My rates are based on industry standards and finalized by my experience and expertise. By setting the base price as a per word rate, it is easier for a client or author to determine if my services will fit their budget without questioning how I arrived at that number.

Note that the per word rate is a starting point, and while most clients’ projects will remain at that number, some projects might require more work and therefore an additional rate.

If you prefer an hourly or project rate, that can be arranged after a sample edit.

A sample edit is done using a small section of the project, typically taken from the middle of the manuscript. Why the middle? Usually, the beginning and ending are the places an author will spend the most time perfecting. By sending the middle, the author will get a better idea of what I can provide, and I will get a better understanding of the work involved.

I will edit approximately 500 words (2 pages) based on the type of editing you request. I perform the edits using Track Changes in Word, which allows you to see the suggestions clearly. Once I send it back to you, we can have a discussion about price, timeline, and next steps.

In addition to giving each of us a better picture of the work to be done, it allows us to see how well we can work together.

No.

Consistency is near impossible to achieve if I am unable to work on the entire project. It may also mean missing a plot or character issue if I am not able to see all sections. I pride myself on my excellent relationships with my clients. It is difficult to build a relationship when I am not working on the entire project.

In addition, some parts of editing can be subjective, which is why you may find several editors whose edits vary slightly. If you use different editors for different parts of your book, it may not mesh.

I have experience editing both sexually explicit and violent material. I am able to separate art from the artist and am not bothered by most material. In fact, I  feel I am able to discern places to suggest that it might be too much (or even too little). 

Of course, just because it hasn’t happened yet, doesn’t mean it isn’t possible. That is just another reason for a sample edit and discussions with an editor about content before the editing begins.

What I do not tolerate is when the artist projects that into real life.

Editing is intrinsically a subjective process. It is within your right to not take my suggestions into consideration during the final draft of your manuscript. It is simply another reason to get a sample edit.

Rejecting or disliking my suggestions is not a basis for refusing to pay the agreed-upon fees.

Most editors, myself included, will use Microsoft Word and its Track Changes feature. This allows me to edit the document in a way that makes the changes and suggestions easily visible to you. It also makes it easier for you to accept or reject those changes.

If you do not have Microsoft Word, there is typically an open source version or Google Docs where you will be able to do the same thing.

If you have never used Track Changes, it can seem intimidating. When requesting a sample edit, you can specify that you will need some assistance in reading the edited document. I also have a document that walks you step by step through the options (and I hope to make it a blog post on the site soon).

While it is, of course, possible to edit without using Track Changes, it is not recommended unless you trust your editor completely and plan to use the edited document as the most recent draft.

I discourage authors from looking at an edited document and attempting to transcribe the changes into an old draft, as you will miss minor things, such as commas or spacing, very easily (but a reader won’t).

Unfortunately, timelines are highly subjective and dependent on the following factors:

1. The size of your project
2. The state of your project
3. The requested type of editing
4. My current workload

I will be able to give an accurate assessment and timeline after completing a sample edit.

There are two different meanings of the word “pass” when it comes to editing. There is the number of times an editor reads the book as they are editing and the number of times an editor and author will go back and forth with edits.

I will do a minimum of two passes while I am editing. Once I have handed the book over to you with my edits, I offer a short meeting or a couple of email exchanges for questions and clarifications. I do not do another round of edits unless it is worked into the original contract at an additional cost.

Editing is a process of offering advice and suggestions. While I will make every effort to identify and bring questionable material to your attention, it is not possible to guarantee error-free content.

Most editors work to meet a benchmark of 95% accuracy, which is still a much higher rate than online editing tools.

I will do check-ins as often as a client needs, within reason. If there is nothing to update, it is only wasting working time by checking in.

Typically, we will have extensive communication before editing starts. During the process, I will reach out if I have questions, otherwise, I will provide a “halfway point” check-in to let you know where things stand.

Nearly all of my communication is done via email unless a client requests a meeting. As I have had issues in the past with phone calls, it is best to set up a Zoom or Google Meet, even if there is no video. I offer one meeting before editing begins and one after.

I can ghostwrite! Reach out and we can set up a meeting to discuss your ideas and what it would entail.

And sorry, but no homework. I am not sure of the legality, plus, I have done my fair share of homework, thank you!