services

Editing

All copy editing undergoes line editing, developmental editing, and proofreading. The client has the right– and will be invited to– accept or reject edits during each step of the editing journey. All copy editing services include up to two rounds of revisions with author feedback and an editor’s report upon request.  Businesses or individuals that produce copy and need an “in-house” or “resident” editing service should connect with us about long-term partnerships.  $.12/word

Illustrator Reports

Have you written a children’s story, cookbook, or other story with illustrations, but don’t know how to communicate your vision to the illustrator professionally, and still utilize their artistic freedom in a balanced way? This liaison service will serve to facilitate those conversations, increase accountability to your vision, and provide your illustrator with a full report of recommendations, as well as up to two rounds of revisions and follow-up with the illustrator. $5/ illustrated page

Author Coaching

So, you’ve got this big idea. But, do you need that push to sit down and get your words on paper (or a Google Doc)? Let’s partner on your writing journey.

This a monthly service where authors partner with us to develop their idea, draft a manuscript, and receive editing services along the way. Brooke will facilitate warm introductions to publishers and assist in planning a book-signing event once the manuscript is ready for distribution.  

This service also includes quarterly branding meetings to amplify your voice and presence to a relevant audience prior to (and while) soliciting publishers and selling your manuscript. $300/month

Ghostwriting

This service will take the content provided by the client and shape language for the client’s audience. This is great for those who have the idea, vision, or information for a newsletter, email blast, website, et cetera, but don’t have the time or energy to put it together into a cohesive narrative. 

This service has been coupled with editing and coaching services for authors that need support in writing emotionally challenging pieces of their stories. $100/hour

Beta Reading

Beta reading is a service where individuals who are experts or avid readers in a particular genre “test-read” a manuscript to provide developmental suggestions and high-level feedback. This is a less intensive version of proofreading and is often sought before hiring a professional editor. Blackbear communications has a network of beta readers specific to your manuscripts genre to deploy and collect feedback, providing you a thorough, high-level report on your manuscript with feedback and opportunities to improve before sending your manuscript off to a publisher and/or professional editing services.  $.10/word

All of our packages are customizable, and most authors tend to use a hybrid-service approach.

Schedule a consultation to find what works for you.

  • "Brooke did an incredible job or revising and rewriting a client's story in order to simplify the plot and improve the overall clarity and flow of the story. She even came up with some illustration recommendations that would help with enhancing and further clarifying the story. Brooke showed that she understood the client's vision and she took special care to take that vision to the next level. Her creative additions to the plot were genius. Brooke is truly a valuable asset in our community."

    Shamirrah Hill, DG Freelancer

  • “Working with Brooke has been the value-add that my company didn’t know we needed! Brooke is gifted and highly skilled at editing and copywriting - translating our thoughts into beautiful stories that help us communicate with clients, colleagues, and community more effectively. I’m confident that her skill and expertise will be an asset to all who partner with her.”

    Sheleia Phillips, SMP Nonprofit Consulting

  • "Brooke Black is the kind of editor you will love working with! She is professional, thorough, honest and has great insight! We have worked with her on several different projects, and will continue to lean on her brilliance and knowledge. I love the way she tackles any work, big or small, with passion! Brooke catches what others miss, and makes her clients look polished!"

    Lisa Black, Mandate456, All The Sacred Things

  • "Brooke has been an essential element in bolstering the communications of Gladiator Consulting and has helped to grow our business and better serve our clients. Brooke offers compassionate and expert support to the members of our team and partners as they have considered a variety of writing opportunities from published pieces, blog posts, digital communication, and client deliverables. Each individual who has worked with her has thoroughly enjoyed their experience and has been excited about new opportunities to engage with Brooke. As a result of her work, our writing has improved as an institution and our team is happier in their roles."

    Ann Fisher-Jackson, Anavo Strategies

  • "Brooke was excellent to work with. She read my manuscript, caught my vision, and ran. Such a pleasure working together. My vision was captured and polished excellently. Her communication and professionalism was always spot on. I would not hesitate to work with her again."

    Anticia Alston, DG Freelancer, My Beautiful, Brown-Skinned Girl

  • "Brooke was very pleasant to work with. She was willing to bounce ideas off and helped create an engaging story. She was timely and her communication was great! Each time she made revisions, I reviewed it and if there was something I wanted to change, she was willing to go back and edit the story to my liking. I highly recommend her and will definitely use her again for any future projects I may have."

    Ashley Irvin, DG Freelancer, Detective Harper and the Mystery at the Bakery

  • "I loved working with blackbear communications! They were incredibly efficient and helped improve my language so as to appeal to my target audience. I will definitely be working with them again in the future!"

    Manasi Vegesna, DG Freelancer

  • I want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for your outstanding work! Your dedication and expertise made an impact on the quality of my book, and I couldn't be happier with the final result. Your keen eye for detail and thoughtful suggestions enhanced the overall narrative of my debut children's book. Your collaborative approach and open communication made the editing process not only productive but enjoyable! You are AMAZING! I look forward to working with you again on future projects and would highly recommend your services to anyone seeking a skilled and reliable children's book editor.

    Ursula Taylor, DG Freelancer