Editorial Services
Waterfall, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, Ireland (Photo © Lara Bessette).
About
I offer writing coaching, developmental editing, copyediting, line editing, and proofreading fiction, narrative nonfiction, and memoir, for any age and in most genres.
Working with a mind to clarity, continuity, and cohesion as well as elements of craft, I provide friendly, timely, transparent, and affordable editorial services, creating a collaborative process with clients to produce the best possible manuscripts and the best possible reading experiences upon publication.
I don’t take on projects in the horror genre or those containing explicit, graphic violence and/or abuse against anyone, be the person or character a child, adult, or animal.
Scheduling
I schedule clients 4-6 months in advance of anticipated start dates and project deadlines.
Prices & Payment
I don’t work on spec.
Writing coaching: $40.00 per hour.
Developmental editing: $40.00 per hour.
Copyediting: $30.00 per hour.
Line editing: $30.00 per hour.
Proofreading: $30.00 per hour.
Printing (if applicable): $0.50 per page. I don’t profit from printing; this fee covers my costs.
Method: I accept checks; details follow on my invoice.
Expectations & Process
From You
I need to know: What are you looking for me to do? As applies to the contributing role for which you hire me: Who edited, copyedited, designed? By when are you looking to secure this stage of contributor? What is the deadline by which you need my contribution completed?
I expect clients to provide all documents pertinent to the project upon hiring: Manuscript; or proofs and working copy; ancillary material (such as tables of content, lists of tables, illustrations); and the project stylesheet. If you don’t have a stylesheet, I will make one and need to know what style guide and dictionary you use, as well as any exceptions to prevailing spelling, grammar, and other guidelines.
For You
I provide estimates of how long completing the project should take and the cost to you, including a 30% contingency; update you on my progress on a regular basis; send you a project letter, invoice (including a detailed timesheet), and review upon completion; return every document you send me with notes; and am available for follow-up questions.
Testimonials
“I worked with Lara Bessette on several copyediting or proofreading projects. She’s diligent, detail-oriented, and dedicated to client satisfaction. I look forward to working with her again in the future.”
— Katherine Quimby Johnson, Freelance Editor
“Lara is an outstanding proofreader, whose meticulous work leaves a manuscript shining. ‘Editing with a fine-toothed comb’ doesn’t come close to adequately describing her abilities. (And she’ll probably correct this!) I highly recommend her.”
— Stephen Russell Payne, Author, You Were Always There; Surgeon
“If you are looking to polish your good work into a masterpiece, choose Lara to be on your team. She is an authentic word artist who can add, delete, twist, or introduce magical options benefiting the audiences of your project. My memoir is remarkably better because of her care, talent, and work ethic.
— Doris Jean Sumner, Author, Life at Camp; Diversity Consultant
"Wow! Talk about comprehensive! I was not expecting this degree of depth, explanation, and scope. The degree of professionalism Lara exhibits is, well, astounding comes to mind and I think even that falls short. I'm just blown away by the amazing amount of feedback she’s provided!"
— Darryl Webb, Author, Tangled Deception: A Mystery Thriller