MS editing | rachelrichardsonpoet

Private Consulting

I offer a range of private services to address the needs of writers at every stage of development, whether that's completing a book or chapbook, or studying an element of craft with guidance. Outlines of my main offerings are below, but I customize packages based on our joint assessment of your needs and budget. The first step in every editing agreement is to meet on zoom for 30 minutes to discuss your work and your goals. I will then propose a plan to meet your needs. Or, if I don't think I'm the right editor for you, I will suggest someone else who might be a better fit.

Manuscript: Global Review

You have workshopped your poems and feel secure in their completeness. But you have questions about how they come together into a book. How does the whole become bigger than the sum of its parts? How can you build tension and show a broad range of style while also developing theme and voice? Are all the poems strong enough to deserve their spot? What about order? Is anything missing?

When you have come to these book-level questions, you may be ready for a global review, in which I read the work as a book and offer feedback on the composition as a whole.

You will receive an annotated manuscript (via Google Doc or Word) with comments (focused on theme and book cohesion rather than individual poem line edits) and a detailed letter (2+ pages) highlighting central takeaways to consider, and next steps in terms of editing and publication. You may ask any follow-up questions via email or a 30-minute Zoom meeting.

Global Review generally starts at $800 for a full manuscript (50-60 pages), or $500 for a chapbook (20-30 pages).

Manuscript: Full Editorial Review

If you've taken your book project as far as you can on your own, but still have concerns about individual poems as well as what's happening on a book level, a full editorial review offers you detailed macro- and micro-level feedback. I can provide the perspective to help you see your work in all its layers. Through a close look at the individual poems as well as the arc of the manuscript, I will target how to sharpen its voice and cohesion, as well as add depth and enhance emotional range. I provide an annotated reading of the work, offering line edits and guidance on individual poems as needed, with a larger focus on the book's overall goals. Unlike an individual poem workshop, I will view the work as a book as well, considering themes, voice, tonal shifts, questions of arc and order, and more, to help you address big picture issues as well as zoom in on the smaller details that will polish your work to its most brilliant completion.

You will receive an annotated manuscript (via Google Doc or Word) as well as a detailed letter highlighting central takeaways to consider. Over a follow-up Zoom meeting (about one hour), I will discuss with you my findings and address any questions you have, or ideas on your next steps in terms of editing and publication.

Full Editorial Review generally starts at $1200 for a full manuscript (50-60 pages).

Be in touch if you'd like to discuss these or other services.