How do I book a service with you?

To book a service with me, I kindly request that interested writers complete this intake questionnaire. This allows me to gather essential information about your project and specific requirements, enabling me to assess whether my services align with your current needs.

When you fill out the questionnaire, you’ll be asked to upload a sample of your work and answer questions about your project.

Based on your responses to the questionnaire and my assessment of your manuscript’s individual needs, I will prepare an editing proposal outlining the scope of the project, and I'll provide a sample edit to give you a glimpse of my feedback style.

What is the booking process like?

If you're considering hiring me to edit your book, here's a brief overview of the booking process. I've designed it to ensure that we are a good fit for each other and that you feel confident about your investment. Please note that the booking process might look a little different depending on the service.

1. Submit the intake questionnaire: After you provide the necessary details through the intake questionnaire, I'll carefully review your responses and assess your manuscript's needs as well as your budget.

2. Review the proposal and sample edit: I'll send you a detailed proposal, including an estimated cost, proposed project dates, and a comprehensive scope of work. Additionally, I'll provide a sample edit for your reference.

3. Invoice and agreement: If you're ready happy with the proposal and sample edit, I'll send you an invoice for the 50% deposit and a "letter of agreement" outlining the terms and conditions.

4. Confirm the booking: Take a thorough look at the letter of agreement to ensure you're comfortable with the terms. If everything meets your expectations, submit the nonrefundable 50% deposit to secure your spot on my schedule.

5. Congratulations, you're booked! With the deposit received, your agreed-upon dates and services are officially confirmed. I’ll look forward to working with you during the scheduled timeframe.

What are your rates and how are they calculated?

My rates for most of my services are determined by the word count of your project. You can find the current rates for each service on their respective pages. Please keep in mind that the rates listed are base rates to provide a general idea of the investment involved. The final quote for your project will be tailored to its specific needs, including any additional services or add-ons you may be interested in.

Your rates seem really expensive. Is this normal?

My rates are in line with industry standards and reflect the value and quality of the services I provide. It's important to note that editing is a professional trade that requires proper training, expertise, and ongoing education. Editors, like any professionals, deserve fair compensation for their time and skill.

While the cost may vary depending on the specific service and project, paying for editorial services is an investment in your future as a writer.

For reference, feel free to check out the Editorial Freelancers Association’s median rate chart.

What genres do you work with?

I specialize in speculative and historical fiction, along with their respective subgenres. I typically work on full-length novels, novellas, and book series in these categories.

I also work with authors of creative nonfiction.

Speculative fiction subgenres I work with include:

• High/epic fantasy

• Low fantasy

• Dark/Grimdark fantasy

• Magical realism

• Urban fantasy

• Fables/fairytales

• Dystopian/post-apocalyptic

• Soft sci-fi/cyberpunk

• Supernatural

• Steampunk

• LitRPG

• Paranormal romance

Historical fiction subgenres I work with include:

• Historical romance

• Biographical historical fiction

• Fictional biographies

• Historical epics/sagas

• Gaslamp fantasy

• Time-Travel

• Nautical and pirate fiction

• War Fiction

• Alternative History

Are there genres you don’t work with?

I am not currently accepting manuscripts in the following genres, though I might begin accepting some of these in the future:

• Children’s books

• Literary fiction

• Contemporary romance

• Hard sci-fi

• Mystery

I am working to expand my expertise and do hope to begin offering services for more genres in the future.

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Are there any themes or topics you’re not willing to work on?

I am open to a wide range of themes and topics in writing and look forward to exploring them with you! However, it's important to note that I will not work on projects that promote or advocate for hatred and violence towards minoritized groups. This includes content that perpetuates racism, antisemitism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, Islamophobia, fatphobia, and similar harmful ideologies.

Please understand that this does not mean these themes cannot be depicted or explored in your book. It means that I cannot support works where the author actively promotes or advocates for such ideologies. For example, if your book glorifies white supremacy, I am not the right editor for that project.

Can you help me publish my book or connect me to an agent?

As an independent book editor, I am not affiliated with any specific publishing house or literary agent. My role is to provide valuable editing services to help writers refine and polish their work, whether they aim for traditional publishing or self-publishing. It's important to note that I cannot offer you a publishing contract or guarantee successful book sales. However, I am committed to supporting your writing journey and helping you create the best possible manuscript for your chosen path to publication.

How do I know you’re qualified to edit my book?

I have over three years of professional editing experience, and have worked with bestselling and award-winning authors. I have extensive training through reputable organizations such as the Editorial Freelancers Association as well as Club Ed Freelancers where I’ve had the amazing opportunity to study under highly experienced teachers and mentors.

Click here to learn more about me. 

What is your feedback style like?

I approach feedback with a professional, tactful, and direct style, prioritizing the goal of strengthening your book and amplifying your unique voice. While I don't shy away from delivering honest constructive criticism, my intention is never to crush your spirit. My feedback is designed to educate and empower you as a writer. Rest assured, I won't tiptoe around your ego, but rather provide you with the guidance and insights you need to tell a stronger story. You can experience the nature of my feedback by requesting a complimentary manuscript assessment, which includes a sample edit.

What does the editing process look like?

The editing process may vary depending on your specific editing package and service, but it generally follows these steps:

1. Submission: You will send your full manuscript to me via email in the form of a Microsoft Word document by the agreed-upon start date of the edit.

2. First round of feedback: I will begin the first round of feedback on your project. This includes using the 'track changes' feature in Microsoft Word to make suggested revisions in your document and leaving comments. During this time, you may not hear from me unless there is a need for clarification. The duration of this round can vary depending on the service and length of your project, typically ranging from 1-4 weeks.

3. Delivery of first round: Once I have completed the first round of feedback, I will contact you via email. You will receive the agreed-upon deliverables, which may include a marked copy of your manuscript, a style sheet, or a revision letter.

4. Review and revision: You will carefully review my feedback and incorporate the suggestions at your discretion. You can contact me via email during your revision process, and depending on the type of edit, you may have the opportunity to respond to my comments directly in the document margins.

5. Second round of feedback: After applying the revisions to your book, you will resubmit the newly revised manuscript to me for a second round of feedback. I will assess any changes made and address any remaining issues. The duration of the second round varies depending on the amount of work required.

6. Delivery of final feedback: Once the second round is complete, I will return all the deliverables to you. I will be available for follow-up questions after the edits are complete, usually for up to three months. Please note that additional consulting fees may apply in some cases if you feel you need further guidance.

Keep in mind that not every step listed above applies to each of my services; this is just to help give a basic overview of what the process could look like.

How do we communicate when working together?

All communication will be conducted via email. In certain special circumstances, a video call can be scheduled, although additional rates may apply. For urgent matters and deadline-related inquiries, I may provide emergency contact information to ensure quick communication.

I am actively exploring more flexible communication options to accommodate clients who prefer "face-to-face" interactions. However, please note that email communication is currently the primary method of correspondence.

I strive to maintain open and prompt communication throughout the editing process, ensuring that your questions and concerns are addressed in a timely and transparent manner. However, I may not check my e-mail on my days off, and my office hours can vary. I will do my best to share any pertinent information with you regarding my availability.

How can I be confident that you will deliver the promised services?

To ensure protection for both parties, I establish a legally binding contract for each project I work on. This contract comprehensively outlines the rates, scope of work, deliverables, payment schedules, and other essential details. By agreeing to the contract, both you and I commit to fulfilling our respective obligations.

Referred to as a "letter of agreement," the contract serves as a transparent framework that safeguards your investment and my professional commitment. It covers important details including cancellation policies, copyright issues, and more. Before making any financial commitments, you will have the opportunity to review the contract thoroughly and ask any necessary questions.

I know that professional editing services can be a big investment, so I aim to make sure you feel confident in the process overall!

When and how is payment expected for my service?

For projects with a total cost under $500, I kindly request full payment upfront upon booking the service. If your project exceeds this amount, a nonrefundable 50% deposit is required upon booking. Invoices are usually sent via PayPal, but I'm open to accommodating other payment methods if you have different preferences.

Typically, the remaining 50% of your fee is due upon completion of the first round of edits. It's important to note that the estimated cost of your project is based on your projected word count when you book the project; if the actual word count differs from this original estimate, your final payment will be adjusted accordingly.

For clients who book a multi-service editing package, the payment schedule varies slightly. After the initial 50% deposit, payments are made in increments following each different type of edit.

When you choose to book a service or package with me, you will receive specific details regarding payment.

What is your cancellation policy?

When you book a service with me, the specific details of the cancellation policy will be outlined in your personalized letter of agreement. However, here are some general points to keep in mind:

1. Nonrefundable deposit: Please note that the deposit required upon booking is nonrefundable, even if you choose to cancel your project.

2. Rescheduling: If you need to reschedule your project, you typically have up to 3 months to coordinate with me and determine a new date that works for both parties. Please be aware that rescheduling may be subject to an additional fee. I know that shit happens, and I’ll do my best to work with you on this!

Your letter of agreement will accurately reflect the relevant information for your specific project.

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