Editing Services
- I provide a combined proofreading and light copy editing service. This covers: fixing typos, misspellings, grammar, punctuation, missed words, duplicated words, syntax; and checking for point of view problems, inconsistencies, plot holes, lack of clarity, and some sentence restructuring
- I specialise in working with Indie authors on creative fiction such as novels, novellas, short stories and essays
- UK or US spelling (UK spelling is used on this website)
How can I help you?
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Pricing
- NZ $18 per 1000 words; or US $12 per 1000 words
- You'll need to pay in advance by Paypal or direct bank deposit before I can start work on your manuscript. Asking for payment in advance is the only safe way I can run this service and keep rates as low as possible for everyone.
My assurances to you
- I'll do my best to ensure your manuscript is as polished as it can be once I've finished with it (copy editing), and as free of errors as humanly possible (proofreading).
- I'll undertake the editing of your manuscript entirely by myself. No one else will see it.
- I'll agree a turnaround time with you that is acceptable to you and practical for me, and I will do my best to meet that deadline. Copy editing and proofreading is time-consuming, meticulous work - it takes time to be thorough. If a delay is inevitable, I will let you know as soon as possible.
You want my help. What now?
Email me at kevin.berry.author @ gmail.com to start a discussion. Send me a sample (up to 1000 words) so I can show you what you can expect from my editing services. Tell me your total wordcount, and I'll give you a quote based on that and the sample I've seen. If this is acceptable, you can pay directly via Paypal and I'll start work on your project.
Some authors I have worked with:
Lee Murray (multiple Bram Stoker Award and multiple Sir Julius Vogel Award winner - speculative fiction author)
Eileen Mueller (USA Today best selling author of YA fantasy)
A J Ponder (USA Today best selling author of YA fantasy)
Charlotte Jardine (award-winning author of historical romance)
Deb Potter (middle grade interactive fiction and Amazon Ads)
Sara Furlong Burr (award-winning author of YA urban fantasy and romance)
Tahlia Newland (award-winning author of YA magical realism)
Vanessa Prelatte (police procedural)
Chanrithy Him (YA fantasy)
and many more...
Eileen Mueller (USA Today best selling author of YA fantasy)
A J Ponder (USA Today best selling author of YA fantasy)
Charlotte Jardine (award-winning author of historical romance)
Deb Potter (middle grade interactive fiction and Amazon Ads)
Sara Furlong Burr (award-winning author of YA urban fantasy and romance)
Tahlia Newland (award-winning author of YA magical realism)
Vanessa Prelatte (police procedural)
Chanrithy Him (YA fantasy)
and many more...
Genres and sub-genres I have worked with:
Contemporary fiction
Historical fiction
Historical romance
Erotica
Chic Lit
Thriller
Police procedural
Mystery
Science fiction
Fantasy
Urban fantasy
Young adult urban fantasy
Paranormal romance
Dystopian
Middle grade interactive fiction
Middle grade
Memoir
Self-help
Writing craft / advertising
Historical fiction
Historical romance
Erotica
Chic Lit
Thriller
Police procedural
Mystery
Science fiction
Fantasy
Urban fantasy
Young adult urban fantasy
Paranormal romance
Dystopian
Middle grade interactive fiction
Middle grade
Memoir
Self-help
Writing craft / advertising
Quirky mistakes I've come across while editing
The band Queen playing on the radio three years before the band was actually formed.
The full moon high in the sky at sunrise (the full moon sets at sunrise).
Someone banging their head on the lentil (a legume) instead of the lintel (the top of the door frame).
The treat of a fist fight instead of the threat of a fist fight.
Someone crying insolently instead of crying inconsolably.
Marital law will rule the country instead of Martial law will rule the country.
Wondering through the old cobbled streets instead of Wandering.
Someone saying something with a condensing sneer instead of a condescending sneer.
He threw his hands up in the hair instead of up in the air.
You left me to parish instead of you left me to perish.
Slammed on the breaks instead of slammed on the brakes.
He's losing his patients instead of he's losing his patience.
There had been no breeches in security instead of no breaches in security (guards without trousers?)
The bugle had become a painful erection instead of the bulge (can a bugle be horny?)
There was the smell of stale bear instead of stale beer.
He excited the cave mouth instead of he exited the cave mouth.
He walks with a strange gate instead of he walks with a strange gait.
An anecdote to all poisons instead of an antidote to all poisons.
The serving girl brought their foot instead of their food (I'm not eating there).
You must not tell a single sole instead of a single soul.
Stroked his thick red bed instead of his thick red beard.
He started picking his way up the slop instead of up the slope.
She fumed, taping her foot on the floorboards... instead of tapping her foot.
We children hurdled together, waiting for Mama... instead of huddled.
The souls of her Jimmy Chews... instead of the soles of her Jimmy Choos.
The full moon high in the sky at sunrise (the full moon sets at sunrise).
Someone banging their head on the lentil (a legume) instead of the lintel (the top of the door frame).
The treat of a fist fight instead of the threat of a fist fight.
Someone crying insolently instead of crying inconsolably.
Marital law will rule the country instead of Martial law will rule the country.
Wondering through the old cobbled streets instead of Wandering.
Someone saying something with a condensing sneer instead of a condescending sneer.
He threw his hands up in the hair instead of up in the air.
You left me to parish instead of you left me to perish.
Slammed on the breaks instead of slammed on the brakes.
He's losing his patients instead of he's losing his patience.
There had been no breeches in security instead of no breaches in security (guards without trousers?)
The bugle had become a painful erection instead of the bulge (can a bugle be horny?)
There was the smell of stale bear instead of stale beer.
He excited the cave mouth instead of he exited the cave mouth.
He walks with a strange gate instead of he walks with a strange gait.
An anecdote to all poisons instead of an antidote to all poisons.
The serving girl brought their foot instead of their food (I'm not eating there).
You must not tell a single sole instead of a single soul.
Stroked his thick red bed instead of his thick red beard.
He started picking his way up the slop instead of up the slope.
She fumed, taping her foot on the floorboards... instead of tapping her foot.
We children hurdled together, waiting for Mama... instead of huddled.
The souls of her Jimmy Chews... instead of the soles of her Jimmy Choos.
Testimonials
"I highly recommend the proofreading services of Kevin Berry. Kevin stands out in comparison to others who offer the same services. His pricing is competitive, his turnaround time is impressive, and his attention to detail is unparalleled. He is friendly and easy to work with, and he will transform your draft into the polished piece of work you are looking for. Don't hesitate; if you need a proofreader, contact Kevin today." -- Vanessa Prelatte, author of When the Tiger Kills and When the Serpent Strikes.
"I first discovered Kevin's awesome eyes when he reviewed a book for me and picked up a mass of errors my copy editor had left behind and several other readers had missed. I asked him to note the errors down and he kindly sent me pages of corrections which I dutifully fixed. I decided that from then on I'd make Kevin my first port of call. After engaging his service I know I can face reviewers with confidence." -- Tahlia Newland, founder of Awesome Indies and author of The Diamond Peak series
"Kevin Berry is one of the most thorough and competitively priced proofreaders/editors out there. He makes your work a priority, paying close attention to grammar and detail. I know my novel is better because of Mr. Berry’s services and I will definitely be using him again for future projects." -- Sara Furlong Burr, author of Enigma Black and Vendetta Nation
"As someone who has used a lot of editors (I have 11 books in print) I would give Kevin Berry 5 stars for his editing and proofing skills. He was quick and concise, and delivered exactly within the time frame stated. The mark up was easy to follow and he asked some very important questions. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a professional editor/proofreader." -- Colin Phillips (Radio Dishdash Publishing)
“Looking for an editor with an eye toward perfection? Then Kevin Berry is your man. His attention to detail is impressive. Put your manuscript in his hands, and it will SHINE!” -- Katherine Logan, author of The Ruby Brooch and The Last MacKlenna
"I first discovered Kevin's awesome eyes when he reviewed a book for me and picked up a mass of errors my copy editor had left behind and several other readers had missed. I asked him to note the errors down and he kindly sent me pages of corrections which I dutifully fixed. I decided that from then on I'd make Kevin my first port of call. After engaging his service I know I can face reviewers with confidence." -- Tahlia Newland, founder of Awesome Indies and author of The Diamond Peak series
"Kevin Berry is one of the most thorough and competitively priced proofreaders/editors out there. He makes your work a priority, paying close attention to grammar and detail. I know my novel is better because of Mr. Berry’s services and I will definitely be using him again for future projects." -- Sara Furlong Burr, author of Enigma Black and Vendetta Nation
"As someone who has used a lot of editors (I have 11 books in print) I would give Kevin Berry 5 stars for his editing and proofing skills. He was quick and concise, and delivered exactly within the time frame stated. The mark up was easy to follow and he asked some very important questions. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a professional editor/proofreader." -- Colin Phillips (Radio Dishdash Publishing)
“Looking for an editor with an eye toward perfection? Then Kevin Berry is your man. His attention to detail is impressive. Put your manuscript in his hands, and it will SHINE!” -- Katherine Logan, author of The Ruby Brooch and The Last MacKlenna