Services
All services are personalized to meet your needs and help you reach your goals!
Rates are based on the Editorial Rates calendar provided by the Editorial Freelancers Association
Manuscript Critique
A manuscript critique is an overall evaluation of an unpublished, completed or near-completed draft of a full-length book or novel. The critique includes positive feedback and constructive criticism about the work-in-progress as a whole. The critique will offer the writer valuable insights about how to further develop their characters, eliminate plot holes, and create a more effective narrative. The critique will offer broad recommendations without any inline edits or comments. This is appropriate for manuscripts that are in the early drafting stages or are near-complete and their authors seek professional feedback and guidance.
Costs
Sample Critique (10 pages) – Free
1.5¢ per word
All critiques will be completed and returned within 21 days of purchase. Services include a 20 minute video conference.
Developmental Edit
A developmental edit is an overall, in-depth evaluation of a completed manuscript that will offer specific advice and recommendations. The developmental editor will critique the story as a whole while also making specific recommendations for improving various literary elements such as plot, character development, dialogue, showing vs. telling, voice, pacing, point of view, position of the narrator, and overall effectiveness. The developmental editor will also point out issues of authorial intrusion, appropriation, and anachronisms. The edit will include inline edits along with comments and an editorial letter that provides a complete explanation of all recommendations. The development edit includes an 8-12 page editorial report. This is appropriate for manuscripts that have been through several drafts and are considering submission to traditional publishers or moving forward with self-publishing.
Costs
Sample Developmental Edit (20 pages) - Free
3.2¢ per word
The developmental edit will be returned within 28 days of scheduled start date as negotiated. Services include a 30 minute video conference, an 8-12 page editorial report, and follow-up emails as necessary throughout the revision process.
Copy/Line Edit
A Copy or Line Edit is a line-by-line review of the finished draft of a manuscript that checks for grammar, punctuation, word choice, sentence structure and overall readability of the manuscript. This is a focussed edit that will provide both objective corrections to things like spelling and punctuation, and subjective recommendations to things like word choice, redundancies, phrasing, and so forth. The goal will be to make a clearer more compelling narrative through effective use of language. This is appropriate for manuscripts that have been through developmental editing, several rounds of revisions, and are nearly ready for publication.
Costs
Sample Copy/Line Edit (5 pages) – Free
2.8¢ per word
All proofreads will be returned within 21 days of purchase. Services include a 20 minute video conference.
Proofread
A proofread is a page-by-page review of the final draft of a manuscript that checks for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and accuracy. In addition to checking for errors, the proofreader will make recommendations on word choice, tense agreement, redundancy, and clarity. This is appropriate for manuscripts that have been typeset or are nearly ready for publication.
Costs
Sample Proof (5 pages) – Free
1.5¢ per word
All proofreads will be returned within 21 days of purchase. Services include a 20 minute video conference.
Book Coaching
Writing and publishing a book is a long and complicated process. If you’ve never done it before, or even if you have, you may need some help. Book Coaching provides that help. Through regular one-on-one support, book coaching helps writers identify their goals while providing them with the tools, knowledge, and resources reach their goals. Your book coach, Colin Mustful, has been through the publishing process as an author and a publisher. He has the know-how and the connections to help make your story idea into a published novel.
Costs
$250/month - 6 month package
$200/month - 12 month package
About the Editor
Colin Mustful is the founder and editor of History Through Fiction. Mustful is an accomplished fiction and nonfiction writer who has published numerous novels, nonfiction essays and articles, and various other written resources and blog posts. Since launching History Through Fiction in 2019, Mustful has ushered three historical novels through the publication process and has received and evaluated hundreds of manuscript submissions. He has a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing with a concentration in publishing (Augsburg University, 2019) and a Master of Arts degree in history (Minnesota State University, Mankato, 2007). He is a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association, the ACES Society for Editing, and has a Poynter ACES Certificate in Editing.
Read Colin Mustful’s craft essay, Authorial Intrusion and the Civil War Narrative: How to Write History Through Fiction
Testimonials
"Colin is an excellent storyteller and a student of history. He offers constructive suggestions to bring my story to life, weaving historical facts into fiction authentically. I strongly recommend him as a writing coach for historical fiction."
Edward Sheehy, Author of Duty & Destiny
"Colin’s writing workshop hooked me! As a genealogist, I had never written creatively. His expert guidance and clear feedback have opened a whole new creative world for me. Colin is always direct, kind, and encouraging."
Lisa E. Oakley
"Colin provided a thorough developmental edit of my draft, offering detailed suggestions and resources to improve my writing. Thanks to his input, I have specific ideas to make my book more engaging for readers."
Bob Davis, Author of The Dominion of My Ancestors
"Colin is a masterful editor who specializes in historical fiction. His feedback was detailed and helpful, pointing out major flaws and providing motivation to improve my manuscript. I'm grateful to have him as my coach."
David K. Wessel, Author of Choosing Sides
"Colin guides writers through the editing process, resulting in a book that inspires and endures. His skills are crucial for achieving a book's desired goal."
Barry Babcock, Author of Bonga: A Safe Abode in the Wilderness
"Colin found errors missed by my publishing company and delivered ahead of schedule. His honest feedback and thorough edit have me confident my novel is polished and ready for release."
Amber Wiser Thompson, Author of City of Steel: A Damascus Love Story
"Colin's edits were thorough, thoughtful, and prompt. He answered my questions quickly and provided great insight into my manuscript. I highly recommend working with him!"
Lindsey Fera, Author of Muskets and Minuets and Muskets and Masquerades
"Colin's feedback provided motivation and clear next steps, balancing history and story. My revisions now feel directed and focused."
Jennifer Holder, Full Bloom Publications
"Colin’s critique opened new possibilities for my draft, allowing me to move the story to a new level I wanted but couldn't reach alone."
Jacques de Chabannes
"Colin's developmental edit pointed out issues like wandering point of view and stilted dialog. His insights are making me a better writer. Thanks, Colin!"
Todd Johnson, Author of The Jesus Effect