Find out more about my editing philosophy, service contracts, booking timeframes, and more below. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out through my contact page or shoot me a quick message through the floating blue Chat bubble in the bottom right corner of this page.
- What is your editing philosophy / approach?
- What is the benefit of a professional edit?
- Am I ready for a professional edit? What editing service do I need?
- Do you offer a no-obligation free sample edit?
- How will my editing experience / process work with you?
- Do you have an editing service contract? What does it say?
- What genres do you edit?
- How will you calculate my project total?
- Do you offer payment plans?
- Should I book in advance? How far out?
Q: What is your editing philosophy / approach?
I believe two things: (1) everyone has a story to tell, and (2) somewhere someone is waiting to read (and love!) that story. I want to instill the confidence in you to achieve your dream of sharing your story with your future readers.
For this reason, my mission is to support you in publishing with confidence.
Through my editing services, I partner with you to ensure you’re proud of the work you’re sending out into the world. I strive to understand not only your editing goals, but *why* you’re writing this piece. My goal is to preserve your voice and vision while ensuring clarity and a polished final product.
After meticulously working through your work, I provide both positive and constructive feedback. Your document will look different — this is why you’re hiring me! But please trust that any change I suggest is a thoughtful decision that should improve the clarity and quality of your writing. I always have your work’s best interest at heart.
Finally, I am always available for questions before, during, and after the editing process to support you on your publishing journey.
If you feel you would benefit from my approach, we could be a great match!
Q: What is the benefit of a professional edit?
While you should absolutely self-edit whether or not you use a professional editor, you are (for better and for worse) intimately connected to your writing. You know the ins and outs, not only of what is on but what you intended to convey through the page. As such, when you read and edit your work, your mind is supplementing information as you work that readers will not be aware of.
For copyedits and proofreads, you’ve likely read and edited your writing from top to bottom 10+ times before proceeding to grammar and syntax. When you then attempt technical edits, your brain doesn’t see what is actually on the page. It will inadvertently (and automatically) add missing words and correct grammar while you read because you’ve spent the previous ten iterations telling your brain that this is what you intended to write.
To ensure your work is accurately conveyed and enjoyed to its fullest extent, hiring an editor brings a fresh set of professional eyes to your writing that will help you spot content and technical issues.
Q: Am I ready for a professional edit? What editing service do I need?
If you’re unsure which editing service would be most beneficial or if your work is even ready for a professional edit, please contact me! I am more than willing to review a sample and help you determine your best next step. (And don’t worry—requesting a sample review never creates an obligation to work with me.)
Q: Do you offer a no-obligation free sample edit?
Of course! To ensure we’re a great match, I will review a sample of your work (the length varies depending on the total length of your document). For a copyedit or proofread, I will mark up your sample as prescribed. My sample edits are no pressure; the decision to move forward is entirely up to you.
Q: How will my editing experience / process work with you?
It’s easier to envision yourself in an editing partnership if you know what you’re getting into! Here is a step-by-step view into my typical editing process:
- Let’s chat!
After your inquiry email arrives in my inbox, I’ll reach out so we can discuss your writing goals and determine if we’re a great match. We’ll cover your ideas, intentions, and concerns for your work; your chosen editing service; and (if desired) your free sample edit and my feedback. - Make it official
If you decide I’m a great fit, we’ll make our partnership official! We’ll discuss and sign your editing service contract and I’ll request your service deposit. You are on your way to publishing with confidence. - Edit with intention
Taking all of the information from our previous discussions, I begin meticulously working through your manuscript. If I have any questions along the way, I’ll be sure to shoot you an email. Please feel free to follow up with me at any time during this process with additional thoughts. - Discuss Q&As
Once my edits are complete, I’ll send you the final product and any accompanying documents. I am happy to answer follow-up questions or explain suggested changes or ideas for improvement in greater detail. I know working your way through edits can take time (literally and emotionally), so if you have questions as you go, just reach out. - Celebrate!
You’ve done it, friend! You have taken a huge step towards publishing with confidence. I love to hear as clients achieve their publishing dreams, so please don’t hesitate to keep me in the loop.
Q: Do you have an editing service contract? What does it say?
Yes! I want you to feel comfortable trusting me with your creative ideas. My editing service contract details information as it pertains to our relationship, including confidentiality, timeframes, payments, and your explicit ownership of all content, concepts, and written products. I will never share your unpublished work or ideas (per my Privacy Policy).
Q: What genres do you edit?
For Fiction: I specialize in speculative fiction (e.g., urban fantasy, NA + YA fantasy, epic fantasy, science fiction). I’ve also edited magical realism, romance, chick lit, mystery, literary fiction, historical fiction, and contemporary fiction. I don’t cover horror.
For Nonfiction: I edit academic/scholarly nonfiction, particularly for the humanities and social sciences. A few of my favorite topics are history, religious studies, art, philosophy, and cultural studies.
Q: How will you calculate my project total?
I base my project totals roughly around the industry median ranges compiled by the Editorial Freelancers Association, which you can review at that link. Using this as a jumping-off point, I will calculate your individualized total project cost incorporating the length of your manuscript and the work required as determined by your provided sample and your goals.
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
I know editing is a worthwhile but costly investment. For this reason, I do offer payment plans for larger projects. I request a 50% retainer deposit upon booking; the remainder can be split as best suits your financial abilities (weekly, biweekly, or a second 50% payment). Full payment is due prior to project completion. All details of our agreed-upon payment schedule will be clearly laid out in your project’s editing service contract.
Q: Should I book in advance? How far out?
You can book out as far as you’d like (consider using my edits as a deadline!), but I suggest booking at least three to five weeks in advance. For immediate availability, please send me an email and we can see if there are any gaps in my schedule.
Additional questions? Ready to dive straight in?
Reach out through the Editing Services button below or through my contact page, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.