What are cowriting services?
Cowriting is collaborating with authors to develop content. It encompasses joint writing, editing and other creative and mechanical skills.
What are my “pro” qualifications?
Everyone can and should be a writer. Part of writing is a basic skill we all learn at a young age. I too started loving to write by the time I was seven. I progressed to major in foreign languages and I earned a master’s degree in journalism. Then, I had a successful corporate career being the written and visual voice of well-known, large organizations and universities for nearly 20 years. I have helped train dozens of writers who have been employees who I supervised, clients and friends.
What type of clients do I serve?
Authors, bloggers, ministries, small businesses, universities and marketing agencies.
SERVICES
EDITING:
What is editing?
Professional editing is more than fixing grammar and spelling. In addition to the mechanics of language, editing is ensuring content is relevant for your audience, clarifying content so that it conveys the message you intent to the reader, and optimizing the content so it that it flows and has the right amount of information.
Editing is more than what you learn taking an English, communications, or journalism class in college. While that class may provide the tools necessary to get started in writing and editing, it’s not the same as doing it everyday. Like any profession, editors get better with time and the number of projects they complete for other experienced editors and publishers. Loral has been in the editorial field for more than 20 years, and she has worked with four major publishers. She acquired her own publishing company in January 2020.
How does editing with Loral work?
I start the process by reading two sample chapters (or 5,000 words) and provide an overview of first impressions of a manuscript for $100. From that read, I provide a complimentary estimate based on a projected word count.
I identify a rate, estimate a rough number of hours, and determine how many reads might be necessary if the rest of the manuscript is roughly the same quality as the sample chapters.
I offer developmental/substantive/content editing, copyediting, as well as proofreading. I recommend all three, but I always recommend professional content editing.
Why hire an editor?
Many people ask me, “Can’t I just proofread my book?” Yes you can, and it will be better than your draft.
My caveat is that polished grammar and spelling is like a washed car that doesn’t run. It looks good on the outside, but doesn’t have the substance for the long haul.
How much does it cost?
Current projects range from $50–$75 per hour, depending on services, industry expertise, etc. Like getting a house remodeled, the number of hours depends on the amount of updating, finessing, or overhauling necessary. After I read two sample chapters for $100, I’ll give you an estimate.
TEACHING: Check out the online classes that I teach. I created a series of courses that I would have loved to take combining best practices in the craft with exercising my faith.
WRITING COACHING: If you are stuck on what to write or what to do next in the writing process, I can help. I have been working with writers for more than 20 years to help them push past common barriers. Coaching may include reviewing a chapter, brainstorming, seeing if your idea is relevant to your intended audience, or giving you ongoing accountability to ensure you make the progress you want in your desired timeframe. Get started with two hours of coaching for only $100.