Frequent Questions
How can I get on your schedule?
My calendar is always in flux, as I work with various authors, so I am happy to accommodate authors as best I can on their schedule. If there is a deadline you are working toward, it is helpful to know that upfront—I am usually editing a few projects simultaneously. Rest assured that your contract with me, either personally or via Reedsy, automatically places you on my editorial calendar for immediate attention. However, I suggest booking with me sooner rather than later, as I tend to book quickly.
Is my book a good fit for you?
I always ensure that a project is a good fit for me, and I only accept work I believe can help improve. I take into account my own reading and writing preferences, but it’s also important to me that a project has something about it that I find exciting and exceptional (and that the current marketplace likely will as well). So if you receive an offer from me, it is because I am excited by you and your work! There is nothing more dreadful than working on something I have little interest in—it’s not validating for me as a publishing professional, and it certainly isn’t worth your time or money if your editor isn’t absolutely invested in your project. Finding a good partnership is essential.
What genres do you work with?
I specialise in MG, YA, and Adult fiction, with a specific interest in:
Speculative
Fantasy
Romantasy
Magical Realism
Light sci-fi
Literary
Thrillers
Action/Adventure
Specializing in diverse stories
I do not edit non-fiction, romance, erotica, or grim-dark work. If you are unsure whether your work will be suitable for me, pop me a message!
How are your prices determined?
My prices vary from project to project according to numerous factors such as length, complexity, amount of work needed, and what you have requested of me in terms of an edit (developmental edit versus a copyedit, etc.—see below). I work quite diligently on my prices to ensure that you are getting excellent value and the best customized work possible, and also to ensure that I am being paid a fair wage for my time, feedback, and expertise.
How long will it take for an edit to be completed?
The length of time it takes me to finish editing your manuscript depends on my schedule, the length, scope, and complexity of the work, and the amount of editorial guidance needed. I let my clients know upfront what my projected timeline is. Regardless of my deadlines, you can rest assured that I will take great care of your story and you will always receive the attention your work deserves.
What is an Editorial Assessment versus a Developmental Edit versus a Copyedit? Editorial Assessment—An editorial assessment is an overview of your manuscript by a professional editor. Here, in-depth feedback concerning structure, plot, characterization, style, and consistency is focused on. Feedback from an editorial assessment can lead to
significant changes to your manuscript. In addition, the assessment will identify your book’s strengths and weaknesses so that there is a clear revision plan moving forward.
Developmental editing—also called structural or substantive editing —involves inline comments that address character and plot arcs, pacing, description, world-building, symbolism, theme, structure, and all other major craft elements on a scene-by-scene basis. This can lead to substantial change suggestions in some manuscripts but lesser in others.
Copy-editing—the fine-tuning of a book’s prose, otherwise known as the ‘copy.’ A copy edit will address grammatical or punctuation errors, inconsistencies, style issues, passive versus active voice, showing versus telling, and glaring typos. Good copy editing ensures that the language supports the writer’s intent — while creating the best readable version of their novel.
Will you evaluate my Query Letter or additional author promotional materials?
If you would like me to perform any of these services, please let me know at the onset and I will add in these services. I do find it extraordinarily helpful to have a professional review your query letter and marketing materials. If you cannot drum up excitement in your query letter or promotional materials, then your chances of having your story requested from a literary agent or editor or reader are slim, and you want to give your story the best fighting chance. As an editor, I reviewed thousands upon thousands of query letters, and I can tell you that there is a big difference between the ones that are snooze-worthy or amateur and ones that catch a reader’s interest and attention.
After the edit, then what?
It is a priority of mine that after you receive your editorial from me, I am available to you for any and all questions that you might have. It is important to me that you understand my notes to you, that you have clear direction moving forward, and that you have me, your publishing professional, as a sounding board to discuss your concerns—I can even help you brainstorm. That said, because of the volume of work that I do, I am not able to read several revisions (or chapters) of your revised story. If you wish for me to read your revision based on my feedback, you are more than welcome to retain my services under a separate contract. I have many clients with whom I work on an ongoing basis, many of whom have become published authors as a result.
Can I be in touch with you at any time?
Yes! I welcome all questions and feedback. I want to make sure that we have excellent communication throughout the entire editing process!
Can you offer advice about securing agents or publishing in general?
Absolutely. However, due to a conflict of interest with my other clients, I don’t provide personal recommendations to agents or other editors.
Can you guarantee publication or representation?
No editor can guarantee publication, representation, or commercial success. What I can promise is thoughtful, honest, and professional feedback designed to help your manuscript reach its fullest potential.