Sianni Editorial Services offers light copy editing to musicians who make small donations to music nonprofits. It is free other than the donation. Projects include music bios, promo material, or any short work. I’m not offering to write your promotions or market them, just copy edit them. The benefits are threefold: I edit in my desired specialty, artists get editing at far below going rates, and music nonprofits receive donations. Music is my first love, and many small venues and nonprofits need our help to survive this year. Updated February 2022.

FAQs:

1. Cost and limit? The minimum donation is $10—a fraction of normal copy editing rates or minimums. That buys up to 3000 words, which may include several pieces. Higher word counts are an additional $5 donation per 1000 words. The limit is 10,000 words.  I’m happy to edit a longer work at normal rates.
2. What is copy editing? It’s like proofreading, but more intense. I fix typos, grammar errors, wordy sentences, faulty punctuation, and misused words, and I make writing clear and concise. What I can’t do for you: write your material, provide artwork or formatting, market your band bio, or play my viola at your wedding. But if you have a piece of text that could be better, I can polish your own words like nobody’s business.
3. What format? I copy edit in Microsoft Word. But short pieces can be in Google Docs or the body of an email. 
4. Will you work with any band? My tastes are diverse, so music genre doesn’t matter. I don’t even care if we don’t vote for the same people. But if your band’s message includes hate speech or emblems, I will decline. I reserve the right to decline for any reason, including being too swamped. 
5. How does it work and how do we start? Email me at Louise [at] SianniEditing.com. Include any band links and the piece you need copy edited, or just describe it and give me the word count. If we seem like a fit, I’ll ask you to donate to any music nonprofit listed below. Send me some proof of this, and then I’ll do the work.
6. How long will copy editing take? Usually under a week for short pieces, but it depends on my schedule. I’ll provide a time estimate. 
7. Why does my band bio need copy editing? You look serious about your art when you have mistake-free marketing. If you’re seeking gigs or representation, sending a badly written pitch will torpedo your chances. If you’re promoting shows or music, potential fans will tune out if your promos are full of typos.
8. What if I’m unhappy with your music copy edit? Consider it a donation to a good music cause. I receive $0 for this project, therefore I cannot compensate for donations, nor can the music nonprofits refund you. But I’m passionate about copy editing and music, and I promise my best work. I don’t guarantee 100% accuracy—no editor does—but I catch 99% of errors.
9. Why not edit for free? A very wise music teacher once told my husband: “Don’t ever teach for free, because they won’t take it seriously. There always has to be some kind of exchange.” This project is my way to have clients make some investment while I volunteer my skills for the love of music.
10. Can I donate to any charity? Sure, as long as it involves music or education!

List of music nonprofits to donate to for copy editing:

Arden Gild Hall. I grew up near this nonprofit music venue. N. Wilmington, DE. http://ardenclub.org/donate/

Christina Cultural Arts Center. Music and dance classes to kids in Wilmington, DE. https://ccacde.org/donate.php

Philadelphia Chamber Music Society. Small-scale classical music concert series. https://www.pcmsconcerts.org/support/secure-donation/

Kennett Flash. Music listening room in Kennett Square, PA. https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/kennett-flash-emergency-fund

World Cafe Live. Mid-sized music venue at the University of Pennsylvania. https://www.worldcafelive.com/support/

Y-Not Radio. Music streaming station that does a lot for Philly area bands. http://www.ynotradio.net/donate.php

The Freeman Stage. Outdoor stage in DE that hosts a few national music acts a year, also nonprofit. https://freemanstage.org/support-sponsorship/donate

Stax Music Academy. Music education nonprofit from one of my favorite record labels. Memphis, GA. https://staxmusicacademy.org/get-involved/make-a-donation/

Kelly Center for the Arts. Nonprofit music listening room in Havertown, PA. https://kellycenter.org/contribute/

Stoltz Listening Room / Avalon Foundation. Nonprofit music listening room in Easton, MD. https://avalonfoundation.org/General%20Operating%20Support

Godfrey Daniels. Nonprofit music listening room in Bethlehem, PA. https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/GodfreyDaniels/GrassRootsGiving.html

Iradiophilly. Nonprofit music streaming station. http://www.iradiophilly.com/