harris: The Last Orphan, The Harvest, Enslaved

Amanda Strong: The Awakener, Hidden Monster, Holy and the Fallen

Michelle K. Pickett: Finding Willow, Unspeakable, Milayna, Milayna’s Angel, The Innocent

K.C. Finn: A Place Halfway

Sandy Goldsworthy: Aftermath, Aftershock

Renee Shearer: The Hunted, The Forsaken

Shannon Maynard: Wicked Luck, Wicked Fate

Tyler Jolley and Sherry D. Ficklin: Prodigal, Riven

Audrey Greathouse: The Neverland Wars

Jennifer Derrick: Broken Fate

Crimson Tree Publishing:

Alicia Michaels: Secrets (Bionics 3), Spark (Bionics 4), Flame (Bionics 5), Revolt (Bionics 6), The Resistance

Jon Messenger: Brink of Distinction series, Wolves of the Northern Rift, The Blood Thief of Whitten Hall, The Golem of Solomon’s Way

Peggy Martinez: Sweet Contradiction, Perfect Contradiction, Contradiction Cookbook

Julie Wetzel: Kindling Flames 1, 2, 3, 4 (With Chelsea Brimer)

Ranae Glass: Chasing Daybreak, Chasing Midnight

June Stevens: Voodoo Moon

References:

Clean Teen and Crimson Tree Publishing: 

We have worked with numerous other editors in the past. There hasn’t been one that has stood out from the crowd for us like Cynthia Shepp has. Cynthia’s edits are not only thorough and accurate, but she offers a personal touch by adding simplified grammar lessons along with her edits to help our authors grow. Her professionalism and desire to go the extra mile make her a notch above the rest. We will continue to use Cynthia for our editing services for many years to come!

Marquita Valentine:

I highly recommend working with Cynthia for all of your editing needs. She always goes the extra mile, and catches things that most others wouldn’t in a manuscript. I find her prices reasonable and her work exceptional. I plan to continue to work with Cynthia on future projects. (New York Times and USA Today Best-Selling Author)

Jason Brant:

For anyone reading this and thinking about hiring Cynthia Shepp, let me tell you to stop waffling around and do it.  That’s a decision you won’t regret.  Her quality of work is so spectacular that she is now my full time editor.  My prose is stronger, my characters more believable, and my stories more plausible because of the fantastic work she has done.

Timely, accurate, professional, and affordable – what more could you ask for?

Jon Messenger:

Like most independent authors, I spent a significant amount of time looking for a quality editor.  I tried companies that didn’t live up to my expectation.  I found numerous editors who charged far more than Cynthia did but, when compared side-by-side, Cynthia’s editing work was of a far higher quality.

If you’re looking for an editor, you won’t find a better quality for a better price and a quicker turn around.  Cynthia is absolutely dedicated to providing the highest quality editorial services.  Her editing was so impressive that I’ve even hired her to re-edit novels that I’ve already published, just because she makes my work that much better.

If you’re still on the fence or searching for an editor, hire Cynthia.  You won’t be disappointed.

Sawyer Bennett:

Cynthia just finished a manuscript for me and I cannot even begin to describe how thrilled I am by her work. It was thorough and professionally executed. Her insight into my work was invaluable. I will be using Cynthia for all of my future editing work. I cannot sing her praises loud enough. (USA Today Best-Selling Author)

Toni Aleo:

I recently used Cynthia Shepp’s editing services for my June release called Breaking Away. I enjoyed working with Cynthia VERY much. We worked well together, we flowed, and our comments were laughable for sure. She pays attention to detail, to time line issues, gives great suggestions on making the story tighter and making it flow. It was wonderful. I was nervous leaving the editor I was using, but Cynthia made the transition PERFECT and I couldn’t be more pleased. I loved my experience with her and plan to continue working with her in the future with all my manuscripts. (New York Times and USA Today Best-Selling author.)

Tanith Morse:

Let me start by saying that I have worked with a LOT of editors and Cynthia is hands down the best ever. Not only is she first rate at spotting all those little typos and continuity errors that all authors dread but her turn around time is nothing short of miraculous. Throughout working with Cynthia she was always a consummate professional, always keeping me up to date with her progress and, wait for it … she actually delivered the project THREE days earlier than agreed. Cynthia is a truly marvelous editor and I cannot recommend her highly enough. If you are an Indie author concerned about finding a diamond in all the murky waters of sub par editors I can wholeheartedly say that Cynthia is the real deal. A truly first rate editor that I will be recommending to all my friends.

Phil Taylor:

I recently received my first manuscript edited by Cynthia Shepp. I was blown away by the quality of her work. Her editing increased the quality of my writing immeasurably. Her rates gave me an incredible return on my investment and she was fast as well. I could not be more satisfied. I plan to use her again and have no hesitation at all recommending her to others. Thank you, Cynthia!

Hans Cummings:

I’ve worked with other editors before Cynthia, but she is the one I will be going back to. Her feedback was extremely helpful and her communication was great. There are many comments already left here which sum up my feelings for working with her, so I’ll just say: they’re right!

Cheyanne Young:

Cynthia is a fabulous editor with a really quick turnaround time. She promised dates to me and they were met with no problem. One thing I really liked about her editing was that she would include the reason why she changed some of my grammar errors, thus enabling me to learn from my mistakes and not make them again. I found that super helpful and it was a way of going above and beyond when editing my novel. I can’t wait to have her edit all of my future novels.

Shaun Dowdall:

Cynthia was recommended to myself by my cover designer and I must say I was more than impressed by the quality and efficiency of her work! I would definitely recommend her services for editing and I hope to work with her again once my second draft is complete! Wonderful job on my blurb. Thank you very much.

Rachel James:

I recently hired Cynthia Shepp to edit my manuscript and to critique my blurb. I was positively thrilled with the results. Not only is Cynthia professional, timely, and affordable, she was also very much committed to bringing out the best in both. I have learned so much from the experience, and I truly believe she has helped me become a better writer. For anyone looking for an editor, I cannot recommend her strongly enough. We have already begun discussing my next project, and I am very much looking forward to working with her in the future. Cynthia, you are fabulous!

Andris Bear:

Cynthia is fabulous–efficient, professional, and affordable. She met my high expectations on a tight schedule and was delightful to work with. She explains her reasons behind every suggestion (which is a big value to the flighty, anal retentive, worrywarts such as myself). I cannot recommend her enough and will definitely hire her again!

S.L. Dearing:

I have been fortunate enough to have three of my short stories chosen to be in Cynthia’s Anthologies and through the course of being chosen I have also had the opportunity to be exposed to her editing abilities.  She is exactly what a writer is looking for in an editor!  She is thorough, detailed, knowledgeable and interactive.  She is looking to make your manuscript the best it can be not only when it comes to correcting the grammar and punctuation, but also the flow and content.  She is definitely my first choice when my next novel is finished and I have complete confidence in her ability to make me shine!

Tara Moeller:

Best.  Editor.  Ever.  Seriously.  She is fast, good, and friendly.  She does an excellent job, without taking your voice out of your work. 

M.L. Ryan:

If you are thinking of hiring an editor, you can’t do better than Cynthia.  A consummate professional, she is thorough, prompt, and a joy to work with.  I can’t envision trusting my future manuscripts to anyone else, and you shouldn’t either!

Jim Proctor:

Cynthia edited a short story for me, and I was thrilled with the results. I had thought that the story was well written, having carefully gone over it numerous times. Cynthia’s edits amazed me. She made my work shine. She made rough sections flow beautifully. She suggested changes that made the story better without changing my meaning. Her comments explaining various issues throughout the story were very clear and extremely helpful. I was blown away. Her work is impeccable and her prices are very reasonable. I will never publish another book or story without hiring Cynthia to edit it.

Carrie Avery Moriarty:

Cynthia was great in editing my short story. She was concise in her changes, never making the story deviate from the original, and helped me present a better finished project. If she was unsure of my intentions, she asked for clarification. This was helpful because I was able to see where a reader would question what I had written. I couldn’t ask for a better editor for my work.

Kay Bratt:

When it comes to editing, Cynthia Shepp is one of the best. I’m first and foremost a storyteller, and I’ll admit my weakness is grammar and its plethora of rules. However, with Cynthia on the job, I can rest easy knowing that her attention to detail will give my manuscript that professional touch it needs. (Bestselling author of The Tales of the Scavenger’s Daughters.)

Pete Bauer:

Cynthia Shepp’s skills are top-notch. She has an extensive knowledge about the genre and age range for which my book was intended and gave clear, concise guidance on areas of concern. She has an eagle eye when it comes to finding punctuation, spelling or grammatical mistakes. No matter how many times I’ve read my book or had it read by others, Cynthia was able to spot the places we missed.

Best of all, Cynthia is a dream to work with. She was clear in her communication and remained true to her word on expectations and process, delivering her services in a timely manner. I spent a lot of time researching editors and her previous/current clients were all unified in their satisfaction. Like them, I couldn’t be happier.

Marta Brown

I cannot thank Cynthia enough! She is an amazing editor who goes above and beyond for her clients. She is a real find. Quick, kind, and a consummate professional. You will not be disappointed!

Stephanie Erickson

I have worked with Cynthia Shepp on my last four books, and I have no intention of stopping any time soon. As a perfectionist, I require two things from my editorial team: Accuracy and reliability.

Cynthia does an amazing job editing. One of the most consistent compliments my books get is that they are well edited. That is thanks to Cynthia’s critical eye and firm grasp of grammatical rules. Not only will she make a change, but she cites why the change was made, and even includes online links so you can see—and understand—for yourself.

Second, with such a tight publishing schedule, I have to have someone reliable, and Cynthia is just that. She tells you upfront when she can have your project done, and then she delivers on or before that date. That quality is priceless to me, and it helps me meet all my deadlines.

I highly recommend Cynthia for all your editing needs. Seriously, she’s amazing. Stop reading this now and get in touch with her. I mean it.

A.G. Henley

Cynthia did an excellent job proofreading my novel, The Fire Sisters. She was timely, professional, detailed, and always available for questions. She even taught me a few tips and tricks to make my next manuscript better. I highly recommend her! (author of The Scourge, a 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Award finalist)

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Contact: cynthiashepp@yahoo.com

(No Refunds… No Exceptions.)

I always recommend that authors send the manuscript to betas after editing. No manuscript will ever be 100% perfect. Betas can help find those stray errors before publication. They are a valuable asset.

EDITING SERVICES

I have no spots left in 2013. I am scheduling for next year, if interested. Thank you!

(SLIGHT PRICE INCREASE AS OF JANUARY 1, 2014. Updated Prices are here:

https://cynthiashepp.wordpress.com/2013/10/01/editing-service-announcement/ )

*I am not familiar with UK Grammar. I prefer NOT to work on UK manuscripts unless they are being completely Americanized.*

*I do not edit non-fiction.*

Manuscripts should be submitted in Times New Roman, size 12 font, and double spaced.

*

.0020 a word for Re-Edits*

Re-Edits are done on books that have already been edited that you are not happy with. I simply go through and edit them again, correctly. I don’t charge full price because I know that the authors have already paid someone to edit it once. This is ONLY for books that have previously been edited and that have already been published. Re-Edits only get ONE thorough read through. If you want a more comprehensive edit, please choose a Proofread or Detailed Copy Editing package. 

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.0025 a word for Proofreading*

Proofreading is done on a final draft and includes line-by-line correction of spelling, grammar, and minor sentence structure issues.

Anything under 20,000 words is automatically $50

*

.0035 a word for Detailed Copy Editing*

Copy Editing is done on a final draft and includes detailed, line-by-line editing for sentence structure, grammar, spelling, and, if needed, other issues that do not require major changes, such as plot consistency, character analysis, and style. I strongly recommend this option.

Anything under 20,000 words is automatically $70

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.0055 a word for Detailed Copy Editing and Proofread Package*

The Detailed Copy Editing and Proofread Package combines both services into one. This package has two different steps. First, Detailed Copy Editing will be done to a manuscript and sent back to the author. The author will then make all of the changes needed and re-write sections that have been suggested need work. Once the author has finished this stage and sent it back, a thorough Proofread will be done on the finished product. Please refer to the above explanations for each service to see what they entail. This is the most cost-effective package if you desire both a detailed copy edit as well as another edit after the changes have been made.

Anything under 20,000 words is automatically $100

*

$25 flat rate for Blurb Editing and Critique*

Need help making your blurb great? Need a fresh pair of eyes to check for errors and readability? This is your option. This is a flat-rate service with a one-day turnaround.

To contact me about availability, questions, or to submit your manuscript, please email me at

cynthiashepp@yahoo.com 

 

I am the editor and compiler of Apocalypse: An Anthology by Authors & Readers, Paranormal Anthology with a TWIST, and Stalkers: A Collection of Thriller Stories.  You can find these on Amazon.

I am also the editor for Clean Teen Publishing and Crimson Tree Publishing

www.cleanteenpublishing.com

http://www.crimsontreepublishing.com

Thank you very much and I look forward to hearing from you!

*

Cynthia Shepp

EDITED: (As well as many others not listed)

Jason Brant: The Gate, Tartarus, Sheol, The Dark, Devoured, Consumed

Jon Messenger: The Brink of Distinction Trilogy, Card Tricks, Rage

T.L. Frye: The Secret of Magik and Dragons

Rebecca Gober & Courtney Nuckels: Exposing Ele, Surviving Ele, Ending Ele

Magen McMinimy: Blood Claim, Ressurection Stone, Shadowed Memories, Primal Hunger, Immortal Craving, Primal Calling

Tanith Morse: Super Dark 2 and Super Dark 3

Rene Folsom: Heart You, Voices of the Soul, Eyes of the Soul, Truths of the Soul, Blood of the Soul, Secrets of the Soul, Bind Me, Hearts of the Soul, Shuttered Affections, Exposed Affections

Hans Cummings: Zack Jackson & The Cytherean Academy

Rachael James: Hook, Line, and Garter, Crazy Bitch, Baby Bitch

Erika Kathryn: Audie the Angel and the Angel Army, Audie the Angel: Plague

Phil Taylor: White Picket Prisons, 50 Shades of Phil, The Sneaker Tree

Nicholas Andrews: Festival of the Saints, Babyface Fire

Cheyanne Young: Powered

Shelby Fallon: Stealing Grace, Taking Faith

Ryan Casey: The Painting, The Disappearing

Marquita Valentine: (NYT Best-selling Author) Twice Tempted, Just Desserts, Only For You , True For You, Not Over You

Sawyer Bennett: (USA Today Best-selling Author) Off Course, If I Return, Forever Young, Off Chance, Legal Affairs

Jennifer Foor: Hustle Him

Andris Bear: Angel Unleashed

Shelly Crane: (NYT Best-selling Author) Smash Into You

M.L. Ryan: Special Offers, Special Attraction 

Nicki Scalise: Prayer for the Dead

Jennifer Clay: The Other Side of Normal

E.G. Gaddess: Dhampyr Journey

Anthologies: Apocalypse, Twist, and Stalkers

BLURB EDITING:

Shaun Dowdall: A Thousand Hearts

Rachael James: Hook, Line, and Garter, Crazy Bitch, Baby Bitch 

Celia Kyle: (Ridgeville #6) Sealed with a Purr

CLEAN TEEN PUBLISHING EDITS

Rebecca Gober & Courtney Nuckels: Exposing Ele, Surviving Ele, Ending Ele

Gabrielle Arrowsmith: Concealed in the Shadows

Cindy Saunders: Double Star

Wonderstruck: Various Authors

B.T. Lyons: Heartkeeper, Heartbound

Jon Messenger: Wind Warrior, Flame Caller

Lauren Nicolle Taylor: The Woodlands, The Wall

Holly Kelly: Rising

Melissa J. Cunningham: Reluctant Guardian

Erica Kiefer: Lingering Echoes

Jennifer Anne Davis: The Key

CRIMSON TREE PUBLISHING EDITS

Alicia Michaels: Secrets (Bionics 3)

Jon Messenger: Brink of Distinction series

Amanda Strong: The Awakener

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*Authors are responsible for getting their books to me by the date agreed upon. If I have not received it within two days of the agreed upon date, I will move on to the next in line, unless I have an email from the author and we agree on other terms.*

*Rush jobs will incur a fee. It will depend on length and time given to finish.*

*Books that need excessive editing may lead to extra fees.*

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