Services
From final touch ups to deep dive substantive inputs,
I've got you covered.
Proofreading
Ready to submit? Let me conduct a final review and quality check of your work. Spelling, grammar, punctuation, word use, and formatting are reviewed.
Prices start at $20/hour
Approximately 2,500 words/hour
Copyediting
I'll proofread as well as ensure consistent style, readability, and flow. I'll ask you about factual errors and gaps, biased language, and organizational issues.
Prices start at $30/hour
Approximately 1,250 words/hour
Substantive Editing
This is where I dig deepest into your content. In addition to proofreading and copyediting, I'll review your voice and argument, and fact check your resources.
Prices start at $40/hour
Approximately 750 words/hour
FAQs
How long does an average project take?
Average project completion time depends on the length of the document and desired level of editing.
For example, a ten page high school essay, requiring proofreading only, may take only an hour.
A PhD dissertation meant for publication, with hundreds of pages and requiring substantive editing, may require seventy hours or more.
A professional letter requiring editing and some rewriting for narrative and continuity of message may require 1-2 hours.
Please contact me with your project and expectations and we can determine what works best for the both of us.
How do you edit documents?
I prefer to use Microsoft Word's tracked changes and commenting features. This allows you to see my recommended changes and rationale, and accept or reject the changes at your discretion.
I encourage the use of email to clarify questions and concerns throughout the process.
How much experience do you have?
I am an independent proofreader and editor, and have been trusted for years to review and edit family, friend, and coworker documents. When able, I take proofreading and editing courses to complement my years of informal education.
Please be aware my service rates reflect my aspirant professional status.
Thank you for your trust as I continue my journey. I promise what I lack in formal education, I make up in dedication and hard work.
To read more about me, please continue scrolling down.
Ok, how does this work?
Typically:
You'll contact me for a consultation regarding your document. We'll discuss your expectations and needs.
If we agree to continue, I'll ask you to sign a contract. After signatures, you'll send your document(s) to me and submit 50% payment of the anticipated total cost through payment applications (Cash App, Venmo, PayPal).
I'll then begin working on your document, asking clarification questions throughout the process.
If I'm proofreading, I'll return your document by the anticipated completion date.
If I'm copyediting or providing substantive edits, expect I'll check in with you numerous times, possibly sending the document back and forth between us prior to completion.
Do you desire greater privacy? Ask me about using encrypted communication, your preferred storage medium, and auto- or manual-delete agreements.
About Black Cat
Hello, I’m Stacy Rankin, principal editor and owner of Black Cat Copyediting.
I realized I had a knack for editing when college friends, coworkers, and family routinely reached out to me to review their work. When I became the dedicated office nitpicker, I knew I had something special.
I decided I wanted to help others reach their goals, grow my experience, and remote work for occasional gas money. I started Black Cat.
I have a master of philosophy in military strategy, master's degree in political science, and a bachelor's degree in political science and psychology. I am active duty military, and have served for seventeen years. When able, I hone my skills further by taking formal courses in proofreading and copyediting.
My dream is to enable your grandest aspirations by ensuring your voice is heard loudly, accurately, and professionally. If you’d like my help reviewing your work, please reach out to me; I’d love to join your journey.