Bleeding Pen Editing

Your Next Set of Eyes.

You’ve worked hard. You want to stand out from the crowd—but not because of poorly appointed apostrophes.

A middle-aged caucasian woman with shoulder-length dark brown hair and eyes. She is wearing a black and white striped shirt and rust-colored lipstick.

Alysa JK Loring, MA, MEd

Welcome!

My name is Alysa (sounds like aleesa), pronouns she/her, and I’m excited you’ve found me!

I’m a freelance writer and editor who works with writers of KidLit, K–12 curriculum, and academic publications. Whether you need an in-depth line edit, a structural overhaul, or someone to praise the best of what you’ve written, my services will help you achieve your goals.

Especially because we are living amongst fascists at the highest levels of our government, I want my clients to know that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are important to me—as an individual and as a business owner. I am connected to and interact with people from around the country and the world—people whose ethnic backgrounds, upbringings, gender identities, and economic positions may be different from my own. It’s important that my clients feel safe and welcome. I know that systemic and institutional racism, sexism, homophobia, and bigotry are prevalent. For more, please read my full DEI statement.

I operate Bleeding Pen Editing out of my home in Grass Valley, California—on the unceded lands of the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan. The Nisenan—though they were nearly annihilated by the genocide of the California gold rush—maintain a deep spiritual connection to these lands and are actively working to regain federal recognition. I am honored and humbled to live in this beautiful area. Please read my full Land Acknowledgement for a more detailed history.

To determine if we are a good fit, please read more about me, my training, experience, and services. Alternatively, request a free assessment and quote.

I look forward to seeing what you’ve written, and helping you reach your writing goals!

“Working with Alysa has been life-changing! With so many moving parts it’s amazing that she could see the big picture and also pay attention to the details necessary to make a beautiful work of art that also educates and inspires!”

—Angelina Giovannini, CEO, Empathy in Nature
“Alysa’s insightful suggestions and critique made my story come alive.”

—Paula Eriksen, author, Pedro the Lucky Racing Pigeon
“Alysa provided meaningful feedback and helped make sure the structure of my manuscript made sense.”

—Michelle Andrade, author, Weesie’s Operation
“When writing science for a public audience, it can be challenging to keep the narrative accessible. Alysa helped me stay conscious of my readers and really pushed me to tell the story in a more personal and relatable way.”

—Philip Loring, author, Finding Our Niche. Director, Human Dimensions Science, The Nature Conservancy's Global Science Team
“Alysa greatly improved the educational content and essential concepts of our curriculum package. She provided insightful edits and helped clarify our proposal. She was an invaluable collaborator!”

—Sam Norlin, Associate Director K12 Outreach, University of Alaska Fairbanks
“I wish every partner/contractor we worked with was as helpful, accountable, and fun to work with as Alysa!”

—Angelina Giovannini, CEO, Empathy in Nature

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Picture Books

Picture books may seem simple, but in order to be successful, they must meet specific criteria and appeal to a wide audience (*think toddlers who can’t read yet, and the adults reading to them!).
My picture book packages are focused on developmental editing—designed to help you nail crucial components like plot, character, and tone.
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a novice with a great idea, I’ve got a package to suit your needs.
I offer 3 different picture book packages. Each package includes at least one manuscript critique, a detailed Editorial Report, and an optional virtual meeting.
Package A includes 1 round of editing.
Package B includes 2 rounds of editing.
Package C offers 4 weeks of unlimited edits.
Picture book packages are billed as a flat rate + applicable taxes.
Package prices range $180–$750

Learn More: Picture Books

KidLit Editing

Whether you’re working on an chapter book, a middle grade reader, or a young adult novel, I can help you tighten the plot, develop your characters, or maintain a consistent voice.
I love helping KidLit writers create imaginative worlds that come alive!
I’m in the process of creating some new and exciting KidLit-specific packages.
In the meantime, please contact me and we’ll design a package to suit your needs.
KidLit manuscripts are billed word count + applicable taxes.
.03–.04$ per word

Learn More: KidLit Editing

Academic Editing

I offer stylistic and copy editing packages for academic works. I have worked with academics from a range of disciplines on book and journal manuscripts, grant proposal packages, and student theses and dissertations*.
Packages can be customized to include multiple revisions.
*Please note: ethical editing of student texts requires your supervisor’s approval.
Each package includes at least one manuscript critique—tailored to your specific needs—an Editorial Report, and a Style Sheet.
Prices for academic editing are based on an hourly rate + applicable taxes.
$75 per hour
Please note: discounts are available for students and others on tight budgets.

Learn More: Academic Editing

Editing Services

Request a Quote

Red Pen Praising

Red Pen Praising is a form of editing that highlights only the best in a manuscript. This type of constructive criticism often surprises the writer—emphasizing elements they previously ignored, or overlooking parts they thought were brilliant. Typically, this gives the writer the boost they need to finish or revise a manuscript that they’ve started to become discouraged with.
A Red Pen Praising package includes a manuscript review, an Editorial Report, and the opportunity to discuss your manuscript in a virtual meeting.
Red Pen Praising is billed by word count + applicable taxes.
0.03$ per word

Learn More: Red Pen Praising

Request a Free Quote or Assessment

Educational Consulting

Curriculum development is often multi-faceted with overlapping and interlocking elements.
Whether you are in the initial stages of developing a curriculum map, need to adapt activities for younger (or older) students, or are working to develop materials for teacher training, you’ve come to the right place!
Each package is customized for your particular needs and includes a Style Sheet, optional virtual meetings, and consultation and coaching to meet grade-level requirements.
Packages can be customized to include development, writing, and multiple iterations.
Prices for educational consulting and curriculum development are based on an hourly rate + applicable taxes.
$90 per hour