Erica Ball
Editing Services + Book Blog
Hi, I'm Erica! I review books and offer proofreading and copyediting for indie, neurodivergent, and/or LGBTQIA++ authors.
Services
I offer three different services. I can invoice in any currency.I'm experienced in both Canadian English and US English.
Fast PassPrice: Custom. Your budget will determine how much time I can devote to your book.This is a proofreading alternative at a pay-what-you-can rate. This service catches the worst errors and typos, but may not address all grammar issues or style inconsistencies.
ProofreadPrice: $0.007 per word (~$0.005 USD per word)After all edits are done, I will spot leftover spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors as well as misused or dropped words. I will also make sure your use of punctuation (like the em dash) and formatting (like italics) is consistent. You will receive back two copies of your manuscript: one with my suggestions marked up and one clean copy with them all implemented.
CopyeditPrice: $0.01 per word (~$0.007 USD per word)Two careful passes through your book to catch things like dropped words, repetitive wording, incorrect verb tenses, or other problem areas. I will put together a style sheet, unless you already have one, and include light fact checking, if needed. You will receive back three files: two copies of your manuscript (one with my suggestions marked up and one clean copy with them all implemented) and the style sheet.
© Erica Ball. All rights reserved.
About
How do I prioritize you?
1. Flexible bookings: Rescheduling is easy
2. Individual attention: Edits are informed by your writing style, not an external style guide
3. Pricing options: Multiple services, including pay-what-you can
4. Payment options: I can invoice in any currency and long-term payment plans are available
Who am I?
I'm a Canadian neurodivergent book nerd and recovering public librarian. I worked in public libraries for almost 20 years in many roles from shelver to branch manager.My education and training includes a Masters of Library and Information Science from San José State University, and supplementary training through Proofreading Academy (now Knowadays) and Editors Canada, of which I am a member, and through which I regularly pursue ongoing professional development.With varied interests, I also hold undergraduate degrees in Anthropology (Honours) and Psychology from the University of Winnipeg.
Client reviews
"Just finished using Erica for a proofread and she was great! Caught many things I missed even after going through my manuscript a dozen or so times, and she even made a good amount of copyeditor-ish suggestions (while charging a fraction of what a copyeditor costs). Highly recommend!" - Daniel Maunz"I vouch for her! She's amazing to work with." - R.S. Barry"I can recommend Erica for proofreading and as a supportive writing team member. I’ve used her services and found her to be thorough and professional." - Cheryl Lawson"I highly recommend Erica. She's awesome and great to have as an extra set of eyes to make sure things are consistent and catch typos." - Celeste Phillips
Contact
Have questions or interested in working together? Fill out this little form to get in touch! If you want, you can start with some information about you or your book.You could also email me directly at [email protected].
Select Portfolio
Friendship Springs series books 1-4 (Contemporary romance) - Proofread
The Obsidian Sisterhood series books 2-3 (Urban fantasy) - Proofread
Magic Undermined (Urban fantasy) - Copyedit
Blog
ARC Review: A New Witch in the Northwoods by Elise Posledni
1/2 Cozy Fantasy 1/2 Magical Thriller?
May 27, 2026Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free advance copy of this book in order to write an honest review.I was expecting a cozy read about opening a coffee shop in a small town, so I was not at all prepared for what happened in the second half of his book!Be forewarned, readers, it gets dark—like thrillingly dark—and even a little gory. Which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I would have loved if we got to the juicy part of the plot a little sooner, or if there were bigger hints of the big tone change to build suspense.But once the switch flipped, the pace, stakes, and tension all kicked up and I was riveted.I especially loved the extensive history of the magical world of the Other (with its own books, like the one quoted below!), how the mundane and magical worlds interacted via portal, and the author's takes on different magical creatures and people (especially vampires)."There are many kinds of love. The love between mother and child, the love of finding your soul mate, the love that is your passion for life, art, music. The world around you is full of love and love can be many things. Only one thing is true above all else about love: If that is where your heart goes, then that is where your steps should follow. -Different Kinds of Magic, the Pixie Suszi"To be super honest, at first I had trouble connecting to the main character, Mary. I couldn’t tell much about her or her personality, or why she decided to leave her home of ten years and move, other than being left the house. What was her motivation? Was it the mystery of her grandfather's death? Had she always wanted to open a coffee shop? This info would have added to my investment in her journey and raised the stakes of the story.But, in the end, it was a great character arc for Mary, from being a little naïve to developing a great deal assertiveness as she finds her voice (and more). She becomes more sympathetic as you see her navigate the situations she is thrust into.Because ultimately the story's about Mary's true nature and her investigation into (and resolution for) her family’s various mysteries.I think it would be great for fans of books about elemental magic, portal fantasies, fmcs that slowly grow into themselves, and/or those who appreciate a sexy demon romance subplot.Does it sound like something you'd enjoy? It’s coming out Sept. 22, 2026 from Ten16 Press.Originally published on ericaball.substack.com
The Book Stash
Page currently under construction.Looking for a pre-vetted book? Here are my top various in many genres!** In the US? You can also head to the Book Stash on Bookshop.org.These are affiliate links for (Canadian) indie bookstores, so if you make a purchase after clicking, I may get a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting independent bookstores (and me)!
