FAQs

WHAT PROGRAMS DO YOU USE FOR EDITING?

Microsoft Word or Google Docs, depending on your preference.

DO YOU USE TRACKED CHANGES?

Absolutely! I always work in editor/review mode so that you can see every change I make to your document. Then, you can either accept or reject the changes to your liking.

For clients who prefer it, I also deliver a separate document with all edits incorporated so that you can easily experience how the text reads without all the red on the page. (I don’t charge extra for this!)

WHAT STYLE GUIDES DO YOU ADHERE TO?

For most projects, I default to the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), which has been the preferred style manual for American English for over 100 years. However, as an editor with both academic and journalistic experience, I’m also familiar with working in AP and APA style, as well as a variety of other academic styles. I’ve also adapted many of my academic editing projects to journal-specific style guidelines and am more than happy to adjust accordingly for projects with specific style needs.

DO YOU EDIT Projects in British English?

Yes! I’m comfortable and familiar with UK, Australian, and Canadian English language conventions and can move between these depending on your location, needs, and preferences. While I am American and live in the US, my most recent long-term project (which you can read more about here) adhered to Canadian English language standards, for example.

As a side note, I also spend much of my time in Europe and have extensive experience working with non-native English speakers and clients outside the American English sphere.

DO YOU OFFER SAMPLES EDITS?

I do! For $15 flat, I will edit one full page of your work to give you a feel for my approach and help you decide which type of editing could best support your project. To request a sample edit, simply reach out to me via my contact form and let me know you’re interested.

Please note that sample edits are only available for projects with a minimum of 10 pages or 5,000 words. For general samples of my work, check out my portfolio.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A CONSULTATION CALL WITH YOU?

In our consultation call, my main goal is to get to know you, your project, and your needs. I want us both to walk away feeling like we understand each other and how we can best work together to accomplish your goals. These calls (which can happen through a variety of platforms, including Zoom, WhatsApp, and the good old-fashioned telephone) are a great opportunity for you to ask me any questions you might have and for me to ask you some important questions, too.

For example, I’ll probably ask you to describe what you’re working on, what your short- and long-term goals are for your project, and what kind of support you think you might need. A consultation call is a great way for you to lay your ideas out on the table so I can give you my expert opinion on what services I think would be most supportive to you. It’s also an excellent opportunity for you to decide whether you like the idea of working with me.

On that note, a consultation call does not obligate you to work with me. These calls are “no strings attached,” and if we don’t feel like a good fit for you by the end of the call, I 100% trust your judgement.

WHAT ARE YOUR RATES?

All of my rates are project dependent. This is because every project I do is entirely unique and requires a custom approach. That said, my rates are competitive and always take your bottom line into consideration.

For a free quote, reach out to me any time.

WHY DON’T YOU PUBLISH YOUR RATES ONLINE?

I don’t view my clients as templates or copies. You’re an individual, your project is unique, and the needs and best strategies that come along with it are unique, too. Rest assured, my rates are competitive in the industry, and you won’t walk away feeling gouged. I also happily offer free quotes, so feel free to send me a message with some info about your project to request one.

Do you offer discounts or a sliding scale?

Yes. However, I reserve these opportunities for clients who demonstrate material need and are creating work that adds measurable value to the world. For example, I’m willing to work on a sliding scale for activists producing meaningful work who may not otherwise be able to afford writing and editing services. Though it’s not the only factor I consider, I do take identity into account if and when someone has been marginalized into a position of financial insecurity.

If you and your work fall into this category, please feel free to send me a message to discuss the details.

WHAT BOOK GENRES DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN AS AN EDITOR?

Most my book editing work has been for authors in the romance genre (including both sweet and steamy romance). However, I’ve also worked in YA, sci-fi/fantasy, thriller/crime, non-fiction, memoir, and more.

In 2024, I’m specifically looking for more projects in the following genres:

  • steamy romance / erotica

  • fantasy / new myth

  • self-help, healing, and recovery

  • memoir and creative non-fiction

WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS? DO YOU HAVE A DEGREE AND EXPERIENCE?

Absolutely! Please check out my portfolio page and resumé for all the details.

DO YOU BELONG TO ANY EDITING ORGANIZATIONS OR GUILDS?

Yes! As of 2024, I am an official member of the Northwest Editor’s Guild.

WHAT IS YOUR TURNAROUND TIME?

This depends on the size of your project and my current client load, which changes often. The best way to find out how quickly I can deliver for you is to send me a message.

HOW DO PAYMENTS WORK? IS IT SECURE?

I accept secure domestic and international payments through PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle — whichever works best for you. These services are regarded as highly secure, and I will absolutely never request any payment information from you directly.

Depending on the size of your project, I may request a percentage deposit before beginning the work (this is common for large book editing projects). However, for most clients, I don’t request payment until all work has been completed.

DO YOU SEND INVOICES?

Absolutely! I provide itemized PDF invoices for every order.

WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU INSTEAD OF JUST USING AI?

Undoubtedly, AI-powered services like ChatGPT and Grammarly have become popular alternatives to hiring a human to write or edit your projects. However, these programs are rife with issues and simply cannot produce work with the same quality, accuracy, or connectivity as work created by humans. Sure — ChatGPT might help out your bottom line. And yes, Grammarly might save you time and money, too. But if you want written work that’s actually reliable and authoritative and has the power to truly land with your ideal audience, there’s really no alternative to working with a real person.