Crime Novel Copy-Editing

I need a copy-editor for my completed crime novel before independent publication. The primary focus should be on consistency and clarity, ensuring a cohesive reading experience while maintaining my narrative voice.

The Book:
- The Deepfake Wicket — Book 1 of a planned series
- Crime / financial thriller, set in contemporary Johannesburg
- Approx. 80,000 words
- Complete, several rounds of authorial revision, not previously professionally edited

Key Requirements:
- Focus Areas:
- Consistency and clarity (primary)
- Grammar and punctuation
- Retain SA English & Afrikaans dialogue — do not neutralise to US/UK usage
- No restructuring of content
- Delivery of a comprehensive style sheet is necessary, as further books in the series will follow.

Timeline:
I am working to a launch date of 20 October, so I would ideally have the edited manuscript back by 19 September. If that doesn't suit your diary, please tell me your realistic earliest delivery date rather than stretching to meet mine.

Rate:
Please quote per word. I am budgeting in line with PEG guideline rates for copy-editing.

Sample:
I'm happy to send 2,000 words for a sample edit before either of us commits, and to pay for it if that's your practice.

Ideal Skills & Experience:
- Proven experience copy-editing commercial fiction, ideally crime or thriller
- Comfortable working in South African English; able to handle Afrikaans in dialogue without flattening it
- Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining authorial voice