The Dude Edits and Formats

Clarity. Voice. Structure. Support. No stress.

Whether you’re knee-deep in your draft or polishing for publication, The Plot Dude offers chill, thorough, and story-focused editing services that meet you where you are.

Below are the editing options available—each one designed to help you shape your story without crushing your vibe.

Manuscript Evaluations and Developmental Edits

For most authors, I recommend a manuscript evaluation over a developmental edit. You'll have to do a lot more of the work yourself, but it saves you a lot of money, as you can see, and you will learn more. However, in some cases, a developmental edit or book coaching is more desirable when you need guidance every step of the way. Either way, most edits with me start with a manuscript evaluation. Before we can figure out what kind of edit you need, we need to determine where your manuscript is now, and often you are not the best judge of that. So it's best to get a professional opinion.

🧠 Manuscript Evaluations – 1.5¢ per word

Need a professional eye but not ready for a full edit? Get a detailed summary of what’s working and what’s not.

Great for:

Early drafts you’re unsure about
Writers on a budget who want guidance before revisions

Includes:

A 3–5 page evaluation letter
Notes on story structure, character, tension, pacing, and theme
Optional follow-up Q&A by email or a Zoom call

📚 Developmental Editing – 5¢ per word

Big-picture feedback on your story’s structure, pacing, characters, arcs, theme, and emotional payoff.

Great for:

Novels and memoirs in early or mid-draft form
Writers who need clear, actionable guidance on story shape

Includes:

Inline comments throughout the manuscript
A detailed editorial letter with suggestions and analysis
Optional follow-up call to review feedback

Proofreading and Copy/Line Edits

I do offer line editing, but I don't do much proofreading I outsource it or recommend you to another editor in most cases. But if you really need it and I am available, I will do it for you.

✏️ Line & Copy Editing – 3.5¢ per word

Refining your sentences, smoothing the language, and ensuring your voice shines—while also catching inconsistencies, redundancies, and grammatical bumps.

Great for:

Manuscripts that are structurally solid and ready for polish

Includes:

In-document edits using tracked changes
Suggestions for word choice, rhythm, and flow
Light grammar/spelling corrections

🔍 Proofreading – 1.5¢ per word

Final pass before formatting. We’re talking typos, punctuation, and sneaky little errors that slipped through the cracks.

Great for:

Completed manuscripts post-edit, pre-pub

Includes:

Spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting consistency check
Minor style corrections

📐 Book Formatting – Starting at $75

Clean, simple formatting for print and digital. Includes basic styling for:

Chapter headings
Scene breaks
Page layout
Front/back matter

$75 flat rate for basic formatting (up to 90,000 words)

Contact for advanced formatting, including:

Drop caps, special fonts, design-heavy layouts
Poetry, workbooks, or illustrated books

“Plot Nihilists believe in nothing. Don’t be like them.”