oth·er·word·y [ uhth-er-wurd-ee ]
Big-picture, developmental and copy editing services.
Resource strategy and support for authors who need a nudge.
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EASEFUL WRITING WORKSHOP
New York Public Library 67th St.
April 15, Monday, 5:30pm ET
BLUE FEVER DREAM
Carolin Wood Pop-up Art Show
in Louise Court, Rockaway Beach
April 6, Saturday, 12pm - 4pm ETBEYOND HASHTAGS AND REELS
Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) Course
May 23, Thurs, 4:30pm - 5:30pm ET -
For Publishers or Book Coaches:
Need a developmental editor who has a good track record with author care and accountability?Dive into author resources, links, and recommendations.
Join a free encouragement and resource-sharing group for writers focused on submissions and querying.
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Virtual, camera-optional cowriting session for writers who need an accountability group.
This is a silent cowriting session, meant to help you focus on your writing or reading. We start with a prompt with a brief explanation from the host, and then get to writing. There's a short check-in at the end of the session before we cay goodbye.
Stay for the whole session or leave before it’s done — it’s totally up to you. Turning on camera is not required.
Schedule:
MONDAYS 4PM ET
THURSDAYS 12PM ET
Editorial Support
Short Prose (nonfiction & fiction):
Starts at $275.00 (up to 3,000 words)
Poetry:
Starts at $145.00 (two poems of reasonable length)
Book Outline and Planning:
$378.00
Other editing services:
Developmental editing Copy editing
Author care (for publishers)
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Developmental or big-picture editing is a collaborative process between the author and editor when it comes to the overall flow, focus, POV, and structure of the writing or manuscript. The editor offers strategies to make sure the writing aligns with the book goals of both the author and the publisher.
What to expect:
-In-document comments and notes
-Summary letter that will give much-needed perspective on the key elements the author needs to complete and revise their writing.
Note: This process doesn’t involve proofreading.
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Copy editing involves the following:
-checking for consistent and proper application of tone, style, grammar, and word usage on a chapter, section, paragraph, and sentence level;
-flagging mistakes in information and unclear or incomplete details, and
-creating a stylesheet for the manuscript (books).
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This service came from my desire to spare fellow authors countless trial-and-error just to find what works best for their writing and publishing goals.
I’ve participated in more than 50 courses, writing groups, masterclasses, workshops, and challenges. I’ve also tried writing and “productivity” routines from morning pages, bullet journaling, braindumping, etc.
Name a writing and productivity app, and I’ve probably tried it, including using generative AI.
It seems the best use for all my accumulated experience and knowledge is by becoming a one-stop-resource hub to explore all these courses, groups, and techniques.
My “Pruning the Routine” service is a dedicated resource strategy service for writers who need a nudge.
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Although I have experience as a developmental editor for both fiction and nonfiction, I work best with the following genres:
-Literary nonfiction books
-Creative nonfiction and essays
-Memoirs and biographies
-YA and fantasy novels
-Literary fiction and short stories
-Leadership books (for speakers and coaches)
-Poetry collections and anthologies
-Blogs and advice columns
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Authors who are developing or polishing their writing for submission or queries
Publishers and book coaches who need experienced freelance book editors used to meeting stringent deadlines.
Businesses or organizations who want to make sure their copy, blogs, newsletter, and social media messaging are polished and free from error.
Featured Editorial Services —
Seeding Submissions
Editing for query letters and applications
Let’s tend to the groundwork of submissions and querying. We will work together on researching the right agent or publisher (or publication if submitting one-off pieces). We may also discuss choosing and applying for a residency or grant. Includes submissions and query letter feedback.
Starts at $88.00
Pruning the Routine
Writing accountability
and planning session
Save yourself months of trial-and-error. In this virtual working session, we’ll evaluate and narrow down programs, routines, and recommendations that best serve your writing and publishing goals. This one hour session comes with a custom action plan and resource guide.
Starts at $68.00
Hi, I’m Neva
I’m an author and editor who harnesses community and literary citizenship to help writers on the road to publishing.
My editorial business and Substack are both called Otherwordy, named after the work of amplifying “other” stories by marginalized and underrepresented writers.
I collaborate with organizations and companies who embody the same mission, such as Talking Writing (as community manager), Spirit Bound Press (as lead editor), and Row House Publishing (as consulting editor).
Frequently Asked Questions
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The nature of big-picture or developmental editing is intensive, so to get the best results, I typically take 1,000 to 1,500 words per hour for manuscripts for 4 hours on a given work day. This may vary depending on the complexity of the material or work and my current work load.
It takes me about two weeks to finish editing pieces up to 10,000 words and 5-8 weeks for full manuscripts (starting from 30,000 words).
This includes a minimum of two passes or reading, editorial comments and suggestions marked up on the document, and a separate big-picture evaluation or editorial letter.
Rush projects are priced according to an adjusted premium fee.
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Developmental editing:
1.) Essays, articles, short fiction, digital content, and other short writing: rates start at $275 for up to 2,500 words.
2.) Poetry: rates start at $139 for two poems of reasonable length (no epics, please).
3.) Full manuscripts: the rate starts at $70/hour.
For a 60,000 word manuscript, it would take me approximately 40 hours to finish. Estimated total cost x $70/hour = $2,800.Copy editing
$45 to $50 per hour (upon evaluation)
e.g. 70,000 manuscript: $1,380
*Note on Special Pricing: I’m open to taking a reduced or restructured fee for a good cause or for urgent circumstances. Please don’t hesitate to ask about this if your work falls under these categories.
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Copy editing ensures that text is correct in terms of spelling, grammar, jargon, punctuation, terminology, semantics and formatting. It follows a style guide that the author or publisher requires.
It also ensures that the ideas the writer wishes to portray and that any information in the text are fact-checked to protect from legal issues.
Proofreading is done the final stage before publication. It examines the text carefully to find and correct typographical errors and mistakes in grammar, style, and spelling.
The Otherwordy Dispatch
Notes on writing, publishing, and all the other things that keep me from finishing my book..