John J. Geoghegan is an editor, journalist and author of three non-fiction books including, “Operation Storm” and the memoir, “Hear Today, Gone Tomorrow.” He's published over a hundred magazine and newspaper articles and as Director of The SILOE Research Institute's Archival Division reports on unusual inventions that fail in the marketplace despite their innovative nature. John's editorial services are available for hire by anyone interested in improving the quality of their writing.
Editorial Services + Pricing
Writing your first book and expecting it to get published is like playing tennis for the first time and expecting to qualify for Wimbledon. Unless you’re extraordinarily talented or lucky, you need a coach.
I've not only worked at Doubleday, which was the largest publisher in the U.S. at the time, I've been employed as a newspaper and magazine editor, am the author of four books, and have written hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles. Additionally, I’ve taught freelance writing at Fairfield University, and still teach a Zoom course, HOW TO GET YOUR BOOK PUBLISHED. As a result, I can help polish your novel, ghostwrite your memoir, provide a commercial assessment of your writing project, or help bring to fruition that story you always wanted to tell so it has the best chance of being accepted in the competitive world of commercial publishing.
My real-world experience combined with my frank approach to subjects many authors, agents, and publishers are reluctant to talk about can help an aspiring author successfully navigate the often confusing sometimes contradictory world of book publishing.
Editorial services are billed either at a rate of $85 an hour, or a flat fee, depending on the project and service required. Services and costs are described on the right side of this page.
Writing should be a joy. When it's not, I can help you to knock down the barriers you’re struggling with whether they’re psychological, practical, structural or otherwise, to reclaim excitement in your manuscript.
There are many keys I can show you to unlock the secrets of better writing.
Writing doesn’t have to be painful. Let me show you how to recapture the joy.
We've all been there but there's no reason to stay there. Overcoming writing obstacles is a lot easier than you think. With over 30 years of professional writing experience, I can help you achieve your literary goals. Click here for a free consultation.
HOW TO GET YOUR BOOK PUBLISHED
Need to find a literary agent? Don't know which publishing house is best for you? Wondering what a "standard" publishing contract should contain? Want to understand the difference between traditional publishers, hybrid publishers, and self-publishing? Harness my experience on both sides of the publisher’s desk to better understand how to get your book published.
Consultations generally run $85 an hour. Click the button to discuss your project and receive a free cost estimate for a customized publishing strategy.
ASSESSING your Manuscript
Once you've finished your memoir, novel, or work of nonfiction (but before you're ready to submit it to a literary agent or publisher) let me read and assess your manuscript to make sure it's at its best for submsssion. My Reader’s Report and Commercial Assessment includes detailed written feedback on such key elements story structure, character development, narrative arc, pacing, scene building, and dialogue. Assessments also include a one hour, face-to-face meeting, or Skype, Zoom, Google Meets, FaceTime or Microsoft Team conversation.
Manuscript assessments generally run $2,000 depending on length of book with 50% payable upfront (discounts available for repeat clients). Click the button below for a free consultation and project estimate.
Book Proposals
Do you need help with your book proposal? I have extensive experience guiding the development of and/or evaluating book proposals including having written five of my own all of which resulted in sales to commercial publishers. As a result, I understand what literary agents and acquisition editors are looking for when it comes to a Book Proposal.
I can help you get started with an industry standard outline as well as examples of how to complete each section. I can also review, edit and critique your proposal to make sure it has the strongest possible commercial appeal. I can also write your query letter for you got separate charge.
Pricing may vary depending on the project, but generally cost $500. Click below for a free consultation and project estimate.
Developmental editing
Whether you're just beginning to write, or struggling to finish I can help you shape your novel, memoir, or non-fiction book for maximum impact. Developmental editing includes working closely with you on such things as plot and character development, dialogue, narrative arc and story structure.
Developmental editing runs $85 per hour. Click the button below for a free consultation and project estimate.
Ghostwriting
Harness my 30 years of writing experience and three, nonfiction books to ghostwrite your memoir, how-to, or business-related book.
Ghostwriting prices vary depending on length and book genre but generally start at $5,000. Click the button below for a free consultation and project estimate.
One-Time consultation
Maybe all you need is advice on a specific problem that's troubling you. If so, a single consultation may be enough.
Single consultations cost $85 and run an hour. They can be conducted either in person, by Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime, or via email Click on the button below to schedule an appointment.
editorial services
Proofreading, copy editing, line editing, and formatting services are also available. They range in price from $55 to $70 an hour depending on the type of service needed. or approximately $1,500 for an 80,000-100,000 word manuscript. Click the button below for a free consultation and project estimate.
© 2023. All rights reserved.