I'm a freelance editor with eight years of experience. I have worked with dozens of authors, as well as a small traditional publisher. I've edited over 100 titles, including the award-winning An Echo of the Fae by Jenelle Leanne Schmidt (Winner of the 2021 Middle Grade Realm Award).
Copyediting/Proofreading Services
I offer a freelance copyediting/proofreading service. Two reads is usually a proofread or a light copyedit. Three reads is more of a line edit/copyedit and tends to have an extra level of polish, including catching more continuity inconsistencies. Both include catching those last pesky typos, errors, and smatterings of wayward punctuation before publishing.
I firmly believe in keeping the author's voice and story intact and true to the author's vision, while catching errors, inconsistencies, and awkward wording, so that the work is as polished as I can make it. I would love to help you make your books shine!
Details
I use Chicago Manual of Style and Word's Track Changes feature.
I prefer to work with .doc or .docx formats (but will consider using Google Docs if that is your preference).
My specialties are editing fantasy novels, but I'm happy to edit most genres (see below for exceptions), and in addition to novels, I will also edit short stories, blog posts, web pages, etc. Just message me and ask!
Exceptions
I do not edit horror, dystopia, romance with explicit scenes, or full-length nonfiction books.
I do not offer beta-reading or developmental/content edit services. (I fix textual errors and inconsistencies, but do not give story feedback or advice.)
Please note that I reserve the right to turn down any project due to lack of time or any other reason.
Rates
Two reads: $6 per 1,000 words. (Example: a 50,000 word manuscript would be $300.) Rounded down to the nearest thousand words.
Three reads: $8 per 1,000 words. (Example: a 50,000 word manuscript would be $400.) Rounded down to the nearest thousand words.
I take payment via PayPal or check.
Prices are somewhat negotiable. If you have any questions, shoot me an email and we can discuss it!
Contact
You can email me at deborahocarroll@yahoo.com with any questions and to ask about availability!
(Rates last updated: January 2026.)
Note: I've had issues with my contact form (I apologize if I missed you!), so please contact me at the email address below. Thanks!
If you're interested in my editing services, want to ask about availability, or have a question, you can email me at deborahocarroll@yahoo.com.
I will get back to you as soon as I can! Thank you!