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- Pricing Information | Helmer Editions
Helmer Editions Pricing Information Editorial Prices Content Editing High‑level, big‑picture review of your manuscript to strengthen structure, flow, and clarity before you move into more detailed editing. $0.04/word Copyediting Meticulous review of your book to catch spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, and to ensure consistency with the appropriate style guide. $0.04/word Developmental Editing Big‑picture feedback on structure, organization, and flow to help you shape your ideas into a clear, engaging book for your intended audience. $0.04/word Evaluation $50/hour Thorough review of your manuscript to assess structure, flow, completeness, and overall quality. Line Editing $0.04/word A sentence-by-sentence revision that refines your writing style, tone, rhythm, and clarity without changing your big-picture story or structure. Proofreading The final step in the writing process that fixes surface-level mistakes like typos, spelling errors, punctuation issues, and formatting inconsistencies before your book is published. $0.04/word Publishing Prices Cover Design In consultation with the author, we create the book’s front, spine, and back cover to reflect your message, genre, and target audience. $25/hour Formatting/Layout/Upload We arrange the manuscript’s interior layout, apply the correct template and trim size, and upload your files for review and publication. $50/hour Ghostwriting Publication Ghostwriting a book for publication means hiring a professional writer to create the manuscript on your behalf, with full credit given to you as the author. $50/hour Multiple Sizes & Options The author determines the sale price of their book and can choose from multiple size, format, and print options to best fit their goals. Determined by Author Website Design In consultation with the client, we plan, construct, and launch a website that clearly presents your book, services, and story. Please click HERE for detailed information. $50/hour
- Profile Page | Helmer Editions
About Lynda Background and Approach Lynda Helmer of Helmer Editions is an accomplished copywriter, senior editor, layout designer, and voice artist with over thirty years of experience spanning media, academia, public education, and religious institutions. Her diverse background empowers clients to sharpen their message and achieve distinction within their industries. Now operating as a freelance editor and member of the Editorial Freelancers Association, Lynda provides elite publishing services at a fraction of the cost of traditional houses. She approaches every manuscript with deep commitment and meticulous care, making her a trusted partner for any writer looking to polish their project to perfection. "The story is yours. My priority is to protect and honor your unique authorial voice in every page I touch." Lynda Helmer, Helmer Editions Professional Profile Education, Honors, and Certifications Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts SUNY Broome, Binghamton, New York Bachelor of Arts in English, General Literature & Rhetoric Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York Certified Life Coach/Certified Master Spirit Life Coach The Coach Training Academy, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Enduring Certification recognized by the ICF (International Coaching Federation) Accredited Program of the Certified Coaches Alliance View www.helmer-holistic.com for more information Certifications in Multiple Wholistic Healing Modalities Reiki Rays Institute, Ottawa, Kansas View www.helmer-holistic.com for more information Professional Profile Marketing Designed/produced 200-year anniversary publications, including pictorial directory, for Christ Episcopal Church, Binghamton, New York Authored/edited/published anniversary publication of Two Hundred Years of Ministry, available on Amazon, for Christ Episcopal Church, Binghamton, New York Produced anniversary commemoration video for Christ Episcopal Church, Binghamton, New York Produced videos for churches, school reunions, weddings and memorials, among others. View www.reeltimememories.com for more information. The Helmer Editions Differential Advantage (press play)
- FAQ | Helmer Editions
Frequently Asked Questions Here are answers to common questions about working with Helmer Editions for editing and publishing support. For a detailed breakdown of our rates, view our full Helmer Editions pricing list HERE . General What is the typical editing timeline? The timeline for a project depends entirely on the needs and schedule of the author, and as such, is difficult to predict. We have a conversation with the author at the outset to determine the scope of the project and can then offer an estimate of how much time it will take. We encourage authors to allow the book to be born when it's ready, and it's ready when the author is completely satisfied with the full manuscript. How are editing services priced? Our prices are based on the Editorial Freelancers Association’s suggested rate chart, and we set our fees at the lower end of each range. For a simple, at‑a‑glance breakdown of what that looks like, take a look at our Pricing Information page. What is the editing process? Once you share your full manuscript with us, we review it chapter by chapter. We highlight suggested changes in red and add comments throughout the Word document for your reference. You can then accept, reject, or revise any suggestion, and we’ll incorporate your final choices into the master document. When the full manuscript has your approval, we either return the completed master file to you or, if you choose to self‑publish through Kindle Direct Publishing, we move on to formatting and preparing the book for publication. Please note that the editing fee does not include additions such as cover design, layout, formatting, or publishing. For details on how these services are priced, please see our Pricing Information page. Do you provide feedback on manuscripts? Yes. Feedback on manuscripts is often called an editorial assessment or evaluation. If you’re only looking for an evaluation, you’ll find the fee listed on our Pricing Information page. However, if you retain us for a full manuscript edit, or a full edit plus publishing support, that evaluation fee is waived and we provide ongoing feedback throughout the editorial process. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Feel free to reach out via email for personalized publishing support.
- Contact Us | Helmer Editions
Get Expert Editing & Publishing Support Your work is held in strict confidence. I personally review every inquiry and will respond within 24–48 hours to discuss how we can bring your project to life. Prefer direct email? Reach out at lyndah2@gmail.com Full name* Email address* Share a few details about your manuscript or project* Message* Submit
- Editing & Publishing Services | Helmer Editions
Editing Services Pricing Information Content Editing Content editing (also called substantive or full editing) sits between big‑picture editing and line editing. At this stage, I’m looking at both your structure and the words on the page. I work through your manuscript chapter by chapter and paragraph by paragraph to: • Check completeness, flow, and clarity of ideas and stories • Point out gaps, repetition, or confusing sections • Suggest moving, trimming, or expanding paragraphs and sections Tone and voice are also a major focus. I keep your target audience in mind to be sure the manuscript: • Sounds like you • Speaks clearly and appropriately to your readers Think of it this way: • Developmental / evaluation editing helps you build the house and decide which rooms (chapters) you need. • Content editing helps you arrange the furniture (sections and paragraphs) inside those rooms so the space feels inviting. Line editing comes later, when we zoom in to the level of individual sentences. Copyediting Copyediting is the detailed check that makes your finished manuscript look professional. Once your big picture edits are done, a copy editor goes through your book line by line to: •Catch spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors •Fix awkward wording and small usage issues •Apply the correct style guide for your genre (most books use The Chicago Manual of Style). Even careful authors miss a lot of this. We’re all too close to our own work, and most people only catch a portion of the errors on their own. That’s why copyediting and proofreading work best together. A friend or neighbor can give helpful feedback, but unless they’re a trained copy editor, they won’t know all the rules or how to style your book consistently. Copyediting doesn’t change your voice or your message. Instead, it removes distractions, so your book reads as polished and professional as it deserves to be. Developmental Editing Developmental editing (also called conceptual editing or manuscript appraisal) happens early in the process—when you have an idea, a rough outline, or an early draft and need help shaping it into a book. At this stage, the focus is on the big picture, not on punctuation or grammar. A developmental edit looks at: •Overall structure and organization •Clarity and flow of your ideas and arguments •Where stories and examples belong •Gaps, repetition, or material that may need to be cut A developmental editor helps you answer questions like: •Are any key details missing? •Is anything confusing or out of place? •Does the book build logically from start to finish? They don’t rewrite your book for you. Instead, they give clear feedback and suggestions so you can: •Organize your ideas more effectively •Strengthen your message •Create smoother transitions between sections and chapters If you’re confident in your manuscript’s structure, you may not need developmental editing. But if you’re still shaping your ideas into a book, this level of editing can be a major help. Evaluation Evaluation editing (also called manuscript critique, structural edit, or editorial assessment) is a high level review of a finished manuscript. An evaluation editor looks at: •Structure and organization •Flow and completeness •Overall quality and readiness for later stages of editing You’ll typically receive: •A short memo summarizing strengths, concerns, and suggestions •High level comments in the manuscript about structure and clarity Like developmental editing, the focus is on big picture issues rather than sentence level detail. An evaluation edit can help you decide what comes next: •If the feedback is strong overall, your book may be ready for copyediting and proofreading. •If the structure needs work, developmental editing may be the next step. •If the structure is solid but the writing needs refinement, content or line editing might be recommended. There is some overlap with developmental editing, but the key difference is timing: developmental editing can happen with an idea or early draft, while evaluation editing is done on a completed manuscript. Line Editing Line editing (also called stylistic or comprehensive editing) is the most detailed level of editing for your prose. At this stage, your book’s structure and content should already be in good shape. A line editor then goes through your manuscript line by line to focus on: •Word choice and sentence flow •Clarity and impact of each sentence •How sentences and paragraphs connect to each other Line editing is “down in the weeds.” Instead of looking at the big picture, a line editor: •Flags run on sentences, fragments, and clichés •Helps you clarify meaning and cut jargon •Tightens wordy passages so you say in five words what you first said in fifteen The goal is not just to fix errors, but to make your writing sound natural, engaging, and easy for readers to follow. Some line editors also handle copyediting at the same but that’s not always included. If you want an all in one edit, it’s important to confirm that up front. Proofreading Proofreading is the final check before your book goes to print or is published. After your manuscript has been copyedited, designed, and formatted, a proofreader reviews the proof (the laid out pages) to look for: •Typos and lingering punctuation errors •Layout issues like page numbers, headings, and spacing •Bad line or page breaks, and problems with tables or figures A proofreader isn’t there to change your content. Their job is to catch anything that slipped through earlier so the final book looks clean and professional. A simple way to remember the difference: •Copy editors catch the mistakes the author missed. •Proofreaders catch the mistakes the copy editor missed. Publishing Services Cover Design Your book’s cover is often the first—and only—chance you get to catch a reader’s eye. I work with you to create a cover that looks professional, fits your genre, and reflects the heart of your message. Cover design includes: Concept development based on your book’s content and audience Professional layout of title, subtitle, author name, and back‑cover text Thoughtful use of typography, color, and imagery Print‑ready and/or ebook‑ready files, prepared to your printer’s specifications Whether you already have a strong visual idea or don’t know where to start, I’ll help you shape a cover that feels like your book and stands out for the right reasons. Ebook Formatting & Publication Ebooks have their own rules for layout, navigation, and readability on different devices. I’ll format your manuscript so it looks clean and professional on major e‑readers and is ready for upload. I will provide: Proper ebook formatting based on your book’s structure and genre Clean chapter breaks, headings, and internal navigation (table of contents, links) Consistent styling for paragraphs, quotes, and special elements Files prepared to the specifications of major ebook platforms (such as Kindle and others) You’ll receive polished ebook files that are ready to upload so you can focus on reaching readers, not wrestling with formatting. Format/Layout/Upload Formatting, layout, and upload are the behind‑the‑scenes steps that turn your edited manuscript into a professional book file ready for print or ebook publication. I handle the technical details so you don’t have to. Format: Set up your book to match the correct trim size and self‑publishing template Layout: Arrange text, headings, page breaks, and front/back matter so each page looks clean and front/back matter so each page looks clean and readable Upload: Prepare and upload your files to Kindle Direct Publishing (and similar platforms) for review and publication This service is ideal if you want a professional result without spending hours wrestling with templates, settings, and upload requirements. Ghostwriting & Publication Ghostwriting a book for publication means hiring a professional writer to create the manuscript on your behalf, with full credit given to you as the author. We work from your ideas, notes, and/or interview recordings and turn them into polished prose. Together with the author we work on: Clarifying your book’s purpose, audience, and key message Developing a clear outline and structure for the manuscript Conducting interviews and working from your notes, drafts, or recordings Writing the manuscript in your voice and style Revising based on your feedback so the book feels authentically yours Most ghostwriting projects are completed with self‑publishing in mind, so we can also discuss next steps for editing, formatting, and getting your finished book ready to share with readers. Multiple Size Options Different books call for different sizes and finishes. I’ll help you choose the right format for your manuscript and prepare files that match your printer’s specifications. Standard 6" x 9" paperback formatting (ideal for most nonfiction and trade books) 8.5" x 11" formatting for hardcovers, workbooks, and academic or study‑guide style books Ebook formatting options for digital editions Choice of matte or glossy cover finish Choice of white or cream interior pages Option to include interior images (with pricing adjusted for image‑heavy books) Together, we’ll choose the size and options that best fit your book’s purpose, audience, and budget. Website Design In addition to editing and publishing support, I also offer website design for authors. Together, we’ll create a site that clearly presents your book, your services, and your story in a way that feels like you and is easy for readers to navigate. I will design a site that has: Clear, reader‑friendly layout and structure Copy that highlights your books and services Simple paths for visitors Website Design Options
- Website Design | Helmer Editions
Website Design 1. We Help You Define Your Core Purpose and Goals In conversation with the client we gain clarity on why they want a website and what specific actions the client wants visitors to take (e.g., buy a product, book a service or sign up for a newsletter). We align with the client to ensure we both agree on the primary objectives before layout design even begins. 2. We Help You Understand Your Target Audience We will research who will actually use the site by looking at demographics, technical skill levels, and expectations. We will design the site to appeal to the client's potential customers and the customer's preferences as opposed to the client's personal taste. 3. We Help You Prioritize Simple Navigation and User Experience (UX) We will keep the website intuitive by building a clean, logical menu structure so users can find key information, like contact details or pricing, in just a few clicks. We will reduce clutter by applying a clear visual hierarchy with readable fonts, proper spacing, and strategic call-to-action buttons. 4. We Manage Client Boundaries and Handoff We will set clear contracts by outlining the scope of work, pricing and revision limits from the start. We will plan in advance for maintenance of the website by deciding together who will handle domain registration, hosting ownership and future updates so the client isn't left stranded after lalunch. Let's Plan Your Website
- Home | Helmer Editions
Refining Manuscripts Because everyone has a story... Helmer Editions provides professional developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading services to authors and publishers seeking industry-standard refinement. Get a Quote EDITING • PUBLISHING • WEBSITE DESIGN • Content Ensures manuscript is flawless in terms of grammar, spelling, word choices, consistency, stentence structure and style. Evaluation Polishing your manuscript for clarity, consistency, reader engagement, word choice, storyline flow, and professional tone across all formats. Learn More Learn More Editorial Services Copyediting Deep linguistic refinement for clarity, consistency, and voice. Line Editing Structural refinement and narrative architecture to ensure your manuscript meets industry standards. Learn More Learn More Developmental Editing Structural refinement and narrative architecture to ensure your manuscript meets industry standards. Proofreading Final meticulous review to catch errors and ensure your manuscript is ready for publication. Learn More Learn More Cover Design Ensures manuscript is flawless in terms of grammar, spelling, word choices, consistency, stentence structure and style. Ghostwriting & Publishing Structural refinement and narrative architecture to ensure your manuscript meets industry standards. Learn More Learn More Publication Services Ebook Formatting & Publication Polishing your manuscript for clarity, consistency, reader engagement, word choice, storyline flow, and professional tone across all formats. Multiple Sizes & Options Offers paperback, hardback , and Ebook options for publication. Learn More Learn More Format/Layout/Upload Deep linguistic refinement for clarity, consistency, and voice. Website Design Final meticulous review to catch errors and ensure your manuscript is ready for publication. Learn More Learn More The Editorial Collective Lynda Helmer, Founder and Senior Editor, Helmer Editions Lynda brings decades of expertise to every manuscript. With a backgrounds in publishing and literary arts, she provides the meticulous refinement needed to elevate your work to industry standards. Meet Lynda "Lynda is an experienced professional who is skilled at website design and development, editing narrative, selecting visual representations/images, and creating text transitions. She is an alchemist, masterful at taking a vague idea, wandering writing, or unfocused concept and transforming it into a vision that transcends expectations, creating a product that delights, inspires, and captures the attention of viewers/users. She has served as senior editor for numerous books in a variety of genres, and was responsible for their content editing, cover design, book formatting and publication. Her vision, creative skills, and guidance can greatly transform writing, improve focus, and create engaging appeal with an audience. She designed my website from a business card and a conversation of ideas. It’s as if she sees inside your mind and then expands upon your own vision, creating an inviting and inspiring product that exceeds the expected value." — Judith L. Hawkins, Certified Grief Educator "Lynda's work as a content editor was instrumental in helping me bring my long book project to completion and publication on Amazon.. She was also very skilled in designing the front and back covers of the book and formatting it for publication through Amazon. Her manner was consistently positive and encouraging, which was also most helpful to me. I am happy to recommend her work." — Michael Hall, Ph.D , Author “Lynda was a huge help to me when I was stuck on a book project (Broadus Unbound). The manuscript was finished and languishing for want of the necessary formatting. It was difficult, to say the least, because the work consisted mostly of historic letters, and you don’t want to have headings/salutations and sign-offs sitting alone on a page that doesn’t contain their letter content. And every time you adjust one line it can mess up something else. It was maddening! Lynda cheerfully applied her expertise and worked with me through the long effort. The result was professional-looking and just what I hoped for. I was and am grateful!” Betsy Reeder, Author "I hold Lynda in wide esteem for her talent, her patience and her tireless efforts as copy editor and cover designer for the second edition of my book 'Heart and Mind: The Four-Gospel Journey For Radical Transformation' and as copy editor for my book 'Returning From Camino.' I have always counted the editors of my books among my teachers, and Lynda is no exception. These two works came to fruition because of her skill, her perseverance, her patience and her incredible kindness. Always, she was kind." Alexander John Shaia, Author & Founder, Quadratos.org "I am honored to have worked with Lynda on my memoir. She did an amazing job proofreading and editing my book. Her proficient, accurate and efficient work helped me meet my deadline. Thanks to Lynda, I was able to publish my story and accomplish my dream. Lynda's kind-heart, compassion, support and professionalism is inspiring for writers. I look forward to working with her on my next book.Thank you, Lynda! You are truly an inspiration!" Wendy Short, Author "I had the opportunity to work with Lynda in the publishing of my first novel. She orchestrated my manuscript through the necessary steps to get it published. As a ghostwriter she turned my manuscript into a finished product. Her foresight led to the publishing of two more books creating a three-book series. I highly recommend Lynda as a ghostwriter and editor." Steve O'Neil, Author Author Success Ready to Bring Your Book to Life? Start Your Journey
