About Manuscript Magician
About Manuscript Magician
Questions and Answers:
Who are you?
My name is Chelsea Lowe, and I’m a freelance editor. Before that, I worked as a freelance writer and before that, a journalist. I wrote The Everything Health Guide to OCD, Sugar Detox for Beginners, and the Fabulized app. I coauthored Living With Someone Who’s Living With Bipolar Disorder. My work has been heard on National Public Radio and seen in Newsweek, Newsday, TV Guide, the Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, and many other places.
Cut to the chase. How much do you charge?
In most cases, my base rate is ten dollars a 250-word page.
Isn’t that kind of steep? What do you do for that?
My rate is higher than that of many copy editors. But then, my services go beyond copy editing. I also fact check, streamline, tighten, provide light development editing, and make your writing stronger.
Wait! What if I don’t want all that?
Our work is a collaboration—but you're the boss. Tell me what you want and what you don't.
Can you work within my deadline?
Yes, in most cases. However, the more time you allow, the better the results. (And it won't cost you any more.)
Can I get a discount?
Depending on my workload and your flexibility, I can sometimes offer discounts.
Which editing style do you use?
I'm comfortable with both Chicago and Associated Press and can follow house styles, as well.
How do you work?
Before we decide to work together, I'll edit about five pages of your copy free of charge. (Fewer pages for short pieces.) If you like my suggestions and want to hire me, I’ll email you a contract to sign, and you’ll pay half my project fee upfront. I’ll ask for the second half before returning the remainder of your manuscript.
What is your personal style?
The world is not always kind to writers—so I am.
Do you work with companies?
Absolutely!
Can you provide other editorial services?
Yes. I've successfully written nonfiction book proposals and ghostwritten blog posts and other material. I write just about everything, including intricate verse and lyrics.