Fiction Editing Services
Whether you need expert developmental guidance, careful line editing, or just a fresh set of eyes on your work, you’re in the right place.
“I can’t believe how helpful it is to have my work picked apart the way you’ve done it. What I learned from your coaching was just as valuable as the hundreds of dollars I spent on “How-To” books on writing.”
~ Paul Perron ~
“Your ability to isolate the pivotal points of the novel and show how they can be improved is nothing short of astonishing.”
~ Michael Woods, author of The Lost Explorer ~
Do you need a fresh set of eyes on your story?
No matter how good your command of English, the hours you spend working on your manuscript will blind you to at least a few of your own mistakes.
And if English is not your first language, you need someone to hunt out the translation quirks that signal ESL (English Second Language). Don’t write your book in English and then throw away the massive English-speaking market opportunity because of a few mistakes!
I can help you.
And what about the story itself? How carefully did you plan your novel? Did you change anything partway through? Because you’re so familiar with your story, you risk breaking something with every addition or deletion – you know what you mean; your reader, though, is not a mind reader.
Give yourself – and your book – the best advantage you can.
A good editor will help you polish your work until it shines.
Elle Carter Neal
You are one step away from benefitting from two decades of writing and editing experience. I have edited over three million words since I began keeping track 15 years ago. I have a very high “catch rate” for errors and inconsistencies, and a knack for being able to see the big picture and the individual details at the same time.
I live in Australia, and I’ve edited books for writers all over the world, especially the US and the UK. There are differences in how we use the English language, and I’ll work with you to refine a book that meets your audience’s expectations.
Your words deserve a spot on the world’s bookshelves, too.
Editing Rates
Flat rates of:
AU$20 for manuscripts up to 250 words.
AU$30 for manuscripts up to 500 words.
AU$60 for manuscripts up to 1,000 words.
Longer manuscripts are charged per word:
AU$0.05 per word up to 150,000 words
AU$0.04 per word for books longer than 150,000 words
Sample edits* are usually of a piece that is around 500 words and charged at AU$30.
If your story is very short (e.g., a picture book or flash fiction), I'm happy to edit two or more pieces in one go if you want to take advantage of the editing rates. You are also welcome to send me your blurb and/or promotional copy for editing to make up the difference.
Payments are made in advance ( whether in full, with a 4% discount available for manuscripts over 30,000 words), or per chapter, or an agreed number of words at a time.
Note that I do not accept the following genres for editing: horror, erotica, spiritual/religious content.
What type of Edit do you Need?
Developmental Editing involves assessing the plot and characterisation of your story and helping you to refine it. If you're feeling stuck partway through the writing process, this is the perfect time to reach out to an editor... before you dig yourself into plot hole! But developmental editing can also happen after you've completed a draft (or more), at a point when you are finding it hard to keep track of your changes to your plot threads and can no longer think critically about your own story. If you're self-publishing, you can even engage a developmental editor to help you revise a book that's already published... or work out the plot for the next book(s) in the series.
Line Editing involves correction of typos and grammar errors, and checking the style, consistency, sentence structure, and flow of your writing, along with occasionally rewording your text for greater clarity and impact (while retaining your unique voice and conversational tone, of course).
Language choice - UK English, US English, and regional dialects are all fine with me. Just let me know if there's a certain manner of phrasing you want to retain.
Working with Me
If you're querying a longer work, I'd love to know a bit about you first, especially the reasons you've decided to write this book and what you hope and expect to achieve with it.
Send me the files you want edited and I'll provide you with a quote for the work required. Once the quote is accepted and payment schedule agreed upon, I'll begin turning your story into the polished gem you need it to be.
Shorter manuscript? You're welcome to hit one of the PayPal buttons below and lock in your place in the queue. Then simply fill in the form below with a link to your file (or email it to me), and I'll work on the number of words you've paid for.
* Requests for editing "samples" are charged at my regular rates.
Editors who are just starting out do frequently offer to edit a number of pages for free, but it would be unfair on our regular clients for experienced and long-established editors, such as me, to do this - especially as I frequently edit short-form content that is even shorter than a "sample". (And just as you wouldn't expect a licensed plumber to come out and change a few washers for free and use that to assess their ability to replace all the plumbing in your house.)
Published Books I've Edited
Testimonials from Editing Clients
“Without my editor I would never have come this far. This story would not be what it is without the marvelous input and amazing work of Elle Neal. I am so grateful for her insights and wise reflections. I once feared my dyslexia, but thanks to Elle that fear crumbled. 
She made me believe that I am capable of great things. Thanks so, so much for the time you gave me, and the gift of your skills.”
~ Kylie Leane, author of The Chronicles of the Children series, The Northlands Rebellion series, and the upcoming Dynasty of Earth and Stars series ~
“I can’t believe how helpful it is to have my work picked apart the way you’ve done it. What I learned from your coaching was just as valuable as the hundreds of dollars I spent on “How-To” books on writing.
“It’s one thing to review the examples from real world examples of literature in those books, but it’s entirely different and much more helpful to have the weaknesses of my own writing shown to me. I’m really glad I chose to use your service.”
~ Paul Perron ~
“I am immensely grateful to you for the good, solid advice you have given. You understood perfectly the problem I’m having… I’m considering all the possibilities you suggested.
“Your comments concerning the prologue are spot on and easily put right; yet I would never, never have seen it had you not pointed it out. Thanks.
“Your ability to isolate the pivotal points of the novel and show how they can be improved is nothing short of astonishing.”
~ Michael Woods, author of The Lost Explorer (Booklocker, 2009) ~
“Elle has a real eye for plot and character motivation and can see clearly when you've gone astray. Her grammar is spot on as well. Thanks to her, my story The Rich People's School appeared in the prestigious U.K. based literary magazine, Mslexia [and has now been published in the collection of short stories In the Spirit of McPhineas Lata and Other Stories]. I highly recommend her as an editor.”
~ Lauri Kubuitsile - author of In the Spirit of McPhineas Lata and Other Stories, The Scattering, and The Vanishing ~
“It's really great the way you caught small yet significant details... You got me hooked on your services. I will be bugging you again!”
~ Brad Metge, author of Family Secrets ~
“Your work was exactly what I needed and I really appreciate your quick reply.
“Your comments showed a thorough professional job where you thought a great deal about the story and how it can be improved. It was obvious that you did not just skim over the words. You met my expectations for a thorough evaluation, with your promptness of reply and considerate feedback. I would highly recommend you and hope to adjust my work to your standards.”
~ J Lucas ~
Request Editing Quote
You’re amazing! And you’re just a few quick steps from handing the hard work over to your editor. Fill in the form below and I’ll be in touch with a quote or further information. Alternatively you can email me directly:
ecn AT ellecarterneal DOT com
(You can also scroll down to make a payment in advance to secure your place in the queue.)
Pay in advance to secure your place
Flat rate of AU$20 for manuscripts up to 250 words
Flat rate of AU$30 for manuscripts up to 500 words
Flat rate of AU$60 for manuscripts up to 1,000 words
You can also use one of the buttons above to make a deposit for a longer manuscript, or request a sample edit. I’ll send you a quote and deduct this payment from the total. This will also serve to hold your place in the queue.
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