OUR VALUES
INTEGRITY
We will do what we’re good at, as promised.
We will tell you the truth, not sell you empty dreams.
GRACE
You can expect to be treated with kindness and respect.
You can expect to be encouraged by honest assessments and genuine possibilities for your manuscripts.
VALUE FOR MONEY
We will prioritise professional standards and excellent results.
JUSTICE
We are troubled by recent developments in our industry where writers have been charged too much for disappointing services and unnecessary add-ons, while editors have been severely underpaid.
You can expect all of our team to be paid fairly.
You can expect all of our clients to be charged fairly, and only for what they need.
Availability
We are generally booked up for the next 3 to 4 months, so it’s a good idea to book early.
On average, you will need to book 7 to 10 months in advance of your LAUNCH DATE, allowing for all the tasks. If you need it sooner, please contact us, because we might be able to find a way to help.
We are selective — this means that we talk to you about your goals and then only offer services to clients where there’s a good fit for both parties. This ensures the best outcome for you. If we can see that we are not your best choice, wherever possible we will suggest an alternative.
We are based in Australia, and serve authors globally in the following ways:
- United States:
- Coaching via Skype
- Mini Developmental Review.
- Rest of the world:
- Coaching via Skype
- Mini Developmental Review
- In some cases, full range of editing. To check regarding your situation, contact us.
- Australia:
- Coaching via Skype
- Mini Developmental Review
- Developmental Review
- Structural/content editing
- Copyediting/line editing
- Proofreading
- Self-Publishing services from A to Z.
Fees
Editing and proofreading fees are based on the rates recommended by the Australian Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance.
Ebook formatting and cover design rates are based on industry standards for Australia.
Further notes about fees:
- Fees are in Australian dollars, except for special packages which are charged in US dollars.
- xe.com can assist you to calculate fees in your currency.
1. Editing
We can help you with all phases of book editing:
- Developmental editing
- Structural and content editing
- Copyediting
- Proofreading
Prices are customised to your manuscript, your goals, and your budget.
Editing prices range from $0.05 to $0.10 per word.
Specialties:
- Fiction, especially sweet romance and crime
- Memoir, especially inspirational
- Christian theology, fiction, memoir and self-help
- General fiction
- General non-fiction
To enquire further about editing possibilities (no obligation), contact us.
Developmental review
Includes:
- Detailed 9-10 page report on the strengths and possibilities of your manuscript, including examples from the text
- 60 minutes of one-on-one coaching by phone, video or email.
$0.024 per word, with a minimum fee of $500 for shorter manuscripts.
To receive an information sheet about a developmental review of your manuscript (no obligation), contact us.
Mini developmental review
SPECIAL OFFER:
Belinda has opened up limited slots each month for a very affordable Book Booster mini developmental review package.
2. Self-publishing support for Australians
We cover Self-Publishing from A-to-Z.
We can help you with every phase:
- Book coaching
- Editing
- Typesetting and layout
- Cover design
- Publisher setup
- Ebook formatting
- Publication and distribution
You don’t have to sign up for a full package.
- Choose the services that suit you best.
If you’re not sure what you need, we will help you figure it out.
Our focus is a professional result – to publishing industry standards, and in accord with your goals and your budget.
Our ethical principle is to give you only what you need – no spurious extra services that use up your funds without providing any real benefit. For more on what makes us different, download this information sheet (PDF 269KB): Whats-different-about-us
We help you publish a book that fits in perfectly among the other professional books in your local bookstore or library.
Fees are customised to your situation. For more information, contact us.
We design book covers customised to your project, your genre, and your goals. They communicate themes and draw a potential reader’s eye even at thumbnail size in online bookstores, and meet the technical requirements of ebook distributors, print-on-demand services, and offset printers.
3. Book coaching
What is book coaching?
Belinda works with you one-on-one to:
- tackle particular issues in your manuscript
- develop your strengths as a writer, and combat your challenges.
For more information, watch the video below, or visit the coaching page.
4. Writing and publishing workshops
Belinda Pollard is a sought-after presenter of writing and publishing workshops and seminars. Check out the Speaking page for more information.
As seen…
The Small Blue Dog team
Small Blue Dog Publishing was founded in 1998 to provide book editing and publishing support services. Belinda Pollard co-ordinates a small team of carefully selected freelance specialists to produce trade quality books — both paperbacks and ebooks — for worldwide distribution.
Our editors and proofreaders have undertaken appropriate studies and/or are members of the Institute of Professional Editors. Their work is of the very highest standard.
Our designers have that “something extra” which helps your book stand out from the crowd.
Our ebook formatters are highly accomplished, and can handle many different types of formatting, including the more difficult display layouts and complex footnoting requirements.
When Belinda involves another team member in your project, she never just “hands the book over and forgets about it”. She takes a close personal interest in your book from start to finish.
What people say about Belinda Pollard and Small Blue Dog
Molly Greene, Novelist
Molly is the author of the bestselling Gen Delacourt mystery series.
“(Belinda’s) suggestions for content and structural enhancements such as plot and character development are intuitive, spot-on, and jaw-dropping good. Belinda’s guidance has not only improved my work but made me a better, more creative, and much more skilled and capable writer. I’ve worked with other editors in the past, but now that I have Belinda in my corner, I wouldn’t consider working with anyone else. Ever!”
Fiona Ware, Middle Grade Fiction Author
Fiona is author of the anti-bullying children’s story, Charming Charlie and the Spectacular Sophia.
“When I was looking for an editor I needed someone who understood my dreams, valued what I was endeavouring to convey in my story and gave me hope that it is possible to get across the line to publishing. Belinda has done that and much more. When she first reviewed my manuscript she started with the strengths of the story and characters then pointed out the opportunities that would improve my storytelling. She has really helped me to keep going and continues to give me encouragement and guidance. Thank you for coming on the journey with me Belinda. I feel blessed.”
Wesley Leake, Author
Author of The Forgiveness Tool.
“Belinda goes way beyond what an editor normally does. She has insight into what will help a book sell. Can design book covers. Can work through your concept and make appropriate suggestions that not only improves the writing but improves the concept to make it much more marketable. You will enjoy the the whole process of working with Belinda and highly recommend her.”
George Athas, Director of Postgraduate Studies, Moore College and Author
I worked with George on his new Bible commentary, Deuteronomy: One Nation Under God.
“Belinda Pollard has all the qualities an author needs and expects from a first class editor. A skilled artisan in the writing craft, she understands the structures holding a work together. Her eye for detail picks up the finer points, and she makes corrections with delicate precision. Her suggestions add just the right amount of varnish to give the final work the sheen it needs to appeal to the reader. And she appreciates the author’s work with encouraging feedback. I’m very grateful for Belinda’s expertise and amiability. I know my work is so much the better for having been in her hands.”
David Seccombe, Former Principal (retired) and Roving Ambassador, George Whitefield College, Cape Town, South Africa
I worked with David on the entire process of self-publishing his academic text, The Gospel of the Kingdom: Jesus’ Revolutionary Message.
“[Belinda] had previously edited my Dust to Destiny and I was well aware of her skill. She handled the editing for me but also walked me through the process of self-publication and helped me bring the manuscript to print as a quality book. Her knowledge of the whole publishing and printing business is extensive, and her help with the ins and outs of crowd funding was a bonus. The whole thing was an adventure and a pleasure.”
Conrad Parsons, CEO Youth For Christ Australia and Author
Conrad is the author of Understanding evangelists, and currently CEO of Youth for Christ Australia.
“Belinda is an exceptional editor. Her thinking is crystal clear, she adds significant value to what I write and no mistake or weak idea gets past her.”
Dr Ernest F. Crocker, Consultant Physician and Author
Ern is the author of the bestselling Nine minutes past midnight: Medical encounters with a miraculous God, available in English and German.
“I found her to be highly professional in her approach, personable, creative and of high integrity.”
Fiona Loughlan
I worked with Fiona, Chief Operating Officer of the Queensland Education Leadership institute, on a white paper/ebook.
“I would not hesitate in recommending Belinda as a gifted consultant who is an absolute dream to work with – I called her “My Fairy Godmother”!”
Sophie Cayeux, Author
Sophie is the author of The Mauritius Migrants women’s fiction series.
“Working with Belinda felt very special. She really cared. She immersed herself into my writing. She took the time to get into my head.”
