Do you have a great idea but aren’t sure where to start? Have you received feedback or a manuscript assessment and don’t know how to fix what’s not working? Do you want to take your writing to the next level and delve deeper into your craft?

Consider my services as a Writing Coach. I will be there to listen, to guide, and to help you navigate all the ins and outs of the creative process. Together we will assess your writing level, evaluate your goals, and identify aspects of your writing that you would like to improve. From initial concept to polished final product and all points in between, we will work as a team to bring your manuscript or project to its greatest potential.

Coaching rates start at $50 per hour (1 hour minimum) after a brief introductory session. Contact me today to schedule your free consultation.

I hold a BA in Linguistics with a minor in English. I am an active member of the Editorial Freelancers Association. A longtime member of the Golden Crown Literary Society, I have been on the judging panel for the Goldie Awards on multiple occasions. I have served as editor and editorial consultant for more than 100 novels, several anthologies and short stories, and multiple works of memoir and creative nonfiction.

Outside of fiction, I have edited academic papers, resumes and cover letters, medical textbooks, and website content. In addition to my private clients, I work on a contract basis as a primary editor/project manager for several small publishing houses.

Helping you and your words shine is my passion, and I bring all the tools in my arsenal to every project to attain that goal. But you don’t need to take my word for it…

“I’ve been lucky enough to work with Heather on two of my novels, and she’ll begin editing the third this autumn. Her skill and passion, for both words and writers, has literally blown me away every time. I’m a talented writer, but what Heather and I create together borders on magical. She approaches my novels like a sculptor, smoothing every sharp, hidden edge until the words sound like velvet. Together we’ve put out books I’m immensely proud of, and a large part of what made them great was her uncanny ability to illuminate hidden characters and dark corners of the story, some shimmering unseen just below the surface, and help me bring them to life. Heather Flournoy is the best of the best at her craft, and at the risk of sounding like a literary diva, I refuse to even consider working with anyone else in the future. It’s as simple as that.” – Patricia Evans Cox

“Heather is a pleasure to work with. Not only is she thorough (she did four separate passes on my novel and would have done a fifth if I’d asked her to), but she’s gentle, knowledgeable, and insightful. I’m a pretty well-rounded student of the English language, but any changes or corrections Heather made came with logical explanations to back them up, and I felt like I still had things to learn. She’s not only a terrific editor, she’s a great teacher.” – Georgia Beers

“Heather is a delight to work with. Her editing style is collaborative, patient, and more than competent. She understands how much vulnerability a writer entrusts to her in this process and is sensitive to writers at all stages of creation. She doesn’t force her own ideas on the author or try to take over the manuscript, but instead explains all her suggestions in ways that get the point across without ever being critical or harsh. Her editing is consistently in line with the gold-standard references for publishing and always showcases the author’s work in the best possible light. From character development to syntax to plotting and continuity, her feedback is fluid and accurate, balancing a prescriptive approach while fully supporting the author without coddling. Even seasoned authors will benefit from her insights about craft and technique to make them better, more confident writers.” – Lori L. Lake

“A good editor can make the difference between a manuscript making it to publication or to the bottom of the slush pile. I’ve now had three novels published and seen a fourth through the editing process. Heather Flournoy, far and away, is the most comprehensive, professional and talented editor I’ve had the pleasure of working with. After writing a story and reading it countless times, I’m often sick of it by the end of the first revision pass. Heather reinvigorates me through her encouragement and enthusiasm, and tirelessly edits and re-edits until the story is as near perfect as possible. This is not just a simple proofread but a complete content/copy edit. Given the option, Heather Flournoy is my editor of choice. If you want a skilled, professional editor, she will be your choice as well.” – S.Y. Thompson

Nurturing or mentoring a project from concept to finished product is not the same as doing a final proofread, and there are varying levels of editing needed depending on the current state of your manuscript and your goals. These rates reflect that.

• Manuscript Evaluation: starting at $50 per hour (1 hour minimum)
• Substantive/Developmental Editing: 4 to 6 cents per word (depending on level of edit required)
• Copy/Line Editing: 2 to 4 cents per word (depending on level of edit required)
• Proofreading fees start at 2 cents per word ($50 minimum)

Not sure what kind of editing you need? Check out my service descriptions here.

Even better, contact me for a free sample edit (2-3 pages) and a customized quote for your manuscript.

Coaching rates start at $50 per hour, but an initial, free consultation is required to discuss your individual needs and goals. Contact me to schedule a meeting.

These rates are guidelines. More in-depth projects sometimes need to be quoted based on the specific needs of the author and the length of the manuscript. I am happy to discuss the option for a per-project fee. After looking at your content together, we will find a pricing structure that makes sense.

To give you an idea of the current rates for editors, here is a link to the EFA ~ Editorial Freelancers Association’s Rate Page.

If you have any questions or require further information, you may email me (heather at hifediting.com).

If you would like a quote and a sample edit, please indicate so in your message and attach your manuscript (MS Word docs only).

I look forward to working with you!