Homunculus Editing Services

Friday, 19 April 2013

The Man Who Watched the World End

Please check out this exciting new book by Chris Dietzel. I copy edited the book some time ago. It recounts a very plausible end to humanity. Some great ideas from a really interesting author.

The Man Who Watched the World End

Tuesday, 2 April 2013

Current editing commissions - M.R. Mathias and William Bakke

I'm currently working on The Emerald Rider for M.R. Mathias (a literary edit of the fourth Dragoneers book) as well as beta reading Landfall for William Bakke (science fiction).

Saturday, 16 March 2013

Taking Editing Bookings Again

Having now moved home and set up childcare arrangements, I am now in a position to start accepting new commissions once more. My apologies to those people who queried me during the break; I hope you managed to find an editor to suit your needs.

Please see the right hand side bar for my portfolio. Feel free to email me if you have any questions. For those of you who need an outside opinion but are a little struck for cash, please check out the new beta reading service, which should help point you in the right direction.

Thursday, 1 November 2012

Editing Updates

Currently working on a literary edit of Dragon Isle (Vanx Malic 2) by M.R. Mathias. Next up is Half-Orcs 6 by David Dalglish.

I'm also working on the preliminary edits for Bane of the Liche Lord (Nameless Dwarf 5) and preparing the 5-book omnibus, The Nameless Dwarf for release this Christmas.

Friday, 12 October 2012

Uneasy Lies the Crown

I've just finished copy editing Uneasy Lies the Crown by N. Gemini Sasson. This is a skilfully written historical-fiction based on the Welsh uprising against the English which was led by Owain Glyndur. The book has a sweeping scope and the author selectively zooms in on incidents and characters in a way that is reminiscent of a Shakespearean history.

The characterisation is top notch, and the action is eminently human, spanning glorious eights and despairing lows. There are terrific portraits of Richard II, Henry IV, Henry V, Harry Hotspur, Rhys Ddu, and particularly Owain himself and his wife, Margaret.

One of the best books I've edited to date.

Next up is a short from K. Gorman and then something out of the ordinary from Sibel Hodge.

Thursday, 27 September 2012

Editing News

I've just finished edits for Sibel Hodge (It's a Catastrophe!) and Rex Jameson (Hallow's Ween).

I'm currently working on a non-fiction book by Victorine Lieske.

Paula is working on a copy edit for Curtis Hox.

Next week I start on a historical fiction by N. Gemini-Sasson.

As usual, please send all queries (even if you just have a question about writing or editing) to derekprior@yahoo.co.uk

Saturday, 22 September 2012

The Legend of Vanx Malic

My last editing commission was the start of a fantasy series, The Legend of Vanx Malic, by M.R. Mathias. It's a departure from Mathias's Wardstone trilogy and his Dragoneers books, but retains the depth of world building and complex, flawed characters. Mathias's gift for language makes it a light and enjoyable read, and there's enough engaging action and good-natured humour to keep you fully engaged.

The cover art for this one is by the exceptionally gifted Anton Kokarev, and shows Vanx on a haulkatten.

Check out Vanx Malic here:

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I work as a freelance editor and author.

I was born and educated in the South of England. I qualified as a Registered Mental Health Nurse in 1992 and then went on to read Drama, Classics and Medieval History at the University of Wales, achieving an honours degree.

I read Theological Studies (MA) and undertook Doctoral research on Antonin Artaud and the Theatre of Cruelty at UWA.

I am the founder of the discussion community, Mysticism Unbound, and founder of Indie Fantasy Review.

Recent editing clients have included:

David Dalglish (A Dance of Cloaks - light copy edit; A Sliver of Redemption - light copy edit; A Dance of Blades - light copy edit; Night of Wolves - light copy edit; Clash of Faiths - light copy edit; A Dance of Death - light copy edit; The Old Ways - copy edit; The Broken Pieces - copy edit)

M.R. Mathias (The Sword and the Dragon 2010 edition - proofread/light copy edit; The Butcher's Boy - literary edit; Kings, Queens, Heroes and Fools - Literary Edit; Coldhearted Son of a Witch- literary edit; The Confliction - literary edit; Crimzon & Clover III: The Grog - literary edit; The Wizard and the Warlord - literary edit; The Legend of Vanx Malic: Through the Wildwood - literary edit; The Legend of Vanx Malic: Dragon Isle - literary edit; The Emerald Rider - literary edit; Crimzon and Clover V - literary edit)

Valmore Daniels (Angel Fire - Literary Edit; Forbidden the Stars - light copy edit; Music of the Spheres - copy edit; Angel's Breath - copy edit; Worlds Away - copy edit)

Sibel Hodge (My Perfect Wedding - light copy edit; Be Careful What You Wish For - light copy edit; Trafficked -light copy edit; The Baby Trap - light copy edit; Voodoo Deadly - copy edit); It's a Catastrophe! - copy edit; A Gluten Free Taste of Turkey - copy edit)

Keith C. Blackmore (The Bear That Fell From the Stars - light copy edit)

Moses Siregar (The Black God's War - editorial comments and light copy edit)

Felix Savage (The Incurables - light copy edit)

Rex Jameson (Lucifer's Odyssey - literary edit; Angels and Demons - light copy edit; Elves and Goblins - copy edit; The Goblin Rebellion - copy edit; Hallow's Ween - copy edit)

Jason Letts (Suspense - light copy edit)

Rakesh Gupta (The Gunsmith's Apprentice - literary edit)

Curtis Hox (Bleedover - copy edit; Red Sphere - literary edit; Repossession in Progress - literary edit; The Kafka Harrier - literary edit; Witch Fire - literary edit; Transmission - literary edit; Bottomland - literary edit)

K. Gorman (A Cat and a Meese - literary edit; Star-Eater - literary edit; Into the Fire - copy edit)

Chris Dietzel (The Man Who Watched the World End - copy edit; A Different Alchemy - copy edit; The Hauntings of Playing God - copy edit)

N. Gemini-Sasson (The King Must Die - copy edit; Uneasy Lies the Crown - copy edit)

Victorine E. Lieske (How to Find Success Selling eBooks - copy edit)

John Elwood (Rail City Chronicles - copy edit)

William Bakke (Landfall - beta read)

I can be contacted at: derekprior@yahoo.co.uk

Editing Services

Fees:

A non refundable retainer of $50 is required to book a date for your edit. This will be deducted from the total fee. The complete fee should be paid in full (minus the retainer) prior to the commencement date. Payment should be sent via Paypal to derekprior[at]yahoo.co.uk

Literary Edit (Content and Copy): $0.022 per word

The Literary Edit combines a full line edit with content editing. It involves at least three read-throughs. The focus is very much on structure, plot, characterisation, continuity, grammar, syntax, spelling, voice, and pace. You will received detailed notes in the margins, as well as a separate report, which includes first impressions, and may include suggestions for redrafting. Literary edits typically take 6-8 weeks, depending on word count. Timeframes will be negotiated with the author.

Editing Redrafts: $0.005 per word

Any redrafted passages may be submitted for further editing. Each re-submisison will be charged by the word.

Single Read-through Copy Edit: $0.008 per word.

This is a single read-through of the text focusing on grammar, syntax, and spelling. There will be no changes/comments on content, although if the editor thinks there are serious issues you will be informed of general concerns when the manuscript is returned. Generally, Single Read-through copy edits can be completed in 2-4 weeks depending upon length.

Final Proofreading (after using the Literary Editing service or Copy Editing service): $0.004 per word.

BETA READING SERVICE: $0.002 per word. This is a single read-through for overall flow and consistency from the reader's perspective. I will provide a one page report with my impressions of the story, identifying any issues I feel impede its telling (e.g. inconsistencies). All manuscripts should already be professionally edited and proofread prior to submission for beta reading. I will not be correcting typos and other errors with this service, although I will include any recommendations in that respect in the report. This is NOT an editorial or proofreading service.

BOOKINGS and ENQUIRIES:

derekprior@yahoo.co.uk