How It Works
What is the editorial process like?
After receiving the manuscript, I do one pass which is one readthrough of the manuscript and, depending on the service I’m performing, make notes within the manuscript and in another document. If I’m performing a copy edit or a proofread, I make changes using the Track Changes feature of Word. I do a second, more detailed pass and then do a final run through of all changes and comments. Once I’m done, I send the manuscript to you.
The type of comments I make depend on the service being performed but regardless of service they’ll always be delivered with kindness as in I’ll never demean, degrade, or belittle you or your work. My comments will also be delivered with honesty as in I won’t try to appease you for the sake of it. I’ll tell you what I truly believe will benefit your project based on my professional experience. You are free to accept or reject my feedback at your own discretion.
I want to work with you. What happens now?
Once we’ve agreed to work together, I’ll send you what’s called a service agreement. This agreement will outline which service(s) you’re receiving, the cost, and when you’ll get your project back. After we both sign it, you’ll pay a 50% deposit (or 33% if needed), and I’ll work on your manuscript/project within the agreed upon turnaround time.
When the manuscript/project is returned, you’ll pay the rest of the fee. I offer a free 60-minute phone call to hammer out any details or questions.
What forms of payment do you take?
I take Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal.
What if I’m not happy with my edits?
I’m more than willing to talk it out with you, subject to my availability.
How soon will I hear back from you once I send a message?
Within a week of receiving said message.
How soon will I get my manuscript back?
A typical turnaround time is two weeks for a single service or two to four weeks for a package (depending on the package). If you need your project back sooner than that, we can work on a timeframe that better suits your needs. However, depending on how severe the time crunch, a 10% rush fee will be applied.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. Any charge to you will be talked out and detailed within the service agreement.
Why do you charge what you do? What is it based on?
I charge what I do based on my experience with both indie authors and traditional publishers as well as how long I’ve been working as a professional editor. If you’d like to know the industry standard rates, the Editor Freelance Association has them listed here.
Why should I work with you and not Grammarly or A.I.?
Grammarly and A.I., as convenient as they are, aren’t able to give you the human professional experience. They can answer questions and give you feedback, but their answers aren’t rooted in professional knowledge of the publishing world.
Grammarly specifically is more focused on technical writing and doesn’t account for the Chicago Manual of Style nor the style guides of every publisher (as they’re all different). A.I. programs like ChatGPT feel like you’re talking to a real person but the downside is, you’re not, and they’re not going to know every nuance in fiction writing that an editor does. They both may rid your work of any creativity for the sake of brevity and clarity without thought to prose or personal style.