Editing SERVICES

From poetry, to memoir, to genre fiction, and more, I have helped writers achieve their visions, and refine their prose. I have almost a decade of experience editing across industries, with a specialty in the literary world where I’ve held professional editor and editorial assistant roles at renowned presses and literary journals.

Authors—whether you’re penning your first book or are a seasoned pro, whether you’re self-publishing or readying your manuscript for agents, I can help you through a range of editing services. My clients have referred to me as "quick...honest... efficient...clear...smart...insightful...the best editor I’ve ever worked with".

I am an expert editor that has edited and brought to life book manuscripts in a wide variety of genres.

 book editing | Beta Reading | Creative Editing

Freelance Book Editing Services in Chicago

Book Editing

Hello writer! Sending a book into the world is a huge step, so first of all--congratulations. I am here to help make your book shine! I am an expert editor that can help edit your book in any genre!

  • I am an expert writer and editor that can help edit your book in any genre! From poetry, to sci-fi, to memoir, to self-help, I’ve helped writers achieve their visions and refine their prose.

    • I have an MFA in creative writing which I received on a full fellowship

    • I am a published, award-winning writer myself and will bring my own creative writing expertise to your project to provide critical, developmental edits to get your manuscript ready for publishers to look at (or to self publish if that is your jam!)

    • I have almost a decade of experience editing across industries, with a specialty in the literary world where I have held professional editor and editorial assistant roles

    • I can make sure your manuscript is not just error-free, but also aligned with industry standards and styles, and can look at it from the perspective of an editor at a literary journal or press because I have held those roles

    • “Dana is AMAZING! She caught errors in my manuscript that no other proofreaders caught, and helped format the book for publication. HIGHLY recommend Dana to anyone looking for a talented freelancer to help them whip their book into shape!”
      – Amy Suto, worked with Dana on Six-Figure Freelance Writer

    • “I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Dana really has a way of keeping the author’s voice heard while elevating it to a more polished level. She gives an honest blend of feedback, telling you what needs to be worked on and what she thinks works as well. 10 out of 10!”
      – Leah Netty, worked with Dana on Equinox SEE MORE(forthcoming)

      SEE MORE

  • Please take a look at the packages below, but also know that I love chatting with each individual author about their project and needs! I use the packages as a basis, but will come up with a plan/quote that works specifically for you. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

 Packages 

Basic

I will copy edit and proofread your book manuscript 

Starting at $360 for 30,000 words (.012c per word) 

This type of editing is the final polish before you go to print! I will catch all final errors with spelling, grammar, punctuation, style guide compliance, formatting consistency, and other last details so the book is error-free and ready to send.

comprehensive

I will provide a comprehensive edit of your book manuscript

Starting at $540 for 30,000 words (.018c per word) 

This type of editing is the most common that authors choose as a “one stop shop” for expert editing insight. I will provide developmental and structural edits, review and critique of the manuscript as a whole, line editing to make your prose sing, and basic copy edits and proofing as I go along.

Premium

I will provide a comprehensive edit + light rewriting 

Starting at $660 for 30,000 words (.022c per word)

This type of editing includes everything in the comprehensive package plus some light rewriting of areas that need improvement. This package works well for ESL authors who want to ensure writing sounds like native English, or first-time authors who may be less confident implementing their edits and want a heavier hand.

Beta Reading Services in Los Angeles

Beta Reading

I will provide an expert beta read of your book manuscript. Starting at $360 for 30,000 words 

A beta reader is a test reader of an unreleased work of literature or other writing (similar to beta testing in software), giving feedback to the author about remaining issues. This is not an editing service but a feedback service, and can be very beneficial at any point of your book writing process, whether you need an opinion early on to send you in the right direction, or you just need a final opinion before you publish. If you're looking for more extensive editing, please review my book editing service. 

I will provide you with my commentary and suggestions throughout the manuscript as well as a final letter/readers report summarizing my idea-level thoughts and feedback. 

Creative Writing Editing Services in London

Creative Editing

Price based on word count: poetry (.05c per word), prose (.03c per word) 

Don’t have a full manuscript yet? Just need a second set of eyes on a few pieces of writing? I’ve got you. I will edit and provide workshop-style feedback on your shorter pieces. I am open to any genre, but specialize in poetry, and can also help with recommendations for submitting to literary journals/contests. I will provide comprehensive edits and suggestions throughout the piece(s) and a letter summarizing my idea level feedback at the end.

What Clients Are Saying

  • “Dana is AMAZING! She caught errors in my manuscript that no other proofreaders caught, and helped format the book for publication. HIGHLY recommend Dana to anyone looking for a talented freelancer to help them whip their book into shape!”

    – Amy Suto, worked with Dana on Six-Figure Freelance Writer

  • “I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Dana really has a way of keeping the author’s voice heard while elevating it to a more polished level. She gives an honest blend of feedback, telling you what needs to be worked on and what she thinks works as well. 10 out of 10!”

    – Leah Netty, worked with Dana on Equinox (forthcoming)

  • “Dana is by far one of the best, if not the best, editor I’ve worked with. I had samples done with other editors prior to working with Dana but she was the only one that seemed to care about, or connect to, the messages being conveyed in my work. I think an editor that wants to understand her collaborator is a rare gift and I am glad I had the opportunity to work with Dana Alsamsam.”

    – Ajaipaul Grewal, worked with Dana on Fear & Love

  • “Dana provided edits, asked clarifying questions, pushed me to enhance my writing, and edited my manuscript. This is my second time working with her because of the value she places on her work, and the value she places on serving and fulfilling each order. She did a great job on cleaning up my writing and communicating ways I can improve my manuscript. Great work quality.”

    – Jimmy Hart, worked with Dana on Equipped to Serve

  • “The entire process, starting from initially reaching out for more information on the services to submitting my project for editing and communicating with Dana was very smooth and efficient. Dana is very professional and quite aptly offered all the support and the services that they mentioned in their services description, providing in-depth feedback and critique to the project in order to make sure the final result is exactly what I want. I strongly recommend expertise and their services and would definitely consider working with them again!”

    – Jean Samuel Druin, worked with Dana on A Volume of Pandemia Stories

  • “Working with Dana was an absolute pleasure – like working with a friend. She edited my manuscript masterfully and provided wonderful, honest, and helpful feedback and suggestions. Communication was always fast, friendly, and made sure we were on the same page. I felt she was invested in my project and provided me with recommendations I need to make my story shine. I would love to work with her again on the next one – the whole experience exceeded my expectations!”

    – Mark Becker, worked with Dana on The Darkest Skies

Books Dana has edited

Dana Alsamsam & Developmental Editor in Boston

 Faq's

  • I will deliver all my edits and suggestions using commenting and tracked changes in Microsoft Word. If we are working on a developmental edit of your book, I will also write a letter summarizing my idea level feedback on your manuscript. After I return the edits to you, I am always available for further discussion and questions.

  • When you contact me about your project, I will let you know my next available start date, as I do occasionally book ahead for a couple of weeks. Once I start editing, the turnaround time depends on the word count of the manuscript, but I typically take between 14-21 days to return a full book.

  • No problem. Just get in touch and we can chat through your project needs together. I can also preview your manuscript to let you know which types of editing I think may be best.

Get in touch with me today to start collaborating on your book manuscript or creative writing work!