I am available for private, editorial consulting on a case-by-case basis. While I am most interested in working with writers of literary and upmarket fiction and nonfiction, I assess every editorial project on its own merits. I will not take on a project unless I think I can add value.
My Credentials
As an acquiring editor with 7.13 Books, I have edited and published books by award-winning authors at various stages of their careers, from debut novelists to well-established authors. I have edited columns and features for many publications and worked as a freelance essayist and book critic. I hold an MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College and am a member of The National Book Critics Circle (TNBCC) and The Author’s Guild.
Book Manuscript Editing
All rates will depend on the refinement of your manuscript. If you would like a quote on a project, please send me the first twenty pages, a one-page synopsis, and a description of what sort of feedback and/or editing you are looking for. Rates for beta reading a book and providing general feedback are very different from those for developmental or line editing of a book. Please ensure that you have a completed draft before contacting me.
If I agree to take on your project, I will give you a detailed quote including full cost and timeframe. Upon completion, I will provide you with:
1. An editorial letter addressing your book’s strengths and weaknesses including prose, voice, dialogue, pacing, structure, narrative arc, themes, and any other specific issues you’ve asked me to consider.
2. Manuscript notes at the page, paragraph, and sentence level. Please be aware that this is not a line or copy edit. You should ensure your manuscript has been proofed and spellchecked—and is grammatically correct—before contacting me.
3. Any suggestions I have for agents, editors, and/or publishers your manuscript may be a match for.
4. An hourlong follow-up call or Zoom to address further discussion and questions.
Individual Essays and Stories
For individual essays and stories, my fees are: $100 for up to 10 double-spaced pages in a12-point font. $200 for up to 20 such pages, and $300 for up to 30. Projects beyond these parameters are priced on a case-by-case basis.
Upon completion, I will provide you with:
1. Detailed, written feedback on how well I think your story or essay works and notes regarding suggestions and/or areas for improvement. Again, this should not be confused with a line or copy edit. Please make sure your piece has been spellchecked, proofed, and that it is grammatically correct.
2. Any suggestions I have for publications where your piece might be a fit.
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What my authors say
“Kurt Baumeister was such a pleasure to work with for my novel Please Be Advised. He was collaborative and easygoing but also rigorous and focused with his revision notes. He has a clear, keen eye for the telling detail, and I would happily work with him again. Highly recommended.”
Christine Sneed, award-winning author of six books including Please Be Advised, Director of Northwestern University’s Graduate Writing Programs
“Kurt is an incredible editor. He is supportive and caring and patient, yet meticulous and focused on getting an error-free, professional copy. I have read two other books edited by Kurt, by James Reich and Christine Sneed. Our books are so different (Christine’s book is funny and James wrote a thriller, while mine is historical and political), but Kurt was able to approach each with love and care. I couldn’t have asked for a better, more discerning, more professional editor. Thank you, Kurt.”
Dr. Gemini Wahhaj, author of The Children of This Madness, Associate Professor, Lone Star College