Need an Editor who is also a Gamer?

I’m an award-winning author, editor, and creative writing coach who brings over 30 years of gaming experience to the task of making your RPG project the best it can be.  I’ll read and annotate your RPG manual, module, or supplement, and address not only to the surface level grammar, spelling, and flow issues, but also any issues, exploits, or confusion that may exist in the rules and explanations in your text.

Let me know if you’re on a tight budget or have a particularly large manuscript — I’d be happy to work with you to find a rate that fits your project and situation.

Developmental (Content) Editing

4 cents per word -- $10/page

This level of editing focuses on the architecture of your manuscript and how ideas are presented and structured. I try to explain why something isn’t working or might be an issue, then offer some examples of how to fix or address these problems. Editing contract includes a free 1-hour consultation to discuss the results of the edit. 

Copy Editing / Line Editing

3 cents per word -- $7.50/page

This level of editing is about polishing a final draft of a manuscript and getting it ready for press. The manuscript at this point will have already been written and rewritten a few times, and you’ll have already caught the obvious issues. I’ll focus on fixing any lingering grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other mechanical errors that may have been missed, while also working on making the text clear, consistent, and enjoyable to read.

Proofreading

2 cents per word -- $5/page

This level of editing is about polishing a final draft of a manuscript and getting it ready for press. The manuscript at this point will have already been written and rewritten a few times, and you’ll have already caught the obvious issues. I’ll focus on fixing any lingering grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other mechanical errors that may have been missed, while also working on making the text clear, consistent, and enjoyable to read.

Creative Writing Coaching

If you are seeking help with a creative manuscript (novel, stories, poetry) or project (worldbuilding, lore, etc) visit my personal site (www.neil-aitken.com) for more information about my writing coaching services. I’ve been working as creative writing coach for the last 5 years and have helped many published and unpublished poets, fiction writers, and essayists hone their voice, finish their projects, and find publication.

Testimonials

Mr. Aitken edited the rule book for my role-playing game, RISE. He did general editing, along with mechanics clarification and suggestions on layout. I was impressed with his timely, consistent, and thorough commentary. Mr. Aitken’s feedback was clear and relevant; he was particularly attentive to how the game worked, and offered a number of helpful suggestions from the perspective of a potential player, as well as an editor (and a creative writer). I feel confident that my work was in good hands precisely because Mr. Aitken is both an accomplished editor and a gamer himself. I was impressed by his reasonable price, his professionalism, and his insight. If you want someone who will handle your project with care, and offer you useful constructive criticism, Mr. Aitken is a great choice!

—Jonathan Boyd, Game Designer, RISE