SERVICES AND FEES

Rates for the ghostwriting, manuscript evaluation, editing, and other services listed below are based on manuscripts with standard formatting (double spaced, at least 12-point type, at least 1-inch margins on all sides, per-page word count of about 250 words). 

Manuscript Evaluation

We offer three evaluation options: a preliminary manuscript evaluation, a comprehensive manuscript evaluation, or a book-proposal evaluation.

Preliminary Manuscript Evaluation ($295)

Are you at a point where you can use objective feedback on your book manuscript? A preliminary manuscript evaluation by Casco Bay Literary Services could be one of the best investments you make in your book project.

With this economical service, we don't just provide a short email or phone call. You'll get a written report of at least 5-7 pages on your book's strengths and weaknesses and on its marketability. That's not all. We take great interest in our clients' success and will try to follow up on your project as it moves through the publishing process, providing occasional email advice for free.

Comprehensive Manuscript Evaluation ($3.50 per page)

Are you looking for an in-depth appraisal of your manuscript and its commercial potential before approaching agents and publishers? In a comprehensive manuscript evaluation we'll address questions like these: What are the book's strengths? How can you eliminate the kinds of weaknesses publishers often consider serious flaws (lack of substantive content, lack of dramatic interest, poorly developed arguments, disorganization, and so on)? Are your goals for the project realistic, in terms of the agents and publishers you're planning to approach and the level of financial success you're hoping for? What should you do next to move the project forward?

As the term implies, a manuscript evaluation doesn't usually involve actual editing or rewriting—though we may do some work along these lines to show you how to fix recurring problems in your book. What Casco Bay Literary Services provides in a comprehensive manuscript evaluation is a detailed report (usually 20 pages or more) assessing your book's publishability and providing suggestions on how you can correct any apparent weaknesses.

Book-Proposal Evaluation ($295)

Book-proposal evaluations are among our most popular services. The proposal package for a nonfiction book typically consists of a cover letter, an author bio, an overview of the book, information on the market and on competing books, a promotion plan, a chapter outline, and one or more sample chapters. We'll evaluate your proposal, giving you extensive feedback to help you present your project in the best possible light.

We normally throw in a few suggestions on appropriate agents for free; we can do more extensive agent research for you for an additional fee.

Ghostwriting and Extensive Rewrites

Casco Bay Literary Services welcomes writing and ghostwriting assignments on a wide range of topics. We have extensive research capabilities, so we can tackle almost any project from the ground up.

The fees below are for book-length manuscripts. We handle shorter documents as well; contact us with a description of your project and we'll be glad to provide an estimate.

Ghostwriting ($15,000 and up)

Have you always dreamed of writing a book but aren't sure how to go about it? Have you made an important professional discovery or other accomplishment but need help writing it up so as to bring it to the attention of a wider audience? Do you want to give your business venture more visibility by publishing a book, but don't have writers on your staff? Do you have great ideas for a memoir or family history, but lack the time to put it together?

We can help you make your publishing goals a reality by ghostwriting your book for you. Throughout the writing process, our ghostwriter will work closely with you to produce a book that reflects your concept and vision. Contact us now to discuss the details.

Extensive Rewrites ($10,000 and up)

If you've already written a book but feel it needs a major overhaul, we can provide an extensive rewrite.

Book Editing ($4-$10 per page; contact us for an estimate)

When people think of manuscript editing, they usually think of copyediting—in which grammatical and other mechanical aspects of a manuscript are improved. There are other kinds of book editing as well. For example, developmental editing or substantive editing (also called content editing or line editing) emphasizes content revision and reorganization to bring a book into line with agents' and publishers' standards and to make it more competitive with similar books.

In consultation with you, we'll determine the most appropriate type of editing for your book.

"I want to thank…you…for the meticulous work you did with the manuscript. I am extremely pleased with the vast majority of the changes and suggestions made. They have tremendously helped to improve the writing.…Because of your wonderful work I now have a much deeper appreciation for the work of editors."

—Professor K. E.-M., Los Angeles

Consultation, Mentoring, and Tutorials ($60 per hour)

If you have a specific publishing problem you'd like to discuss, or just feel a need for mentoring or moral support, we offer consultation services.

Turnaround Time

We schedule projects in the order received but can sometimes accommodate rush jobs for a higher fee. We generally return preliminary evaluations in about three weeks. Typical turnaround time for comprehensive, full-book evaluations and editing is six to eight weeks. The time frame varies for extensive rewrites and ghostwriting; we'll send you a more precise estimate after reviewing your project.

Privacy

Casco Bay Literary Services places a high priority on confidentiality and will not release information on clients to third parties under any circumstances. We may occasionally ask clients' permission to include their "testimonials" or comments about our work on our website or in promotional materials.

Further Information

For help with the writing and publishing process, see our free special reports. Feel free to contact us at info@cascobayliteraryservices.com with questions or comments. We look forward to working with you to help you make your publishing goals a reality.

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