Services

I offer a variety of services based on your needs. My three main areas are:

• Proofread (spelling and grammar, comprehension)
• Sub-edit (checking story details, ensuring consistency and continuity)
• Deep edit (stress-testing overall story elements, plot and character)

These easily bleed into each other based on your personal or professional requirements. Maybe you only need someone to check you haven’t made any spelling mistakes? Or ensure a thesis is consistent with a specific Manual of Style? Or maybe you’d just like comments on how your dialogue sounds and receive offers for story issues. You tell me the level you require and we’ll cater the experience.

For over a decade I’ve assisted clients with everything from novels, short stories, screenplays, competition entries, university essays, job applications – you name it, I’ve proofed it.

“Steve’s grammatical knowledge is top notch – and if it’s a situation where there are multiple options, he’ll lay it all out clearly for me and explain what he thinks the most appropriate path is.”

Becca, Screenwriter

When it comes to rates, there’s few one-size-fits-all situations. The easiest method is to provide a short sample of your work during your initial correspondence, along with information about your intended market. This allows me to get a handle on your requirements.

Proofreading is $45 per hour. I’m proud of my quickness. It’s a skill honed from years as an online news editor, constantly updating stories in real time, with no margin for error. 

Sub-editing starts at $50, with deep editing up to $65. It all depends on how tricky a project is, coupled with your unique requests. A project with a lot of inconsistency in language use, but multiple options for what’s viable, can be slow if I need to check with you about all of them.

Video calls to discuss your project are also available for $30.

These prices already factor in the time taken for note-taking, emails, and research. There’s no hidden costs. All payments can be handled through Paypal or direct debit.

“I’ve used him many times for various projects – from poetry, to screenplays, to funding submissions. As a writer myself it’s extra important to me that when I submit a project I know it’s free of errors! But Steve goes beyond that, improving the whole project with his helpful and insightful suggestions.“

I.K., author

I enjoy forming a professional relationship with clients. Whether it’s through emails or video calls, it all really helps me understand what you expect, and what you’re trying to achieve. The focus is on making sure your voice is heard and represented through your work.

And because we’re being honest here – no one enjoys receiving notes. Giving someone your work to comment on is the equivalent of handing them a hammer and nails, while you jump in a coffin and wait for them to bury you alive.

But I’ve spent years as a staff member on a TV show, receiving notes that often made me question my ability, and sometimes my sanity. That gave me the insight to ensure we make this process as painless as possible for you.

“I only have positive words to say about Steve. I truly believe that I wouldn’t have a book contract without him. I wholeheartedly recommend him. You won’t be disappointed.”  

Dr. patrick girard, lecturer