Purpose:

Whereas line & copy editing focus on a manuscript's grammar, sentence structure, and other minutiae, conceptual editing – typically the first major phase of the editing process – focuses on a manuscript's overarching elements, including:

• character crafting;
• plot development (where plot exists);
• narrative structure & pacing;
• generic traditions & deviations;
• aesthetic & stylistic conventions & innovations;
• thematic cogency; and
• global story viability & appeal.

Note that conceptual editing is variously referred to as developmental editing, editorial assessment, substantial editing, or manuscript appraisal.

Products:

Upon completion of services, I will deliver to you a Conceptual Editing Letter and Manuscript Annotations, which:

• evaluate your manuscript's overarching elements, listed above;
• identify specific instances of strengths and weaknesses within your manuscript; and
• suggest alternative approaches to enhance readability and solve big-picture issues.

Conceptual editing does not include the following:

• rewriting of any lines or passages;
• an open invitation for review of your future revisions; or
• the promise of your manuscript's certain publication or commercial success.

As an approximate gauge, a 50,000-word manuscript typically requires a ten-to-twelve-page Conceptual Editing Letter. However, the length of my deliverables will vary based on your manuscript's idiosyncrasies.

Payment is required prior to completion of each service stage below. Taxes are included in the listed rates.

While open to other genres, I typically work with authors of fantasy, literary, and science fiction.

Stage One. Initial Consultation:

• Fee: $50 CAD.
• Just as you want to know about me, my experience, and my approach to editing, I want to know about your book and expectations. During this initial 30-minute video meeting, we will determine if we are a good fit for each other. Alternatively, our Initial Consultation can be by phone or writing to suit your preference.

Stage Two. Impressions Report & Engagement Letter:

• Fee: $50 CAD.
• Before I commit to a full manuscript, I read the first 25 pages to determine whether my services will suit the text. In my Impressions Report, I provide a short summary of how my approach to editing either suits or does not suit your manuscript.
• If I am well-suited to your manuscript, I will also provide an Engagement Letter that sets out the scope and terms of my services. We will discuss the Engagement Letter to ensure that you have all the necessary facts before deciding to hire me as your conceptual editor.

Stage Three. Conceptual Editing Letter & Manuscript Annotations:

• Before you incur the expense of conceptual editing, you should prepare your manuscript to the best of your abilities. For this reason, the Initial Consultation, Impressions Report, & Engagement Letter are required prior to beginning the work of conceptual editing.
• Your manuscript has likely required years of your effort, and I take seriously the trust you place in me as your conceptual editor. As such, I do not rush any Conceptual Editing Letter or Manuscript Review. My time-frame for completion of services is usually two months, but if my engagement with your manuscript requires it, I will request additional time with sufficient notice to you. Some authors like to be apprised of my reading progress, which I can accommodate with weekly emails. I may also reach out to you to discuss any questions about your manuscript as they arise.
• Fee Structure:
  • 50,000 words or less: $800 CAD.
  • Each word beyond 50,000: $0.01 CAD.
• Fee Examples:
  • 77,325 words (like Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone): $1,073.25 CAD.
  • 112,815 words (like Pullman's The Northern Lights): $1,428.15 CAD.
  • 137,115 words (like Tolkien's The Return of the King): $1,671.15 CAD.
• 206,052 words (like Melville's Moby Dick): $2,360.52 CAD.
• 265,222 words (like Joyce's Ulysses): $2,952.22 CAD.

If you have questions about my conceptual editing services, please contact me at harlton@arapaper.com.