Experience
I earned a Master of Arts in Writing, Literature and Publishing from Emerson College. I then went on to work as a project manager for Houghton Mifflin and development editor for Pearson before leaving to focus on my family and my own writing.
Sample Edits
I will look at the first chapter of a manuscript for free to determine whether I feel I can be of any help to the author. Note that I do not read erotica or gore (some sex and horror are okay; content warnings are appreciated). Absolutely NO animal cruelty, as in NO graphic torture or murder of animals.
Q: What do you charge?
I charge $0.017 per word, rounded UP to the nearest thousand. For that, you get three passes of edits, which include both grammar correction and proofreading/copy editing (I use Merriam-Webster as my dictionary), plus running commentary in which I will mark anything inconsistent or any holes or open questions that agents or readers are likely to have while reading, giving you (the author) an opportunity to address those issues. I ask for 50% at the time I begin work and 50% upon completion, payable through Venmo or PayPal.
Q: Why are you so inexpensive?
A: Because editing isn’t what pays my bills. I just believe in being paid for my time, effort, and skill. I’m also not a member of any guild, union, or official organization. I’m flattered when people trust me with their work—and usually my clients come via referral from people I already know—and I accept only about three editing jobs per year due to having my own projects and deadlines. I have a degree in writing, and I worked in publishing as an editor, so it’s not lack of ability that causes my rates to be low. I simply don’t rely on freelance work for my livelihood and have no interest in eclipsing those who do, so I am selective about the projects I accept and do not take very many.
Q: Do you beta read?
I do sometimes beta read if I can fit it into my schedule. Please contact me if you’re interested in having me beta read your book.
Q: How can I reach you?
The best way to reach me is via social media. I’m @mplbooks.bsky.social on Bluesky, Amanda_Innes on TikTok, and MPL Books on YouTube and Threads. If you’ve been referred to me by a client, you will probably have my email and can contact me that way.
Some books I’ve worked on include:
- You Are Not Alone: A Heartfelt Guide to Grief, Healing, and Hope by Debbie Augenthaler
- The Vintner’s Legacy by Kristen Harnisch
- No Accounting for Destiny by Kimberly Emerson (beta reader)
- Various textbooks for West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, and ITT Technical Institute