Editing

We Will Find Your Best Voice, Not Just Your Best Book

"Authors who wish to stay in the business listen most carefully to editors' suggestions, even when they think an editor has been outside in the sun without a hat."

—Robert A. Heinlein

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Edited by Philip Athans

“I worked with Phil on numerous projects over the years, and I can't recommend him highly enough. If you're looking for a reliable editor who will provide constructive feedback, share knowledge, and offer encouragement while respecting your vision for the story, Phil is your person.”

—Ulana Dabbs, author of Lumi’s Spell

“If you have a novel you are looking to publish, I highly recommend Phil’s services as editor. I also recommend Phil’s blog and books for valuable insight into the writing process.”

—Michael Tedin, author of The Statue of the Mad Caliph

NOW OPEN TO NEW EDITING PROJECTS

As Athans & Associates Creative Consulting I’ve worked with a wide range of publisher and author clients including Amazon/57 North, Pyr, Appalachian Mountain Club Books, Wizards of the Coast, Permuted Press, and almost too many indie authors to count. I’ve worked extensively in fiction (primarily fantasy, science fiction, and horror, but other genres as well), non-fiction (from books on the software industry to camping and kayaking guides), gaming (digital and tabletop), and more.

I've been working in publishing since 1986, and as Athans & Associates since 2010.

If it’s got words, I can help make it better.

For publisher clients I offer a wide range of services from extensive ghostwriting/book doctoring to copy editing with competitive rates, a fine attention to detail, a sense of collaboration, and a healthy respect for the work—and deadlines—of others. I respect confidentiality agreements and will always work to preserve your trademarks and intellectual property rights. Can’t find the title of a book I’ve ghostwritten in a Google search?

Exactly.

It’s not just my job to find what’s wrong with a book, but to preserve and encourage what’s right about it.

I always approach every edit as a teaching opportunity with an eye on not just making this book better, but every book you write after it better. Comments in the text and accompanying email will always have that in mind.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

I’m open for developmental/line edits in the YA or adult fantasy, science fiction, horror, thriller, and literary genres, as well as narrative non-fiction and memoir.

First, contact me and tell me a little about yourself and your book. Give me the genre and category, the full word count, and anything else you think I might need to know up front.

I’ll respond with some basic stuff about scheduling, giving you a sense of when I’d be available to begin and approximately how long it will take me to complete the edit. If that ballpark schedule works for you, I'll ask you to send the full manuscript in a single .doc or .docx file.

Based on the manuscript, I’ll respond with details on what to expect from the edit itself, my fee, and other particulars. If you would like to proceed I’ll send a simple agreement to put all that in writing, including language that protects your copyright. I will claim no rights of any kind in your work. I will also send an invoice for the first half of the fee. That will put your project on my schedule, which with very few exceptions is filled in on a first come, first served basis.

From there everything will be spelled out in some detail, and we’ll keep in touch along the way.

In any case, please do not send any money, in any form, unless I’ve sent you an invoice first, or we’ve specifically communicated regarding fees, etc. via email.

Full book edits from only 3¢ per word.

And by "full book" I mean literally everything from big-picture issues like story structure to proper grammar and usage.

One-on-one Coaching

I work one-on-one with authors at all experience levels across a range of genres and categories. From a couple hours of advice to long-term consultations including text edits and specific advice on your writing and your writing career. Hourly rates start at $75 for independent authors. Contact me and we can discuss where you are, where you want to go, and how I can help.

Click here for a downloadable Rate Card.

Contact me and let's talk about the specific needs of your project.

You'll find me listed in various sources, including Kindlepreneur's Master Guide to Selecting the Best Book Editor and Author E.M.S.. If you've come from there, welcome!