Every author needs an editor.
Whether it’s a debut novel or a bestseller, every manuscript benefits from a second set of eyes—even editors need editors. Studies show that humans achieve only about 95% accuracy at best. The alternative? Leaving your most precious words to spell-check or Grammarly. Umm, no thanks.
Writers deserve passionate, skilled editors who can:
Catch and correct grammatical, typographical, and syntax errors that might obscure the quality of the work,
Ensure consistency by applying essential style rules,
Improve pacing, readability, structure, voice, and tone,
Provide clear, constructive feedback that strengthens both the manuscript and the writer’s craft.
Not sure where to start? I’m here to help.
Writing a novel is complicated enough—not to mention editing, formatting, publishing, querying, and marketing your book to readers. Navigating the book publishing industry can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whatever step you’re on in the publishing process, I’m here to help, from first to final draft! Send me an email or schedule your free 15-minute discovery call, so we can get on the same page and start the next chapter of your author journey! You take care of the writing and I’ll take care of the rest!
What’s it like to work with me?
Below, you will find a detailed description of my editing process. Please keep in mind that this process will look different depending on the nature of the project and the specific services needed. For example, a blog post in need of a polish and proofread may not require three passes the same way a fantasy novel manuscript might. Likewise, a memoir utilizing ghost writing services may or may not warrant extensive revision on the client’s part. The editing process will look slightly different for each project and that flexibility allows me to deliver the best service possible, no matter the project or the services needed.
Step 1: Free Sample Edit, Discovery Call, & Project Quote
Before sending a quote, I will perform a sample edit of roughly ten pages to assess the scope of the project and the level of editing needed. The sample edit gives me an opportunity to demonstrate my approach and accurately determine the level of editing that would benefit your manuscript best. Once the sample edit is completed, you’ll have the option to schedule a 15-minute discovery call to discuss the project in greater detail, beyond the page. This gives me a better scope of the project I’ll be working on and it gives you a you a better idea of who you’re working with.
Next, I will send you a quote that outlines the specific services needed, depending on the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses. If you agree with my editing style and suggestions, and would like to move forward with the process, we can establish a timeline for the project.
Step 4: Revise & Polish
After the second pass has been completed and depending on the level of services needed, I may conduct a third pass before returning the edited manuscript to you for revision. Where necessary, I may review the manuscript after your revisions have been completed. At this stage, I will comb through the manuscript for any remaining errors or inconsistencies that could obscure the story and polish the manuscript so that your artistic vision, unique author voice, and style can shine.
Depending on the nature of the manuscript, further revision may be necessary following the completion of the project.
Step 6: Project Complete!
Once all services have been completed, all deliverables have been returned and all invoices have been paid, we can officially consider the project complete! At this point, I request that you provide me with an honest and detailed review of my services for use as a testimonial on my website. These testimonials are vital to my success as a freelancer as they give potential clients an accurate picture of the level of service I provide.
Step 3: Begin Editing
Once the first invoice has been paid, I can begin editing on our project start date. Depending on the nature of the work and the level of editing needed, I may read your manuscript 1-3 times in total. During the first pass, I will be taking notes on the big-picture elements of the story from a bird’s eye view. I will examine the structure of your plotlines’, track settings and scene events, follow character arcs, and analyze other key developmental story elements. I will organize this data into a easily-digestible book map that outlines the major strengths and weaknesses of your story. At this point, we can hop on a consultation call to discuss potential routes for revision keeping the essence of your story and your unique writer voice in mind.
After the first pass has been completed, I will begin my second editing pass—which will make up the majority of my time and work with the manuscript. During the second pass, I will leave detailed comments throughout the manuscript using Microsoft Word’s Tracked Changes feature. These comments allow you insight into my methodology and can help you understand why certain creative choices aren’t working and why others are, keeping genre and style top of mind. At this stage in the editing process, I will be in touch with you regarding any questions or concerns I have with the manuscript. I will conclude the second pass by combing through the story for any potential loose ends, inconsistencies, and other possible errors, ensuring the edited manuscript is ready for revision.
Step 2: Editing Agreement & Invoices
Once we’ve agreed to the quote and the timeline has been set, I will send over an editing agreement. This legally binding editorial contract ensures the protection of both your work and mine. Once both parties have signed the agreement, I will send out two project invoices. An estimated fifty percent of the payment is due at the start of the project and the remaining balance is due at completion. I accept payment by direct invoices, Venmo, CashApp, or PayPal payments. The half of the payment that is due at the start of the project is nonrefundable. If you decide not to proceed with services at any point after I have begun editing, I will return a partially edited manuscript and our contract will be voided.
Step 5: Complete Payment & Return Deliverables
Once all editing has been completed, the second half of the project fees will be due and I will return your edited manuscript along with a book map, detailed editorial letter, and additional resources you may find helpful to your writing process. At this stage, you may decide to book a consultation to discuss and debrief the project and set expectations for or get assistance with the next step in the publishing process. If you booked a specific service from me and would like to hire me for another service (such as if you hired me for a developmental edit and now you’d like me to do your cover design) we can set that up as well.
Services and Rates
I specialize in copyediting and proofreading fiction and nonfiction the following categories:
Fiction: Fantasy, Speculative, Thriller, Romance.
Non Fiction: Memoir, Poetry, Technical Writing.
My rates align with industry standards and follow a sliding-scale model, since pricing depends on the scope of the project and the level of editing your manuscript needs. That being said, I never want editing costs to be the reason you never bring your book baby to life, so I'm happy to discuss flexible pricing or set up a payment plan that works for you.
Below is a list of all other editorial services I offer.
Editing Services
Copyediting
Developmental Editing
Proofreading
Technical Editing
Permissions & Copyright
Research & Fact Checking
Design / Layout / Formatting
Manuscript Formatting
Print and e-Book Formatting
Print and Digital Marketing Materials
Writing Services
Website Copy
Article & Blog Post Writing
Technical Writing
Social Media & Email Marketing Copy
Transcription & Captions
Other Editorial / Education Services
Lesson Plan Development
Project Management
Coaching for Authors
Plagiarism Check
Writing Evaluations
If you are interested in a service not listed above, please reach out to me directly at Hello@PaytonHayes.com.
Discounts
Student Discounts: I offer student discounts of 10% off the total calculated price for editing. I proofread academic writing for spelling, grammar, typographical, and formatting errors, as permitted by your institution's grading policies.
EDIT10 Program: I am also a member of the Developmental Editors Connection Group on Facebook, and will offer clients referred to me by them, 10% off the total calculated price as per their EDIT10 Program. Likewise, clients whom I refer to other editors in the group will be offered 10% of project fees by working with my colleagues.
Refer-a-friend: If you refer a fellow writer to me and you both book and pay the deposit on services, you both will receive a 20% discount on all editing services for life.
Consultations
Before any contracts are signed or payments are made, every client can schedule a free 15-minute discovery call. If needed, we can also arrange follow-up consultations to dive deeper into your project’s goals and make sure we’re aligned on expectations. If you’d like schedule an additional consultation, we can meet virtually (via Zoom or Microsoft Teams) or we can chat over a phone call. For my local clients in Oklahoma City, I also offer in-person meetings (at public spaces such as a coffee shop, library, or co-working spaces). I charge different rates for various consultations so you have the flexibility to select which works best for you! My availability changes from month to month, so feel free to reach out to schedule an appointment.
Virtual Consultation for 30 minutes: $15.00
Virtual Consultation for 1 hour: $30.00
Phone Call Consultation for 30 minutes: $10.00
Phone Call Consultation for 1 hour: $20.00
In-Person Consultation for 30 minutes: $20.00
In-Person Consultation for 1 hour: $40.00
Please Note: Consultation fees are due 24-hours before the scheduled meeting date for online appointments, or at the time of meeting for in-person appointments. Consultation fees are non-refundable, but if you would like to reschedule, please notify me at least 24-hours prior to the scheduled meeting date.
Check out the blog!
Not quite ready to edit or publish? Check out my blog for helpful publishing industry advice, book reviews, marketing strategy, writing tips, and everything in between!
