Since 2019, Cait has been using her love of reading, her experience in the book community, and the knowledge gained while completing her MFA to provide editing and proofreading to a number of authors in various genres. Please make sure to read the time requirements and genre info at the bottom of the page before booking.
Editing
$65/10,000 words
This level consists of line edits and very light developmental editing. Cait will use track changes to fix typos, adjust passive writing, point out repetition and inconsistencies, and make sentence suggestions to better the overall flow of the writing. She also leaves comments throughout with feedback on the plot, characters, etc.
Proofreading
$30/10,000 words
This level should take place after all editing is complete, whether that’s done by Cait or someone else. This is the last check for small things that might have been missed, such as typos, punctuation errors, etc. While proofreading, Cait does not leave feedback throughout the story, nor does she adjust passive writing or sentence structure (unless it’s a minor fix and not a frequent occurrence).
Payment
Cait uses PayPal to send invoices. The first half must be paid upfront, and the rest may be paid once she is finished. She understands times are rough though, so she is open to discussing payment plans.
Editing is $65 per 10,000 words. For short stories under 10,000 words, it is a flat rate of $65.
Proofreading is $30 per 10,000 words. For short stories under 10,000 words, it is a flat rate of $30.
Turnaround Time & Booking
All editing and proofreading must be booked at least 2-3 months in advance. Cait has a very limited number of openings for these jobs per month, and they are first come, first serve.
Cait needs 2-8 weeks to complete the job, depending on the word count and genre. This DOES NOT mean from the time you send the manuscript; it means from the time she starts.
Please build in at least 1 week after the deadline for wiggle room just in case something happens. Cait will not be accepting these types of jobs with deadlines within 3 weeks of release dates. She always aims to hit deadlines, of course, but life happens.
Genres
Young adult or new adult fiction. Any spice level, but at least a small romance subplot preferred.
Within YA and NA, preferred genres are romance, fantasy, historical fantasy, urban fantasy, dystopian, and paranormal romance. Also accepted are light sci-fi (preferably with other genre elements, such as fantasy or dystopian) and historical fiction (depends on time period).
Cait does not read horror, nonfiction, or poetry. She doesn’t typically read mysteries and thrillers, but she’s open to considering them if there is a romance element. She does not typically enjoy books without any romance at all, so it’s in the author’s best interest to seek out another editor if that is the case.
She accepts dark romance and is fine with most trigger warnings.
Disclaimers
For new-to-her authors, Cait requires a 1-2 chapter sample to edit or proofread for free. This will help both her and the author make sure their styles mesh well and that they want to continue. It is also used to determine that the requested level (editing vs. proofreading) is the right choice.
If a book needs more or less work than requested, she will contact the author to discuss moving forward. For example, if proofreading a book and it consists of frequent errors on each page and needs more work, she will recommend switching to an edit. If the author does not want that, Cait has the right to return the book incomplete.
If an incomplete book is returned, a partial refund will be issued depending on amount of work already finished. Minimum amount kept will be the flat rates of $65 for editing and $30 for proofreading.
If, for some reason, Cait is unable to reach a deadline, she is not responsible for an author potentially needing to move a release date. Please take the request for wiggle room seriously and be available for open communication. She will keep you updated throughout the process.
Cait Marie has the right to refuse any job request.
For questions and inquiries, please email fictionalservices@gmail.com
Functionally Fictional 