The first step is a quick, free look at your first two chapters (or prologue & first chapter) to see if it's a project that I want to take on. I look for a level of writing and storytelling ability that shows clear promise for improvement.

A diagnostic option: I will do a diagnostic analysis and a detailed critique report on the full manuscript plus a line edit of the first chapter. The critique will be 2 or 3 single-spaced pages, and addresses all key issues of plot, characterization, writing, etc. This reading and analysis is required before coaching and editing options.

Fee: multiply word count times .00625. Critique fee will be subtracted from cost of subsequent editing and coaching work. If I think your manuscript needs little or no further hands-on editing, I'll say so.

Coaching and editing options: After a diagnostic analysis, I will work with you to decide if what your manuscript needs is a full line edit, or creative thought-starters for solving narrative problems, or  coaching on issues specific to your manuscript (voice, verb tense, adverbs, description, characterization, plot, etc.).

In line editing and coaching, I use Word's Comment and Track Changes/WordPerfect's Comment and Annotation features so that you will see every bit of editing. With comments come instruction and coaching.

Fee: depends on amount of work to be done, but a minimum of your word count times .025.

For a full edit, I subscribe to the technique of a fine editor, Dave King, that teaches you while the editing happens.

1. I edit the first  50 pages and send them to you. They will include coaching as needed.
    
2. You revise those pages plus the next 50 pages and then email them to me.
3. I review the pages you've just revised, and then edit the new pages. And so on. By the end of the manuscript, you will have learned a great deal about self-editing and writing craft.