Add on services

Add on services

For a book to have clout, it needs to be free of those niggling grammatical errors, and inconsistencies in tense, language and storyline. Poor typography can also have a dramatic effect on the readability of a book. These are all the elements that give a book that professional touch.  The investment in these services is well worth it. 


Some authors may use colleagues, friends or family and that is great, but not everyone has people around them who can help. Purple Parrot offers these services as part of publishing services and as discrete services. This enables you to create a bespoke package that suits your specific needs. 


Proofreading

Proofreading is the last piece of work that is done once all editing and rewriting has been carried out before your manuscript is typeset. 

Your manuscript will be proofread with a focus on:
  • spelling
  • punctuation
  • grammar
  • other typos
You will receive two versions back :
  • a PDF of your manuscript with the changes marked using standard proofreading marks
  • a word document with the changes already included using track changes. If you have not used 'tracked changes' before let us know so we can explain how it works

Editing

Editing is an in depth service that looks at your manuscript as a whole. It should be carried out before the final proofread.

It concentrates on:
  • gaps and inconsistencies.
  • repetition
  • clarification 
  • redundant words or lines
  • sentence and paragraph structure
  • other items involving the content of your manuscript
You will receive two versions back :
  • a PDF of your manuscript with the changes marked using standard proofreading marks
  • a word document with the changes already included using track changes. If you have not used 'tracked changes' before let us know so we can explain how it works.

Manuscript Critique

We all need someone to look at our writing and that is especially true when writing a book. And whilst asking friends and family to take a peek and give you some feedback, you may not get the objective criticism that you actually need to increase the chance of your work being a success. This is where Purple Parrot can help.

A manuscript critique will look at these aspects:
  • structure of the work
  • plot and momentum
  • character strength - protagonist and antagonist
  • language and writing style
To get you on your way, there are three critique levels available:
  • brief/mini critique: submit a synopsis and about 10,000 words/or about 50 pages (whichever is the lesser).  You will receive a two page report giving feedback and advice on characters, writing style, story line and structure.  
    From £150

  • midi critique: submit a synopsis and the first 35,000 words - about 100-120 pages. This report is more detailed and will give some suggested changes and advice as well as feedback on characters, writing style, story line and structure.
    From £250

  • full critique: this is where you send in your full manuscript. The report you receive will look at specific issues and suggest changes to improve including word alternatives, areas that affect the flow and readability, places that weaken the story line or where there is waffle that needs cutting out.
    From £250*
    * Over 70,000 words charged £5 per extra 1,000 words. 
    Report turnaround will be confirmed at time of booking.  
From £150

Marketing

Marketing is vital for a book to attain success and of course for an author to gain financially. 
Purple Parrot will help you with marketing and is currently developing a series of marketing packages to suit a variety of needs. 

Document design and typography

You want your book to look its best and that is where innovative layout and typography comes in. 
Purple Parrot doesn't work with a 'one size fits all template'.  Your book deserves its own look and together we will develop that look. 
This service can be used by those wishing to go through self publishing themselves without using my service for that. 
Share by: