Editorial services

Photo by Larry Mayer

I have more than two decades of experience as an editor, typesetter and graphic designer. If you’re seeking a story editor, a copy editor or someone who can help you deliver press-ready book files, I can probably help you out. Inquire at craig at craig-lancaster dot com for information about rates and availability.

COPY EDITING

Whether you’re writing a query letter or putting the final touches on a manuscript before shipping it off, I can help you ensure that you’ve achieved precision in word choice, grammar, punctuation and style.

My qualifications: I’ve been a copy editor at newspapers big and small since 1991, and I’m a recognized leader in the field. I can ensure that your document conforms to Associated Press or Chicago style, and I will edit according to your wishes. If you simply want a final round of quality control, I can provide that. If you want more substantive editing, including suggested revisions, I can do that as well.

Cost structure: It varies by project size and scope, starting at a flat $15 to review query letters. Copy editing of manuscripts (grammar, word choice, style, punctuation) is $40/hour.

How do we get started? Shoot me an e-mail at craig at craig-lancaster dot com and outline your project and the timetable you envision. I will be in touch quickly.

DEVELOPMENTAL STORY EDITING

Perhaps you feel as though you’ve taken your story as far as you can. Or you’ve been getting nibbles from agents or publishers but no bites. Or you’re going to publish independently and want a strong, comprehensive edit of your fiction or non-fiction book. Whatever the case, I am ready to help.

My qualifications: My debut novel, 600 Hours of Edward, was published in 2009 by Riverbend Publishing and went on to be selected as a Montana Honor Book and a High Plains Book Award finalist. My second novel, The Summer Son, was published in January 2011 by AmazonEncore and was a Utah Book Award finalist. In addition, I run a small literary press and have hands-on, demonstrable experience in improving narratives.

Cost structure: If I choose to take on your project, I will charge you a simple rate: a penny a word or $250, whichever is greater. (A 70,000-word novel would come to $700.)

What you get for your money: I realize that even at a reasonable rate like mine, this represents a significant investment for you. You can expect a thorough examination of your manuscript, worksheets on your major themes and characters and their respective strengths and weaknesses. I will also provide a multiple-page report outlining the manuscript’s highlights and areas for possible improvements, with actionable advice on how to incorporate the suggestions. Going forward, I will be available by phone and e-mail to talk about any evolution your manuscript undergoes after my report is filed.

How do we get started? E-mail me at craig at craig-lancaster dot com and give me a sense of your project, and I’ll be in touch about setting up further consultation. The first item on the agenda: Your determining whether I’m the right editor for you and my determining whether I can help you.

PRESS-READY FILES

You’ve made the decision to independently publish your book, and you want it to have a cover and interior that signal how serious you are about releasing a top-quality product. Let me help you realize that vision. I can prepare your files for offset or POD printing.

My qualifications: I have extensive experience as a designer and typesetter. My work has been recognized by the Society of News Design.

Cost structure: Typesetting costs depend on the size of the manuscript but range from $100 to $500. Cover design for most standard book sizes is $200, plus expenses (for example, the purchase of rights to a photograph or commissioning artwork; these costs will be confirmed with the client before the work is done).

How do we get started? Drop me an e-mail at craig at craig-lancaster dot com and outline the scope of your project and your timetable, and I will be back in touch as soon as possible. We’ll start by sketching out some ideas, and then we’ll drill down to a finished product.

E-BOOK SETUP

Let’s face it: The publishing world is changing. While it’s still desirable to have a printed book out in the world, in today’s environment, the easiest route to getting your work in front of readers is to release an e-book and make it available on as many platforms as possible. I can help.

My qualifications: I’ve herded several e-books to completion, including titles from my own Missouri Breaks Press and for freelance clients. I can produce a clean, well-formatted book and help you upload it to the Kindle platform, the Nook platform and various other e-book retailers through Smashwords.

Cost structure: Work is done at $40 per hour. The typical project costs between $120 and $200.

How do we get started? Drop me an e-mail at craig at craig-lancaster dot com and tell me about your project. I’ll be back in touch as soon as possible.