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 currently provide professional services only to Australian authors (sorry to those elsewhere — insurance hassles!):
- Australia:
- Coaching via Skype or Zoom
- Mini Developmental Review
- Developmental Review
- Structural/content editing
- Copyediting/line editing
- Proofreading
- Self-Publishing services from A to Z, including layout, book cover design, and self-publishing consultancy.
Fees
Editing and proofreading fees are based on rates recommended by:
- the Institute of Professional Editors (Australia)
- the Australian Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance.
Ebook formatting and cover design rates are based on industry standards for Australia.
1. Book editing for Australians
Phases of book editing
- Developmental editing
- Structural and content editing
- Copyediting
- Proofreading
For more on the types of editing: 5 Types of Editing for Authors
Prices are customised to your manuscript, your goals, and your budget.
Editing prices range from $0.05 to $0.11 per word depending on depth of work sought, and current condition of manuscript.
Specialties:
- Fiction, especially sweet romance, fantasy, romantic suspense and crime
- Memoir, especially inspirational
- Christian theology, fiction, memoir and self-help
- General fiction
- Children’s fiction
- General non-fiction
To enquire further about editing possibilities (no obligation), contact us.
Developmental review
A developmental review can be undertaken when your manuscript is complete or only partial. This is a service where you get to work personally with Belinda Pollard.
Includes:
- Analytical reading of your complete manuscript and hours of thought as Belinda considers possible options.
- A detailed 6-10 page report. Includes:
- insights about the effectiveness of your structure
- strengths to preserve and develop in this manuscript and your future writing
- recurring issues and ways to neutralise them
- specific examples from your text, with tips regarding how to apply the principles across the manuscript.
- An optional 60 minute private coaching session via Skype, Zoom or phone after you have had time to absorb and consider the review. This is your opportunity to ask questions, explore possibilities, and brainstorm together.
Investment: $0.041 to $0.077 per word, with a minimum fee of $580 for shorter manuscripts.
To receive an information sheet about a developmental review of your manuscript (no obligation), contact us.
2. Self-publishing support for Australians
Self-Publishing from A-to-Z
We can help you with every phase:
- Book coaching
- Editing
- Typesetting and layout
- Proofreading
- 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.
Book cover design
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. Online courses
Belinda Pollard is gradually developing a set of online courses that you can access anytime to strengthen your skills as an author. Visit her Teachable school at https://usefulwritingtips.teachable.com/ to see what’s new.
5. Writing and publishing workshops
Belinda Pollard is a sought-after presenter of writing and publishing workshops and seminars. Check out the Speaking page if you are looking for a presenter for your writers retreat or conference. She is experienced in presenting both in-person and online.
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.
Testimonials
“Belinda is a master of constructive critique–her feedback sparks ideas and connections that make attacking the revisions a joy. Her editing targets with laser accuracy all those writing glitches that you can no longer see after you’ve spent so long with your manuscript. Every edit makes you feel she’s on your side!” Alison Ferguson, Grey Nomad, developmental review 2021
“I like ‘straight shooters’ and definitely felt like Belinda wasn’t just saying what she thought I wanted to hear. Plus I also love the wealth of knowledge that she obviously has about the industry. I definitely feel like I am working with a professional at the top of her game.” Hanny Allston, elite athlete and author, Finding My Feet, 2020
“I had been going around in circles with the book I wanted/ needed to write. The coaching appointments turned out to be a relatively small financial investment that gave me the keys to deliver my book. For me, getting a book coach enabled my book to emerge.” Jane Milburn, ABC Australia journalist, eco entrepreneur, and founder of textilebeat.com
“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.” Fiona Ware, middle grade fiction author, Charming Charlie and the Spectacular Sophia, 2017 and Sophia and Charlie and the In-Betweens, 2021
“This book has been a bit special for me. Belinda has actually had to think like me and tidy me up and still allow me to write the book. All my ‘Wattoisms’ and character are still in my books. She puts the ‘wow’ in the books.” Ian ‘Watto’ Watson, bestselling men’s issues author, four books in the Champion series, 2012-2019
“(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.” Molly Greene, author of the bestselling Gen Delacourt mystery series
“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.” Wesley Leake, author of The Forgiveness Tool
“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.” George Athas, Director of Postgraduate Studies, Moore College and author, Deuteronomy: One Nation Under God
“[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.” David Seccombe, Former Principal (retired) and Roving Ambassador, George Whitefield College, Cape Town, South Africa, author of The Gospel of the Kingdom: Jesus’ Revolutionary Message
“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.” Conrad Parsons, Youth For Christ Australia and author, Understanding evangelists
“I found her to be highly professional in her approach, personable, creative and of high integrity.” Dr Ernest F. Crocker, Consultant Physician and author, Nine minutes past midnight: Medical encounters with a miraculous God
“Working with Belinda felt very special. She really cared. She immersed herself into my writing. She took the time to get into my head.” Sophie Cayeux, author of The Mauritius Migrants women’s fiction series
