Editing services for independent and self-publishing authors
Hey! I'm Pat Goggins, a long-time editor from the Pacific Northwest offering editing services for both and fiction (mystery, crime, thriller, horror, sci-fi, historical fiction) and nonfiction manuscripts (history, economics, business, memoir, and narrative nonfiction).
Developmental editing and line editing are my specialties, and I also do copy editing and manuscript evaluations/beta reads.
Contact me below or book a free 30-minute consultation to see if we’ll be a good fit for your project.
About me
I've been editing for more than 15 years, and I've done it all in the publishing world: running a team of writers to assign and developmentally edit stories, wordsmithing as a line and copy editor, as well as proofreading, formatting, and typesetting.
I have a journalistic background, specializing in explainer/101 articles that break down complex topics or show how a process works into an easy-to-digest way. I worked largely in health, science, tech, SEO, and also music. My diverse background means I’ve worked with writers across many different fields. Check out my LinkedIn for more on my professional experience.
After years at companies and agencies, I now work with independent and self-publishing authors on fiction and nonfiction books to help them realize their stories.
My philosophy
I’m a believer in sonder—the idea that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own. My years as a bartender have taught me that. The group of guys having a loud conversation, the couple at the bar chatting away, the little old lady sipping wine in the corner, all of them have a story to tell.
I love collaborating with writers and other creatives to help bring their stories to life. I'm here to help you refine your ideas, copy, and voice, to help you connect with and communicate your story to your audience.
For me, the editorial process between a writer and an editor is collaborative, not one mired in strict rules where you can't do this or that. I think of editing as a back-and-forth with the writer, with a healthy discussion of ideas. I’m here to help you tell your story.
It's my job to bring my experience, know-how, and ideas to the table, to discuss them with you, and to push you to do your best with your writing.
Also, I don’t use AI in my work. I prefer doing things the old-fashioned way and working directly with a writer and their ideas.
Editing services
I largely focus on developmental and line editing for both fiction and nonfiction. I also do manuscript evaluations/beta readings and copy editing. Talking things over in person can help tremendously, so I offer a phone/video call after any of my edits.
In fiction, my expertise lies in: mystery, thriller, and anything crime, horror, sci-fi, literary fiction, and historical fiction.
With nonfiction, I specialize in: history, economics, business, travel, memoir, and many more topics.
Even if your manuscript doesn’t fall into one of these genres, reach out to me to see if we’ll be a good fit.
Developmental editing
Also called “structural” or “substantive” editing, this is an in-depth look at all the big-picture elements of your manuscript. It’s ultimately about whether your manuscript conveys its story, ideas, and message effectively and connects with the audience.
Elements I’ll look at include: structure, organization, tone, voice, pacing, readability, conciseness, and more. For fiction, that also includes: plot, story, character arcs, and more. I’ll look at your manuscript at the chapter- and page-level, and note where its strengths and weaknesses are.
This will involve extensive tracked changes and comments in the manuscript itself, as well as a detailed and actionable editorial letter.
Line editing
I think of line editing as the medium level in the editing process: It’s done after the big-picture developmental edit and before the nitty-gritty copy edit.
This line-by-line, paragraph-by-paragraph edit focuses on the flow of a manuscript, ultimately editing for clarity, smoothness, and pacing. It looks at voice, style, phrasing, word choice, and more, polishing words to make them pop off the page.
My line editing always includes some copy editing in trimming up and changing out words, but an in-depth edit for grammar and mechanics is separate.
Copy editing
When people think of “editing,” they usually mean copy editing. This is the nitty-gritty, roll-your-sleeves-up editing that looks at grammar, mechanics, punctuation, spelling, usage, style, and much more.
This editing will button up and put the final touches on your manuscript before it’s ready for publication.
I copy edit according to the Chicago Manual of Style, and my edit will include an in-depth markup of your text with comments and a style sheet.
Manuscript evaluation/Beta reading
This service is meant to give you an overall sense of how your manuscript is coming along, if it’s ready for a more in-depth developmental, line, or copy edit, or if you need a sounding board for an incomplete or stuck manuscript and don’t know where to take it. Think of it as a down-and-dirty or light developmental edit.
I’ll look at the big-picture elements of your manuscript, including structure, tone, voice, organization, and more, and I’ll send you a several-page assessment of your manuscript.
Turnaround times are quick and they are priced low, and if you decide to take your manuscript through additional editing with me, I’ll discount future edits based on the cost of this evaluation.
My process
First, reach out to me to see if we’ll be a good fit—you can fill out the contact form below, or click the button to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.
Then, I’ll ask to see your whole manuscript to determine if it’s a good fit for me and how long it’ll take me to work on it. I like to get a sense of the piece as a whole rather than see just a sample because certain parts may require more or less editing than others.
After this initial assessment, we’ll agree on a rate and a timeline, and I’ll send you a simple contract.
I’ll do the work, send my feedback, and if you like, I’ll be available for an hour-long phone or video chat to discuss anything you want about your piece or my edit.
Rates
My rates are based on the current EFA rates.
Developmental editing — $0.03/word
Line editing — $0.03/word
Copy editing — $0.02/word
Manuscript evaluation/Beta reading — $0.01/word
Timeframes
Editing times can vary, largely depending on how long your manuscript is and what service you’re looking for.
Here are some estimates for a 50,000 – 80,000 word manuscript:
Developmental editing — three weeks
Line editing — three weeks
Copy editing — three weeks
Manuscript evaluation/Beta reading — one week
Contact
Tell me about your project or ask me any questions about my editing services in the form below. Also, you can reach out to me directly at: pat@sondereditorial.com. I’ll get back to you within two business days.