Author Helps
A platform of free resources and reliable referrals for authors and the writing community. For authors, from authors, editors, and artists.
More information and resources added regularly.
Looking for something specific but can't find it? Contact below with your request!
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Reliable Referrals: Editors
Ashley Mingus
Copy Editor, Proofreader
Ashley is an experienced Copy Editor and Proofreader with a Master's in Art History. She owns and operates her own freelance editing company at AE Freelance Editing. She has experience with fiction, non-fiction, and technical writing.
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YES: Any Genre, Fiction, Non-fiction, Technical
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NO: Horror
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CONTACT: www.aefreelancing.com
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PRICING: $30 per 3,000 words/hour
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Ses Elis
Content/Developmental Editor
Jeph is an experienced Content/Developmental Editor. He has experience in fiction novels and novellas.
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YES: Literary fiction, Science Fiction, Magical Realism, Fantasy
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NO: Romance
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CONTACT: shadowenchantment.wordpress.com
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PRICING: $35 per 3,000 words/hour
Tycho Dorian
Content Editor, Copy Editor, Cover Design
Tycho is an experienced Content/Developmental and Copy Editor, and he offers publishing consultations. He has an MA in publishing and can help new authors self-publish or indie publish their books.
He has experience in YA and middle grade as well as adult fantasy and all fantasy sub-genres.
YES: He accepts YA, Middle Grade, and Fantasy/Fantasy sub-genres including Steampunk, Sci-Fi Fantasy, and High Fantasy
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NO: Erotica
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CONTACT: tychodorian.com
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PRICING: $40 per 3,000 words/hour
Lou J Berger
Content Editor, Copy Editor, Proofreader
Lou J Berger is an experienced Editor. He has experience with short stories, flash fiction, novels, and series. He is most proficient in genre fiction.
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YES: He accepts Steampunk, Sci-Fi Fantasy, Westerns, Crimes, Thrillers, and more.
NO: He won't edit stories where rape or pederasty takes place.
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CONTACT: Lou@LouJBerger.com
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PRICING: $50 to $75/hour based on project. First 5-10 pages are free and hourly estimate is based off that work.
Looking for a service? All service providers for Author Helps have been vetted for your assurance. You will be working with an experienced and qualified professional.
Reliable Referrals: Editors
Heidi Kraakevik
Content Editor, Copy Editor, Proofreader
Heidi is a YA author with three completed novels. She has also taught English literature and writing to students from middle school through graduate levels; has directed a writing center; and has judged writing competitions, including critiques.
YES: She accepts MG, YA, adult — fantasy, sci-fi, literary fiction, romance, historical fiction, and short stories. She will also accept non-fiction and poetry.
NO: She will not accept — paranormal, horror, erotica, or gratuitous violence.
CONTACT: hkraakevik@gmail.com
PRICING: $40 per 3,000 words/hour
Ariel Fagiola
Copy Editor, Proofreader
Ariel is an experienced Copy Editor and Proofreader. She has experience in short stories, flash fiction, and literary fiction.
YES: She accepts most genres and subjects.
NO: poetry, historical non-fiction, and science fiction.
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CONTACT: afagiola@gmail.com
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PRICING: $35 per 3,000 words/hour
Erica Roberts
Copy Editor, Proofreader
Erica is an experienced Copy Editor and Proofreader. She has experience in fiction novels, novellas, and short stories.
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YES: She accepts all genres in fiction and formats
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NO: non-fiction, technical, or trade
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CONTACT: bookworm.roberts@gmail.com
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PRICING: $40 per 3,000 words/hour
Scott Kinkade
Proofreader
Scott is an experienced Proofreader at Proofread Excelsior. He has experience in a variety of genres as well as fiction and non-fiction.
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YES: He accepts all genres in fiction and formats, and some non-fiction.
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NO: Highly technical papers our journals requiring specialized terminology.
CONTACT: skinkade@proofreadexcelsior.com and
​PRICING: $0.01/per word
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Reliable Referrals: Artists
J. James McFarland
Cover Designer and Illustrator
J. James McFarland is an experienced artist who has worked with graphic novels, cover design, and interior illustration. He has been with Spine Press & Post since 2019.
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YES: Any genre.
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NO: Contact if you are unsure. Explicitly violent and sexual are unlikely.
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CONTACT: j@jjamesmcfarland.com
jjamesdesignandillustration.com
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PRICING: Contact for quote.
Pre-mades range around $200-$400
Tycho Dorian
Cover Designer
Tycho is also an illustrator and cover artist who specializes in eBook and print cover design.
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YES: He has experience in YA, Middle Grade, and Fantasy/Fantasy sub-genres including Steampunk, Sci-Fi Fantasy, and High Fantasy
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NO: Contact for details
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CONTACT: tychodorian.com
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PRICING: Contact for quote. Covers range from $100 to $400 depending on complexity and interior illustrations range from $50 to $250 depending on complexity.
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Colton Muheim
Cover Designer and Illustrator
Colton is an illustrator and cover artist who specializes in picture book illustrations, and eBook and print cover design.
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YES: He has experience in Fantasy/Fantasy sub-genres including Steampunk, Sci-Fi Fantasy, and High Fantasy.
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NO: Explicitly sexual (porn) or racist. Contact for details on anything depicting violence.
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CONTACT: coltonmuheim@gmail.com and coltsart.com
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PRICING: Contact for quote.
Pre-mades start at $250 for print and eBook bundle. Custom design starts at $400 and goes up based on complexity and design.
Illustrations start at $100 and go up based on complexity and design.