$150
Single POV, under 5 main characters, one primary setting.
Editorial & author development services
Editorial & author development services
by Susan Mac Nicol — award-winning author & screenwriter
I’m Susan Mac Nicol. Over my career I’ve developmentally edited, proofread, and copy edited more than 38 of my own novels, plus over 60 professionally for other authors.
I bring the same eye I use on my own bestselling fiction to every manuscript, bible, and adaptation I take on.
Whether you’re polishing a debut novel, building a multi-book fantasy world, or adapting a story for screen, I offer a range of services tailored to the indie author workflow — practical, collaborative, and competitively priced.
Author services
Series & character bible development
Keeping a series consistent gets harder with every book. I build custom character and series bibles that track everything you need at your fingertips: physical descriptions, personality, backstory, relationships, recurring locations, timelines, objects of significance, magic systems or technology, and a running style guide — organised in the format you prefer.
$200
5–10 characters, a handful of recurring locations.
$250
10–20 characters, multiple locations and subplots.
$300
Large ensemble cast, extensive worldbuilding, or a multi-book series.
Author services
Manuscript editing
A tiered range of editorial services so you only pay for the level of support your draft actually needs. All editing packages include a face-to-face consultation via Google Meet, and I’m always available afterwards for questions and revision discussions.
How I edit your book
Every manuscript is different — some arrive polished and ready for a gentle buff, others need more foundational work. Whatever state a book is in, my job is to meet it where it is and help it become the best version of itself. Editing starts with a look at the opening chapters (the first two chapters, or 3,000–5,000 words) to understand voice, story needs, and the level of editing required.
What I need from you first
- First two chapters (3,000–5,000 words)
- Total word count
- Genre and target audience
- Any goals or concerns already known
What you’ll get back
- A clear recommendation on the type of edit needed
- An estimate of how many passes it will take
- A personalised quote
- A realistic timeline
What you’ll receive
- Manuscript with tracked changes
- Margin notes and queries
- A style sheet for copy edits
- A developmental report for dev edits
- A clean final version after the last pass
How the process works
Editing happens in passes (full sweeps through the manuscript) and rounds (author and editor working together).
- Developmental editing: usually 1–2 passes plus an editorial letter and margin notes
- Line editing: usually 3–4 passes with tracked changes and commentary
- Copy editing: usually 4–5 passes plus a style sheet
- Proofreading: usually 1–2 passes
Each stage includes one full round (edit, author reviews, queries tidied up), with a second round available for major revisions.
Important note: A deposit secures your booking, with the remainder due on delivery. Payment plans may be available for larger projects. Manuscripts should be sent in Word (.docx) format, complete and stable, with deadlines shared upfront.
Rates
The rates below are indicative. Once I’ve assessed your manuscript, the final quote may be adjusted up or down to reflect its actual condition and the work involved.
Editorial assessment / manuscript critique
A big-picture diagnostic report on plot, character, and pacing, with no in-text edits.
$0.012 per word
Developmental / content editing
Strengthens plot structure, character arcs, pacing, tension, and worldbuilding.
$0.018 per word
Line editing
Elevates prose rhythm, voice, and clarity; refines flow, tone, and emotional impact.
$0.013 per word
Copy editing
Grammar, continuity, consistency, and clarity — the technical polish.
$0.011 per word
Proofreading
The final pass: typos, punctuation, formatting, and last-stage corrections.
$0.011 per word
Full editing package
Developmental + line + copy + proofreading.
$0.030 per word
Script to novel development & prose
Adaptation work
Novel from screenplay
If you have a screenplay and want it reborn as a novel, I can help. I know how to translate visual, dialogue-driven storytelling into rich prose without losing what made the original work.
$0.110 – $0.18 per word (approx. $4,000–$7,200 for a 40k-word novel)
Get in touchScreenplay from novel
Turning your novel into a screenplay calls for a different discipline: compressing interiority into action and dialogue, restructuring for screen pacing, and formatting to industry standard.
$2,000 – $4,000 per feature-length screenplay
Get in touchBooking & rush fees
Terms & scheduling
A flat $200 booking fee secures your place in my schedule and is deducted from your final quote. A $120 rush fee applies to turnarounds of two weeks or less. Custom services (bibles and adaptations) are quoted individually once I’ve seen your project.
Creative partnerships
A few of my author collaborations
John Tarrow (UK) — award-winning YA fantasy/adventure novelist; edited The Stranger’s Guide to Talliston and The Stranger’s Key to Talliston.
J. C. Calciano (US) — film producer, TV writer, and author; edited Revenge of the Brobots.
Nicholas Downs (US) — actor, screenwriter, and novelist; co-developed the screenplay and novel Sight Unseen with me.
Ready to discuss your manuscript?
Get in touch to check current availability or request a sample edit.