You've come to the right place.

Whatever your project, I'm here to contribute and help you grow.

"Elliot was able to tune into my tone of voice and offer suggestions that matched my writing style. Not all editors can do that."

-Dylan H. Jones, author of the best-selling Detective Tudor Manx series

I love to read, and from an early age I realized I have a talent for improving

Every book is unique, and has unique needs. I'm here to assess and address those needs.

Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Combination Line & Copy Editing

This is the publishing fast track. Get your manuscript cleaned up and ready to go. This service focuses on:

  • Sentence Flow & Word Choice

  • Clarity & Logic

  • Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling

I will go through your manuscript sentence by sentence making changes and suggestions using Microsoft Word Track Changes. You will receive an edited, annotated manuscript as well as a style sheet for future reference.

Pricing: $20 / 1000 Words

Note: If you're only doing one editing pass, this is the one!

Proofreading

Your manuscript is ready to go...almost.

  • Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling

I will go through your manuscript character by character with a fine tooth comb. I will catch typos, missing, commas, and various other small mistakes.

Note: A proofread should be the very last pass on your manuscript.

Pricing: $13 / 1000 Words

You Missed a Spot!

I See It, I See the Cosmos!

Developmental / Structural Editing

This is taking a step back and looking at the big picture. Are the characters working? What about the pacing? Is that part about the the economic conditions on the moon too long?

  • Characters

  • Pacing

  • Plot

  • More!

I won't be looking for any one thing, but this will be a general look to figure out what is working and what isn't, and provide some guidance on what you might be able to do to fix it. You will receive an annotated manuscript, as well as an editorial letter.

Pricing: $20 / 1000 Words

Note: If you're not prepared to make major changes, this may not be the edit for you. I will be making little to no changes to the manuscript.

The Best Possible Version of Your Story

Developmental Editing

Gain insight into the big picture. Highlight issues with pacing, characters, world, and other high-level issues to keep your story engaging and believable.

Line Editing

Improve flow and readability. Enhance your story on the sentence and paragraph level with changes and suggestions to improve logic, rhythm, and flow, while keeping the story in your voice.

Every Sentence Counts

Polished and Ready to Publish

Copyediting & Proofreading

Prepare your manuscript for publishing. Eliminate errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and usage.

Elliot Scott Lard

I am a freelance editor who works with authors to bring out the best possible version of their story—from characters and plot, to the rhythm of each individual sentence. With a Certificate in Editing from the University of Washington, and experience as a writer myself, I understand the journey from both sides.
My personal practices in juggling and meditation shape the way that I do everything. Juggling has given me the ability to persist with equanimity until what once felt impossible flows as easily as walking; meditation has given me awareness to notice what I need to notice, and clarity to act accordingly. Along with my lifelong passion for reading, the result is having a strong intuition for what isn’t working, and how to fix it.

I'd love to hear from you

Tell me about you and your project.