Penny Carroll
Writer & Editor
Ditch the overwhelm
and get your publishing dream on track
Explore my editing services to discover how I can help you take your manuscript from rough draft to ready to submit or self-publish with confidence.
Choose your editing adventure
from first draft to finessed
No matter where you’re at on your path-to-publication journey, professional editing will help you feel confident about your words.
No. 01
GEt a big-picture view
Finished your novel? Congrats! Structural editing can help clarify and sharpen your story.
No. 02
Focus on the details
Once you’re happy with your plot, a line and copy-edit will level up every sentence.
No. 03
Polish and press submit
Get your submission ready to wow a publisher or agent with on-point materials.
Structural editing
strengthen your story
Writing a book is a huge achievement – but it doesn’t have to be a solo effort. If you’ve lost count of drafts, feel like you’re going around in circles and have no clue what to do with your main character/secondary plot/point of view, outsource your overwhelm with a structural edit.
As the first stage of the editing process, a structural edit (also known as a developmental edit) is designed to give you clarity on your novel as a whole. I’ll offer a professional and supportive critique of your manuscript, diving into plot, pace, characterisation, point of view and more to help you navigate your way out of overwhelm and take your manuscript to the next level. On-page edits offer even greater insight as I highlight specific examples in your text to enhance the report.
My approach is sensitive and collaborative – I don’t do tough love or harsh criticism, so your story is safe with me. I’ll offer lots of suggestions to guide you on your next steps while always leaving the final decisions in your hands.
What’s included?
a Detailed editorial report (10–15 pages)
on-page Comments throughout the manuscript
follow-up Zoom call and email support
from $2800 plus gst for 80,000 words – reach out for a rate card
manuscript assessment
short and sharp feedback
A mini version of the developmental edit, my manuscript assessment service is designed to give authors big-picture professional feedback on their story in a shorter format. After one full pass of your manuscript, I’ll write a report highlighting two or three aspects for you to work on in your next draft, such as plot, structure, pacing, characterisation and POV. We’ll then catch up via Zoom or email to discuss your edit. This type of edit is ideal for authors who are confident making changes in response to professional feedback, have already revised extensively, or are on a budget and would like some structural editing guidance before submitting to a publisher or agent.
Note: This service does not include on-page comments in the manuscript.
What's included?
One full read-through of your manuscript
A mini structural report (5–8 pages)
1-hour zoom follow-up call and email support
From $1500 plus GST – reach out for a rate card
Line and copy-editing
Quote on request
Polish your sentences
You’ve put in the hours, your plot is strong and your characters are vivid. You want to start submitting your manuscript to publishers, or perhaps you’re keen to self-publish, but you’re not sure your work is in good enough shape to put out into the world. Enter: line and copy-editing.
This type of editing is detailed work. It’s designed to strengthen your writing so it grips your audience, whether that’s a potential publisher or your devoted indie readers. I’ll zero in on each line, polishing grammar, punctuation and spelling and making suggestions for more effective word choices, action beats or sentence structure. This type of editing also looks at flow, sense, length, repetition, consistency and style. Plus, I’ll make sure your document is properly formatted.
My goal? To finesse your unique writing voice, not impose my own style.
Some editors do line and copy-editing separately – for me, they go hand in hand. But if you’ve already had a line edit and would like a technical copy-edit (focusing only on areas such as spelling, punctuation, grammar, consistency, repetition, etc) please let me know.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- A copy of your manuscript with my edits marked up using Word’s Track Changes tool and formatting applied using Word’s Styles function.
- A second copy of your manuscript with all mark-up changes accepted and comments only showing.
- A customised style sheet showing key style decisions to ensure consistency.
- An editorial report with tips and advice to make your writing stronger.
- A follow-up Zoom call or email support.
stand out in the slush pile
show and shine package
You’re gearing up to submit to a publisher and you’re just not sure if your work is ready. Then there’s the cover letter and synopsis – how do you even condense a whole 80,000-word novel into one sentence?! Wouldn’t it be great if a professional could look over it before you hit send? Absolutely. Here’s how I’ll help:
Send me your submission materials including your first 50 pages (up to 15,000 words), cover letter and synopsis (one page, single spaced). I’ll read your pages and offer high-level feedback on your opening hook, writing style and characterisation, and I’ll edit your cover letter and synopsis to ensure they grab your ideal publisher or agent’s attention. We can then jump on a Zoom call to talk through any questions you have. Once you’ve reworked your materials, I’ll run my eyes over them again to catch any errors and give you the confidence to send out your submission.
NOTE: If you’ve booked a Show and Shine and you’d like a copyedit of your first 50 pages as well, get in touch for a discounted quote.
What's included?
a critique of your first 50 pages using MS Word’s Comments function
An edit of your synopsis and cover letter
a 1 hour zoom call (or two 30 min calls) to workshop your submission
One round of changes
$800 plus GST
the process
Step 01
start with a free sample edit or discovery call
It’s important to ensure we’re a good fit. With a sample edit, I’ll edit 1000 words from the middle of your manuscript so you can see my approach. Or, for structural editing, we can get to know each other on a Zoom call.
Step 02
supply your story
If you’re happy with the sample edit or chat, we’ll lock in a date for your edit, confirmed with a deposit. Next, I’ll send you a short contract to sign and an onboarding author questionnaire. Then you’ll supply your manuscript as a Word document for editing on the due date.
Step 03
this is where the magic happens!
If you’re booked in for a structural edit, I’ll read your story in one sitting, then marinate on it for a while before beginning my analysis. I then write a lengthy report and add comments to your manuscript. All up, I read your story front to back about four times. For a line and copy-edit, I’ll begin by formatting your document and setting up a style sheet. I’ll do one full pass to mark up my edits, and another to check my work and ensure consistency. I then write an editorial report and finalise the style sheet.
Step 04
Receive your edits and chat about what’s next
I’ll send your edited materials and invoice to you by the agreed date, then after you’ve had time to absorb the materials, we’ll chat via Zoom or email if you have any follow-up questions or want to brainstorm your edit.
Writing services
Powerful storytelling
As a journalist, I know how to tell a compelling story, and I enjoy writing regularly for leading publications including Country Style, Body+Soul, frankie and Dwell.
I’m available for feature writing, magazine editing, magazine subediting and sponsored content articles on request. I also provide blog posts, case studies and social media captions to brands. Please get in touch to chat about your project.
Extra services
Looking for something Unique?
From follow-up reads to consultation calls and short story editing, I can tailor an editing service to you. Get in touch to discuss your needs.