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T. V. Pinkard
Editing Services
I’m a compassionate editor of fiction and non-fiction alike, and a devoted nerd with a specialty in storytelling, fantasy, and music. Services include: line-editing, developmental editing, beta reading, proof reading, and book coaching.
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Fixed Pricing
Pricing for all editing services will depend upon the length of the manuscript and the amount of work I anticipate it will take. If you would like a quote and a free sample edit of your first chapter please email me at tanapinkard [at] gmail [dot] com!
Below are the rates for a few of my other services.
Query Coaching
$150 flat fee for the full query coaching package. Details below.
Alpha Reading
For manuscripts in the 80-100k word count range, the rate for an alpha read is $200. For manuscripts above 100k, please email for a quote.
Beta Reading
For manuscripts in the 80-100k word count range, the beta read rate is $450. For manuscripts above 100k, please email for a quote.
What type of editing do I need?
Let's say you've just finished your first book. Now what? First off, celebrate! Finishing a draft of a manuscript is a huge accomplishment. Whether your goals are to self-publish or polish your story up for querying, the best next step is to get an outside pair of eyes to offer feedback. Below are some of the options that I have on offer to help you get started.
Alpha Reader
Your alpha reader is going to be that first pair of eyes on a very young draft. Alpha readers offer that first vibe check on your story, while recognizing that the product is going to be rough and unpolished. This is the stage for a gentle big-picture approach.
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For an Alpha Read, I do minimal editing on the line-level (only if I can't make out the meaning of a sentence) and focus purely on the story being told. How did it read? What did it evoke? How do the characters make me feel? How was the pacing?
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This includes some margin comments and a separate document with a brief write up of my thoughts on the story.
Line Editor
Let's say you've gotten tons of beta feedback, you've edited the story substantially, now you're focused on how you're telling it. That's where a line editor comes in.
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This service focuses on the sentence structure, the rhythm, the musicality of the prose, the pacing, where to add descriptions or pare them down. You know your story, now how do you make it shine?
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For this service, I offer a smaller big picture document with some story notes, but significantly less extensive than a developmental edit.
Beta Reader
After you've self-edited to the point where the story is about as good as you can make it (maybe you've gotten an initial vibe check from an alpha reader, maybe not), it's time for a beta reader.
As a beta, I offer insight on the experience of reading your book, talk big-picture on what worked, what may have been confusing, etc. I will catch early snags in your plot that may not be working for a reader, but often keep my focus on specific elements that the author asks for. Like an alpha, this service focuses on story and not on line-level feedback. Includes more extensive margin comments and a larger document with my notes on the story.
Proofreader
Your proofreader is there to give that last coat of polish before you upload or submit your product.
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Traditionally, this role is to find and correct typos, and to make note of any lines that don't make grammatical sense. Some want this service to err closer to a copy editing service, in which case I would also watch for clarity and efficacy of phrasing.
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No additional documents provided for this service, just the return of the edited manuscript.
Developmental Editor
Also called substantive editing. Recommended for early stages of the writing process, this is like a Beta Reader on steroids. For this service, I will do a deep dive on all aspects of the book: plot, character arcs, pacing, world building, narrative voice, genre and age range to see what is working well and what still needs polish. I also address how its working on a line-level and make editing suggestions within the manuscript.
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This service offers the most extensive feedback, with a trio of in-margin comments, a large big-picture document addressing the full scope of elements noted above, and a chapter-by-chapter document in which I summarize and offer concise feedback on each chapter.
Query Coaching
So you want to traditionally publish your manuscript. Awesome! Where to begin?
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The querying journey is long, intimidating, and full of pitfalls. While I cannot and would not attempt to guarantee representation, I can help make the process a little less daunting.
For this service, I offer two rounds of revision of your query letter, one round of synopsis editing, and a comprehensive query submission package that walks you through the information you will need to have on hand (how to write a bio, a one sentence pitch, etc.). I also offer a google spreadsheet template for keeping track of agents queried.
My Style
I am a passionate, hands-on editor eager to collaborate with writers to find the heart of their stories, whether that's through the big-picture developmental stages or the finer line-edits. I will point out inconsistencies, ask questions within the text to bring awareness to potential problems, highlight the text's strengths as well as areas for improvement. I focus on character arcs, pacing, inciting incidents, and how all elements serve the greater plot, while always striving to frame my feedback with compassion.
This is your baby; you have spent unthinkable time, energy, and spirit to bring it into the world. The least I can do is handle it with care.
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Everyone needs a second pair of eyes to shine light on all that glitters. My goal is to help you craft the best version of the story you are trying to tell, and above all else, to make you, the author, excited about revisions.
I specialize in speculative fiction genres, with fantasy as my wheelhouse. From soft science fiction, magical realism, historical, to the highest of high fantasies. Give me your monsters, your mythology, your living cities, your prophecies and whimsy. Take me to another world or show me the magic within our own. I accept books in the YA to Adult age range. I edit standard fiction, as well, but I'm not usually the best fit for experimental literary fiction, military fiction, or kitchen sink dramas.
Supported by a degree in music and my experience as a composer, I welcome music-centered nonfiction as well. My foundation in music theory and composition has allowed me to write and edit numerous music reviews, articles, and books. I enjoy bringing a narrative lens to non-fiction books and breathe a little life and storytelling into works that might otherwise tend toward dry.
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My Genres
Portfolio Highlights
