What is your editing style?

I firmly believe in preserving an author’s unique creative vision and voice. The world needs the art that you alone can make. My role is to provide feedback on big-picture elements such as characterization, pacing, motivations, and plot so that you can decide how to hone the story you want to tell in a compelling way. The winding labyrinth of the writing journey requires support as you move towards publication. I aim to provide that support through honest feedback, resources to guide your revisions, and communication that is clear and kind.

How do I know that working with you will be a good fit?

In order to determine whether I connect with your work and whether you resonate with my editing style, I will perform a sample edit of your work. After you have contacted me, I will request your manuscript so I can perform the sample edit, which I’ll aim to return within 7 days. For novels, I will read your first 10 pages; for short stories, I’ll read 1-2 pages. I will provide sample in-line notes (manuscript markup) on several pages and a paragraph or two of feedback. You will get some time to review my notes and decide whether you’d like to work with me.

What are your rates?

Every project is different, and will consequently be priced differently based on factors such as length, complexity, and the desired level of feedback. My rates are competitive with the standard rates for developmental editing set by the Editorial Freelancers Association. Estimate $0.015/word and up for manuscript evaluations, and $0.022/word and up for developmental edits. For short story critiques, estimate $30USD and up. Book maps are included with developmental edits, and can be added to manuscript evaluations for $200. To provide you with an accurate quote, I will need to perform a sample edit.

What kinds of stories do you edit?

I get especially excited about speculative fiction, science fiction, and fantasy. Send me all your folklore and fairytale-inspired stories as well! That said, I read a wide variety of genres and am interested in story structure more broadly, so don’t hesitate to contact me if your story falls outside this scope. I am likely not the best fit for poetry, nonfiction, or erotica.

How long does an edit take?

As with pricing, turnaround time will depend on the story’s length, complexity and desired level of feedback. I aim to complete short story critiques within 2 weeks, manuscript evaluations in 6-8 weeks, and developmental edits in 8-10 weeks.

How does payment work?

Once I have provided you with a sample edit and we have both decided to proceed with a project, I will provide you with a quote and Service Agreement outlining the scope of work for the project. For manuscript evaluations and developmental edits, you will pay 50% of the cost we’ve agreed to before I begin work. I will notify you once I have completed your edit, and you will make the final payment before I provide you with your deliverables. Short story critiques must be paid in full up front in order to secure booking. All payments will be made via a PayPal invoice that I’ll e-mail to you.

How do you handle cancellations?

There is always the possibility that an edit may need to be canceled by either you or I due to events beyond our control. I make every effort to be fair and flexible in these circumstances while being mindful of the value of both our time. If you must cancel a project we have agreed to proceed on, please notify me as soon as possible. Typically, if a cancellation is made after I have begun work on an edit, I will retain the initial deposit. Additional details regarding cancellations are spelled out in the Service Agreement that we will both sign before work begins.

Disclaimer:

While editing is an important step in your journey to publication, hiring an editor does not guarantee that your story will be published, sold, or represented by an agent.