Poetry Editing

Poetry editing is a niche skill that goes beyond proofreading and removing superfluous words.

Am I the right poetry editor for you?

My philosophy is to meet each poet at their current skill level and help them achieve their best work without changing their unique voice, style, and/or intention. I also believe that writing is a craft, and improving one’s craft is an eternal cycle that is not accomplished alone. If you’re looking to build a long-term relationship with an editor who is deeply invested in you and your work then I would love to hear from you.

My experience

I am an award-winning poetry editor as well as a 6x author of five full-length poetry books and a novel. My fifth poetry book, Butterfly Voyage, was an Amazon #1 New Release in 2018 and remained on the Amazon Best Seller List for 3 years. While I chose the independent publishing route to publish my poetry books a decade ago, my first poems were traditionally published in anthologies over 20 years ago in 1999. Since then, my poems have appeared in online journals and magazines, as well as a film trailer.

I have a B.A. with double majors in English Literature and Film/TV/Media Studies, as well as post-graduate study in creative writing, publishing and editing. I have also been a judge for an International Poetry Competition.

My Approach to Poetry Editing

My services are comprehensive and thorough. I typically use the guidelines listed below, but, in my experience, every project is unique and so my approach and feedback will be guided and informed by that individuality.

  • Readability;
  • Creative language;
  • Show vs Tell;
  • Line breaks;
  • Word choice;
  • Word economy;
  • Superfluous/go-to words;
  • Syntax / Sentence structure;
  • Passive Voice;
  • Reordering sentences;
  • Punctuation;
  • Rhyme;
  • Internal rhythm;
  • Stylistic/Aesthetic Choices; and
  • Effectiveness of Manuscript and/or Poem titles (if applicable).
  • I can also look at structure and sequencing if required.

Poetry Critique Delivery

All inline copy and structural edits, as well as suggestions and comments, are delivered via Microsoft track changes or Mac Pages. Depending on your word count, you will also receive one of the following:

  • For projects up to 2k words, you will receive a critique guide with writing tips that you can apply to future writing projects. The Critique Guide is between 3 and 7 pages.
  • For projects over 2k words, you will receive a comprehensive Editor’s Report. The Editor’s Report can range from 7-20 pages, depending on your word count and the depth of feedback that is required.

Poetry Editing Price Guide

The prices below are based on a combination of your word count and my professional time. I give each project my undivided attention and treat it as if it’s my own. ALL PRICES ARE IN AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS.

EDITING AND CRITIQUE
(Comments and critique provided via Track Changes)

Poem Bundle (up to 1500 words) $250
Poetry Chapbook (up to 4k words) $500
Poetry Book (up to 7k words) From $850
Poetry Book (up to 10k words) From $1,000

NOTE: In the past, I have worked out special rates for students, people with budget restrictions, and those with weak currencies. Please feel free to reach out to me editor@biancabowers.com should this be your circumstance. 

DELIVERY TIMES

Poem Bundle ~ 7 days
Poetry Chapbook ~ 14 days
Poetry Book ~ 14-21 days

PAYMENT

Payment is upfront via PayPal.

Editing Success Stories

I have been the fortunate editor of three successful independent books in 2021 and 2022 – two poetry books and a children’s rhyming book.
MELTING FACES IN A CRACKED MIRROR, by E.D. Small, won the 2022 International Reader’s Favorite book award for best Poetry Book, and achieved the #1 Amazon New Release in two categories, received x2 5 Star Seals from Readers Favorite, and he had a three part feature story in The West Volusia Beacon in 2021.
MAGICAL MIA, by Julie Cassetta, achieved the Amazon #1 New Release slot as well as a 5 Star Seal from Readers Favorite.
THE LIGHT WITHIN, by Adana Afong, achieved the Amazon #1 New Release slot in Caribbean and Latin American Poetry.

Needless to say I’m wildly happy for all three of them!

5-STAR TESTIMONIALS

I can’t say enough positive things about Bianca’s edits. She is thorough and meticulous and gives wonderful suggestions. Not only does she give suggestions but she explains why a passage may need work. The finished product is infinitely better because of her. This is the second book she has edited for me and I am sure there will be more!

~ Julie Cassetta, Author of “Magical Mia”

Bianca Bowers is the total package! After using her services, I am a million times more confident that this project will transfer into success. She exerted every bit of energy into perfecting each page. I will be seeking her services on the next project as well. Thank you, Bianca!!

~ E.D. Small, Author of “Melting Faces in a Cracked Mirror”

Bianca has become the backbone for my publishing projects. She has been constantly delivering outstanding results reviewing, constructively critiquing, offering suggestions, editing with laser details…being fully invested in my projects. My gratitude is endless! Highly recommended!

~ Richard Homawoo, Author of “Dear I”, “I AM”, and “Zappy the Happy Crane”

Bianca was fantastic! Extremely helpful and provided great feedback and advice. Will be using her services again.
~ David Sloan Kruse, Author of “The Very Lonely Robot”

Bianca is simply a gift sent from heaven above. She gives way above and beyond top quality edit & critique. I highly recommend her service, especially if you are a newbie to the poetry scene. I will most definitely work with her again in the future, there’s no doubt about it. Thank you <3
~ E.A. Meir, Author of “Figments of Life and Death”

Bianca did an amazing job and her work exceeded my expectations. I am a new author and I asked her to edit my entire manuscript and she treated all of my poems with care and took the time to critique them equally. There was so much feedback and useful notes that I will be able to take with me on my writing journey and for that I am truly grateful. Finally, the communication was exceptional and the effort she put into the editing really showed. I would definitely recommend her and I will be using her services again!

~ Thandiwe McMillan, Author of “Flowers in Winter”

Bianca was wonderful to work with and her services far exceeded my expectations. A true professional. ~ Jess (AUSTRALIA)

I am very impressed with Bianca’s editorial skills, critique, and advice. I will use her again in the near future. I highly recommend Bianca’s service to any poet in need of a great editor!
~ JEN (USA)

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