River Copy Edits

I'm looking for the dark and edgy, painful stories that cut through my soul and leave me breathless. If that sounds like your work, let's talk.

River C. Jean-Noel

Freelance Copyeditor and Sensitivity Reader

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Services and Pricing

What is copyediting?

Copyediting is a skill that involves finding and correcting grammatical errors, misspellings, and incorrect term usages. It also includes fact checking and formatting. Copyeditors comb through a manuscript and make sure that style choices remain consistent throughout. Copyeditors may also make suggestions on sentence structure to enhance clarity for readers. Copyediting is essential for a manuscript. This service helps get an author's piece up to publishing standards.

Rate: $0.02 USD/ word

What is developmental editing?

Developmental editing is when an editor reads over a manuscript to find errors in plot and structure. Developmental editors make notes on plot holes, inconsistencies, and major issues with flow and pacing. Developmental editing ensures that a manuscript is logically sound and is free of conflicting details.

Rate: $0.03 USD/word

What is sensitivity reading?

Sensitivity reading is when a person from a marginalized community reads a manuscript to make sure references and depictions of that community are accurate and respectful. Typically, this service is requested when the author is not from that community, but wants to include those experiences in their work. A few examples of when a sensitivity read might be warranted include: a white author writes a story featuring characters who are people of color, (Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latine, etc.) a straight, cisgender author writes a story featuring LGBTQ+ characters, or a non-veteran, neurotypical author writes a story featuring a veteran with PTSD. When an author writes about any marginalized lived experience of which they are not personally familiar with, they may choose to hire a sensitivity reader.A sensitivity reader's job is to read the work with the most scrutinizing gaze. Sensitivity readers make sure that word choice, terms, slang, phrases, and descriptions will not be offensive to readers from that community. Of course, it is impossible to please everyone. Nonetheless, a sensitivity reader should keep the touchiest reader in mind.

Rate: $0.01 USD/word

About the Editor

I hate writing About Me pages. It took me 2 hours to write this one.

So, thank you for reading. At least my mental anguish served a purpose.

Since you're here, I may as well tell you about what I do like.

I got into this editing business for two reasons: to read books before they get published, and to discover authors I may have never gotten a chance to encounter in a library or bookstore. Reading is my first true love. It's corny, but true. I often spent hours perched on the arm of my parents's hideously upholstered couch, reading Snickett, Picoult, Riordan, and the works of many others. I still love reading, and I still hate floral-patterned furniture.

Now, as an adult, how else can I pay homage to the craft of storytelling? I edit. I learn the rules of the trade. I immerse myself so wholly into the realm of story development and become an integral part of the polishing process.

Fantasy is my favorite genre. I hang on every word of world building, every magic system, every imaginary creature. Bring me the tortured souls, the jaded immortals, and the weary heroes.

I hope you were able to get a sense of the type of person I am. If I resonate with you, I encourage you to reach out. All the "professional" stuff will be in the fast facts.

Fast Facts

  • Day Job: Public School Special Education Teacher

  • Education: B.A. English, M.S. Education (in progress)

  • Zodiac: Aries (sun), Scorpio (moon), Sagittarius (rising)

  • Currently Reading: Katabasis R.F. Kuang

  • Hobbies: Hiking with my dog, learning languages, planning new tattoos, K-Pop random-play dancing

Booking

If you're an indie author and would like to work with me, please schedule a meeting on my calendar so we can chat about your project. We'll discuss project scope, timelines, and rates. I'm also happy to do everything over email.

Contact Me

I'd love to hear about your project!

Drop a message in my inbox at: [email protected]