Whether you’re preparing to shop your latest project around to agents and publishers, or you’re planning to self-publish, every book needs a proper examination from an unbiased third party. That’s where I come in. Think of me as a book doctor. Your manuscript might need a routine check-up, or it might require something far more extreme and invasive-—either way, I’m here to help.
I have worked as a professional editor for over a decade. My career kicked off as an assistant editor of the now-defunct Dark Moon Digest, and it only blossomed from there. Since 2012, I have worked as the co-publisher and head editor of Ghoulish Books (formerly Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing). Nothing we publish reaches the printer without first earning my editorial approval. I am also the editor-in-chief of Ghoulish Tales, a professional-paying magazine of horror fiction. I have edited ten anthologies–including the extremely popular Lost Signals–and mentored other aspiring anthologists into publishing their dream projects.
In addition to editing, I have made a name for myself as both a novelist and produced screenwriter. My collection, Abnormal Statistics, was included on Esquire’s Best Horror Books of 2023, and my latest novel I Believe in Mister Bones recently released through Apocalypse Party Press. My novella, We Need to Do Something, was adapted into a feature film starring Pat Healy, Vinessa Shaw, and Sierra McCormick, and distributed through IFC Midnight in 2021 after premiering at the Tribeca Film Fest. Not only did I write the screenplay for the adaptation, but I was also present on set for the entirety of the film’s production. I have since worked on other screenplay projects, as both a writer and editorial consultant, but nothing else I can publicly disclose at this time.
Hiring me and utilizing my freelance services will not get you published. I cannot guarantee that. No honest editor can. The same thing goes for my screenplay consultation. I cannot get your movie made, and I cannot get your manuscript accepted. But what I can promise is this: careful, genuine analysis from someone with immense experience in the dark speculative field. I will comb through your work and highlight what I think is working, yes, but also target in on everything I think could use some help. We will closely work together until your project is as best as it can be. I will assist you into realizing your work’s full potential. Will this guarantee success with publishers and producers? Unfortunately not. But will this increase your odds of standing out among the ever-increasing crowds of other writers submitting their work? Absolutely.
I am also more than happy to work with authors looking to self-publish and other small presses interested in contracting outside help.
Here are my rates:
COPY EDITING – $0.02 PER WORD
An in-depth proofread correcting typos, grammar issues, sentence structure, and any other non-developmental errors or awkwardness.
DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING – $0.03 PER WORD
An exhaustive analysis of story, characters, pacing, narrative structure, and anything else related to the big picture of the manuscript.
DEVELOPMENTAL & COPY EDITING – $0.04 PER WORD
A discounted bundle of both my copy editing and developmental editing services.
SCREENPLAY CONSULTATION – $4.00 PER PAGE
Pretty much the same services offered in my “developmental & copy editing” bundle, but adapted for screenplays.
SECOND-ROUND REVISIONS – VARIES
If you’ve made extensive revisions to your project based on my developmental notes, I will go over your project again and let you know what I think of the latest draft. Books: $0.01 per word. Screenplays: $2.00 per page.
Interested in working together? Shoot me an email at maxboothiii@gmail.com. Please include the word “EDITING” somewhere in the subject line. Somewhere in the body of the email you should also include what type of editorial service you’re looking to purchase (see above for options). Additionally, tell me as much about your project as you can, including genre, word count, publication goals, and anything else that comes to mind. No need to attach the manuscript right away. First we’ll exchange a couple emails ascertaining whether or not I’m the right person for the job.
“Max is a phenomenal editor. If you’re looking for someone who will help you take your story to the next level, from clarifying character motivations to working out pesky plot details, to annihilating typos and massaging the indelicate phrasing out of your MS, you can’t do better.”
—Brian Asman, author of Man, Fuck This House
Please note that I will require the first half of all payments up front before starting on any projects. Once I’ve accepted your project to edit, you will receive an invoice.
Also an important disclaimer: No project utilizing my freelance editorial services may be considered by Ghoulish Books at a later date. I don’t want to accidentally lead anybody on into thinking our small press is a “pay to get published” company, so I think making this a hard, unbreakable rule up front helps avoid any false speculation there. My freelance editing and my publishing company are two completely different businesses. There will be no crossover here.
OTHER FREELANCE SERVICES
INTERIOR BOOK DESIGN – Formatting services for both digital and print. Rates vary depending on project. Contact Lori Michelle Booth for more information: lorimichelle7411@yahoo.com.
ARTWORK – Book covers, interior illustrations, pfp commissions, and more! Visit bettyrocksteady.com to explore Betty’s services.