I’ve been working with a number of authors for the past year or so, and now I’ve decided to be more public about it. If you need help with a short story, everything from big picture edits (what’s working and what isn’t, why doesn’t this have the impact I want, conflict, plot, setting, etc.) to up close edits (typos, grammar, tense, dialogue, etc.) I’m now taking on new clients. What kind of work am I doing? Here are some ideas:
1. I can read a story, give you general feedback on what’s working and what isn’t, and suggest some markets for the story. $2/page (double-spaced)
2. I can read a story, give you feedback on big picture edits and do a line-by-line edit, tearing the story apart, and then suggest some markets. $3/page (double-spaced)
3. General big picture edits and overview for a novel or short story collection, with suggestions for where to send it. $1/page (double-spaced)
4. Up close line-by-line edits for a novel or collection, with suggestions for markets. $2/page (double-spaced)
My rates are very reasonable. If you’re serious about working with me, send me a note at wickerkat@aol.com, and we can talk about a plan that make sense for you. I do not take on all clients or all projects. If you are a part of LitReactor, The Cult, The Velvet, or know me on Facebook and/or Twitter, let me know that, unless it’s obvious, and we talk all the time.
TESTIMONIALS:
“Richard Thomas is a scientist. He will take your work and examine it under his microscope until he’s studied every little detail. He will dissect your manuscript and make it bleed. Affordable and fast paced, I was impressed with the massive amount of care shown on the edits of my book. Not only did he perform a massive copy edit, but he also analyzed each individual chapter and told me what worked—and more importantly, what didn’t. Richard is exactly what an editor should be.”
—Max B.
“Richard has a keen eye for the little details that make a story work as well as for the bigger picture that brings together the plot. His professional demeanor and kind manner make working with him a real pleasure. He catches the things that most writers miss—and that’s a real gift.”
—Bryan H.
“Richard Thomas is not only a fine editor, but he’s an avid reader. He doesn’t just edit. He invests time in your story, in your characters, and in the fictional world you’ve created. This is what I find to be his greatest strength. His goal is to understand and care about your story as much as you do, and he’ll offer helpful suggestions on how to better reach your intended audience. He doesn’t force you to share his opinion, but I’ve never not heeded his advice.”
—Rebecca J.
“I have contracted Richard to edit several short stories, and have found that his ability as an editor is a direct reflection of his resume as a writer—impressive to say the very least. I have found his editing to be of tremendous value, and would recommend his services to any emerging writer.”
—Nicholas M.
“Go ahead and write the best damn story you can. Edit tirelessly for weeks on end. Have your writer friends critique it and their writer friends, too. Then go back and write that perfect final draft. But I bet that even after all that, give it to Richard Thomas and he’ll still find redundancies, misplaced modifiers, dangling participles, plot holes—you name it. What I’m saying is if you want to sharpen that latest draft, Richard is your man.”
—Ryan S.
“Richard has a gift for taking something good and making it better. He’ll find the little things that don’t catch your eye because you’re looking for big problems and expose their unfinished edges, guiding you in how to polish each element. Send him your finished work and he’ll show you how it’s actually two or three drafts away from being really done. People call him a story surgeon, but he’s more like a gem-cutter. Your story may be pretty, but he’ll show you some new angles, cut a new edge, shine it up and set it nicely.”
—Sarah R.
“The expertise and insight Richard brings as an editor is formidable. He helped me take three struggling stories from merely adequate to excellent. His feedback is spot-on. If you want to become a better writer, take a story through several rounds of revision with Richard. You won’t be disappointed with the results.”
—Nathan B.
“Let’s face it, editing is a daunting task. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Richard in the context of a class he taught at LitReactor.com and having him edit my work. He’s given me a structure and process to approach my manuscripts, hacking off hunks in some places, neatly trimming in others. He’s returned my work with meticulous notes, encouragement, and considerations to get to the true heart of my story, coaxing out every ounce of soul. If you’re holding on to a good story and feel the need for professional help to make it great, look no further.”
—Jason M.
“I took an online class with Richard Thomas in hopes of preparing a story to submit for publication. I was looking for fine-tooth comb edit on the sentence level. Richard offered that and more. He took an interest in my characters and suggested ways to flesh them out. He showed me the weak spots, and pointed out the grand spots. Richard is at once honest and motivational, real and encouraging. He is a joy to work with. Best of all, my writing is better for the experience. I hope to work with him in days to come.”
—Lisa M.
RECENT WRITING I’VE EDITED HAS BEEN PLACED IN: Juked, Red Fez, and Exigencies.
