As a Developmental Editor and Copy Editor for fiction, academic writing, and businesses, I’ll work with you through the writing process via written comments and Zoom and help you make your manuscript look its best. (Also, I think writing’s fun, and I’ll help you see it that way too!)
Read on for more info, or see what others have to say.
Novels and Memoir
Stuck on a plot point? Not sure how to turn your rough draft into a finished manuscript? Or is something not right about your story that you just can’t put your finger on?
As a published author with 10+ years experience editing other people’s fiction, I know the hazards that come with putting together a novel or memoir. Because every project (and every writer!) is different, I offer a variety of developmental editing services, including:
- General Feedback: For full-length novels and memoirs, I can start by reading through the manuscript to assess what it needs, which includes a 2-4 page feedback letter and a 1 hour Zoom or phone call to talk things through. Rates start at 0.03 cents/word.
- Big-Picture Developmental Edits: If you’re ready for more specific feedback, I’ll go through your manuscript at any stage and recommend specific places to improve story threads, strengthen characters, clarify confusing moments, and more. Rates range from 1-4 cents/word or $50/hour.
- Coaching Calls: Email and Word comments are great, but talking through a problem can help you see things in a brand-new light. Over Zoom or phone we can hash out your writing issues and plan your next steps. Rates start at $50/hour.
- Copy Editing: Need help with grammar, punctuation, rough sentences, or pesky typos? I’ll clean up your manuscript for submission to agents or in preparation for self-publishing. Rates range from 1 cent/word (light typo checks) to 4 cents/word (heavy sentence rewrites).
Interested? Email me at rogers.ian.m@gmail.com for a quote and to get started.
For me, the most stressful and scary part of the whole writing process is the editing, especially developmental editing. I learned that working with a trustworthy, patient editor like Ian makes all the difference. Suddenly I wasn’t alone: I had someone who wanted to help me bring my story to the best version it could be.
Ian was adept at drawing out my thoughts about the story’s themes, then offering insights on how to ensure those points were clear. Importantly, he never tried to mold the story into something he wanted as opposed to what I wanted. As a result of working with Ian, my story is more than I could have imagined.
Piper, Fiction (Fantasy)
Academic Writing
As a General Academic Editor with 12+ years experience, I work with professors, graduate students, and researchers in different fields to hone their arguments, develop structure, address peer-review comments, prepare manuscripts for publication, and improve their overall writing. Areas I’ve worked in include social work, psychology, architecture, agricultural science, digital humanities, chemistry, engineering, medical science, history, fashion design, and business management. I also work with writers who speak English as a second language. Academic services include:
- Manuscript Development: Over Zoom, email, and manuscript comments I can help you through the trouble areas in your manuscript and refine them for peer review and publication. Rates start at $50/hour.
- Dissertation Help: Chapter by chapter I’ll go through your dissertation draft, find the trouble spots, and help you clarify the language and ideas that’ll impress your committee. Rates start at $40/hour.
- Peer Review Rewrites: Have an article under peer review? I’ll help you make sense of the reviewers’ comments and fix any weak points. Rates start at $50/hour.
- Citations/Style Cleanup: References can be tricky! Whether you’re working in APA, Chicago, MLA, or using a publisher’s house guide, I’ll make sure yours match and look professional. Rates start at $30/hour or 0.5 cents/word.
- Grammar/Language Finesse: Presentation is everything, and I’ll make your language sound its best. Rates range from 1 cent/word (light typo checks) to 4 cents/word (heavy rewrites and structural edits).
Ask about discounts for grad students and and financial hardship—I’ve been there too!
Every project is different, so email me at rogers.ian.m@gmail.com for a quote and to get started
Ian was a tremendous help with my dissertation. Because he is so engaged in the work, Ian innately knows the precise questions to ask to get the most from your writing. He is encouraging, accommodating, kind, and skillful in equal measure. I couldn’t imagine this journey without him. I look forward to working with Ian on future projects.
Lisa, PhD and Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Business Services
I provide a variety of editing services for businesses: proofreading, line editing (including for writers who speak English as a second language), and big-picture developmental editing.
- Proofreading: Rates start at 1 cent/word.
- Line Editing: Rates start at 1.5 cents/word depending on the project.
- Developmental Editing: Rates start at 2 cents/word or $50/hour depending on the project.
Email me at rogers.ian.m@gmail.com for a quote and to get started.
Reviews and Recommendations
Hiring an editor is, in some ways, like paying for attention and (maybe) affirmation. And, of course, you get that from Ian. But you get it with a lot of wit, energy, care, AND seriousness. It’s so fun to work with Ian, you don’t always notice you’re being so productive, learning new things, and growing your powers as a writer.
Joe, Literary Fiction and Humor
Working with Ian has been a rewarding experience. From 500 to 50,000 word pieces he’s able to address grammatical errors, inconsistencies, and improve the overall argument of the piece. We’ve highly recommended Ian to other academic colleagues looking to improve journal articles, grant applications, or manuscript submissions. He is thorough, timely and always provides constructive criticism on our work.
David and Sarah, Associate Professors, Architecture
Ian was a pleasure to work with. I never felt like he was being overly critical of my work, while at the same time he ripped it to shreds, pointing out some common threads I kept missing. He also pointed out sections he really liked, telling me what was great about them. Both of these were great tools to help me hone my writing. Don’t hesitate to hire Ian if you’re looking for someone who’s good at their job!
Devin, Fiction (Fantasy)
I’m a non-native English speaker, and before Ian started editing my team’s manuscripts, we were receiving comments about English grammar and poor sentence structure. Because Ian is extremely careful and does a great job editing, we no longer receive these kinds of comments. Ian can complete the task in a professional manner and very quickly, and has my highest regards.
Amit, Associate Professor, Agricultural Science
Ian was an immense help on my dissertation as I cleared the last hurdle and needed some final edits. He was wonderful and easy to work with, provided the best editing I have ever had, and was detail-oriented in his work. I’m happy to say that my dissertation was accepted without any revisions, which I hear is very rare. My committee commented on how they couldn’t find any grammar/spelling/style errors. Needless to say, you should definitely contact Ian if you need any editing.
Johanna, PhD and Licensed Clinical Social Worker
I was able to greatly improve my personal statement for my Masters of Education applications thanks to Ian’s thorough review. He helped me craft the right tone when I integrated my personal experience with my academic goals. In addition, he clearly explained my grammar mistakes to prevent me from making the same errors in future writing. I highly recommend Ian as an editor!
Yoshika, EdM, Teaching English to Students of Other Languages