Editorial & Design Services

Yes, I offer editing services for individuals and publishers. If you need a company title, I’m Guran Literary Service.

I also do typesetting and cover design. You can see some examples of the latter on the cover design page. I’ve been known to design websites, too. Email me (paulaguran@paulaguran.com) for more information on typesetting (InDesign), website, or cover design.

Editing
If you are a publisher, just email me.

I specialize in speculative fiction, but I also edit historical, general fiction, romance, and non-fiction. Really, about anything. I’ve even done minutes of business meetings.

There are a few testimonials at the bottom of the page. I’ll be adding more as time and the kindness of writers I’ve worked with allows.

You can also check the Books Page under “Novels & Collections Edited” to see who and what I’ve edited.

As for original short fiction, I’ve edited two magazines—Bones and Horror Garage—and won an IHG Award for the latter along with a World Fantasy Award nomination. Previous to that, many years ago, I ran an online dark fiction workshop and taught classes for Writers.com.

Of course, I also copyedit! For fiction, I am experienced with Chicago Manual of Style and have the latest online edition. I’m also familiar with Associated Press style.

Novel/Novella Editing
You will find differing descriptions of the types of editing, what they are called (developmental/substantive editing, line/stylistic editing, copyediting, proofreading, and variations thereof), and even how many types there are. Try googling “types of editing”!

We can go by some overall definitions, but we will discuss what your manuscript specifically needs.

  • You may want to start with an assessment that offers ideas about what your novel needs and/or where it stands as far as being ready to submit. An assessment is a starting point.
  • Your manuscript may be ready for developmental/substantive editing. This is a look at the structure and content of your novel with suggestions for improvement. Are there issues with the amount of content? Is the writing repetitive? Does it ramble? What doesn’t work (and does work) about the structure of your book? Corrections to spelling and grammar would be examples only. The content and structure would not be revised and no rewriting would be involved. You are given feedback. Then you can go back to work.
  • Many manuscripts are ready for line (or structural) editing. This type of edit also considers structure and content, but the I will make direct changes/suggestions. Structure may be changed, content may be cut, suggestions for new content may be made. Consistent style and tone will be considered as will the flow and clarity of the book. Recommendations will be made. Spelling, grammar, punctuation, and typos will be corrected. Reasons and explanations will be made and you can discuss this with me.
  • A copyedit doesn’t look at your book as a whole. Spelling, grammar, punctuation, and typos will be corrected; sentences and paragraphs revised to improve the book’s clarity and readability. Style will be made consistent.

Pricing
Assessment Only:

  • 14,000-30,000 words: flat fee of $150
  • 30,000-60,000 words: flat fee of $250
  • 60,000-90,000 words: flat fee of $300
  • 90,000-110,000 words: flat fee of $400

Otherwise, pricing is based on what you want, your manuscript’s needs, and word count. I will take a look at your manuscript and give you a quote.


Short Fiction Editing:

  • Up to 2,500 words: flat fee of $50
  • 2,500 to 5,000 words: flat fee of $100
  • 5,000 to 7,500 words: flat fee of $150
  • 7,500 to 14,000 words: $30 per hour

Short Fiction Critique:

A general assessment of what works and what does not work in your story. If needed and/or possible, I offer overall suggestions for improvement. I don’t make specific corrections or, in most cases, offer exact “fixes” for problems.

Fees:

  • Up to 2,500 words: flat fee of $50
  • 2,501 to 6,000 words: flat fee of $100
  • 6,001 to 7,500 words: flat fee of $150

Payment
Once determined, payment can be made through Zelle, PayPal, or by check. PayPal accepts credit cards, but they charge a fee, so I will invoice you and include the fee. (See this calculator to determine the fee.) When payment has cleared, I will start work.


Questions? Email paulaguran@paulaguran.com.


Testimonials

    Paula Guran saved my career. She’s the best editor I ever had. Insightful, conscientious, knowledgeable. There’s a reason I thank in her in my books.
    John Shirley, winner of the Bram Stoker Award, Emmy nominee, author of the bestselling novels BioShock: Rapture and Demons.
    As a writer and editor, I consider myself extremely lucky to have had my work edited by Paula Guran! Not only does she have an extensive knowledge of “The Rules”—grammar, spelling, punctuation, oh my!—but she also has a deep knowledge of the genre, history, literature in general, and human nature. All of which goes towards making her one of the leading editors in speculative fiction today. Writers need editors who get them and what they’re trying to do with their stories—Paula Guran is just such a person. Highly recommended.
    Angela Slatter, award-winning author of All the Murmuring Bones
    Paula is a great editor, and a delight to work with!
    Elizabeth Bear, Hugo, Sturgeon, Locus, and Astounding Award winning author
    Paula Guran is one of the stalwarts of genre fiction for a reason. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with her in her capacity as original anthology editor and her feedback was invaluable. She has an incisive eye, huge knowledge of her subject, and great respect for stories and writers.
    Priya Sharma, Shirley Jackson Award and British Fantasy Award winning author
    Paula is an amazing editor. She worked with me on my novel and made it so much better. She really got me.
    Sally McBride, author of Water, Circle, Moon