Quirky Pen Editing

Proofreading and editing
for authors of self-published speculative fiction

Your story matters.
Get one step closer to publishing it.

With Quirky Pen Editing, you'll receive:

  • Professional expertise in proofreading and editing fiction--I have certificates in editing from UCSD and the Poynter Institute

  • A free sample edit, so you can see if we're a good fit

  • The personal care your manuscript deserves, no A.I.

Testimonials

  • "I have used Andrea's expertise to help with decreasing word count for one project, and helping me with commas in another project. She was fabulous to work with both times. I really appreciate that she explained why for each edit so that I could learn as I edited." -Chelsey O.

  • "Andrea is a word-chopping genius! She helped me cut almost 5,000 words off my manuscript!" -Megs M.

  • "Andrea is truly one of a kind! Her developmental edits (yes, she read it multiple times) helped shape my story in a way that felt true to my original idea, but also gave insight into key areas of improvement. She was even able to call out major improvements from her first read through to her second! If you are looking for a fast reader, who is able to provide both positive feedback and constructive criticism, I highly recommend her services!" -D.R. Driver

Services and Pricing

  • Proofreading: Punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and basic grammar. $0.002/word

  • Copyediting: Everything included in proofreading, plus advanced grammar, checking for inconsistencies, and tips for more immersive writing, all while maintaining your voice. $0.004/word

  • Word-Count Trim: Removal of filler words and phrases to bring down word count without sacrificing the best parts of your story. $0.003/word

*Payment plans available. I also reserve a few slots for authors with financial hardship. Contact me for more information.*

Proofreading example:

Copyediting example:

Word count trim example:

How It Works

1. Contact

  • Fill out my contact form with your manuscript's genre and word count, whether you need proofreading or editing, and any questions. I'll respond within one business day.

2. Sample edit

  • Send me approximately 1,000 words of your manuscript for a free sample edit.

  • Get a feel for my editing style and whether we'll be a good fit.

3. Contract

  • I'll send you a contract to sign and an invoice for a nonrefundable deposit of 10% of the cost of your project.

  • Send those back to me, and I'll put you on my schedule!

4. Finished product

  • Proofreading takes approximately one week from the agreed-upon start date, and copyediting takes approximately two weeks.

  • You'll receive a marked-up copy of your manuscript, a clean copy of your manuscript, a style sheet, and an invoice for the remaining 90% of the cost of your project.

About Me

Hey, I'm Andrea. I believe that stories are desperately needed right now--and I know that self-publishing is a daunting task. I'm here to help. I specialize in editing speculative fiction: fantasy, science fiction, horror, magical realism, and dystopia, in any possible combination. The weirder, the better!Anyone can call themselves an editor, but I've put a lot of effort into receiving professional training. You can rest assured that I know where to put a comma and why. I'm a member of ACES: The Society for Editing, and I have a Certificate in Copyediting from the University of California San Diego and copyediting certificates from the Poynter Institute.

Contact

Thanks for your interest in Quirky Pen Editing! I'll get back to you within one business day.