My Editing Process
✨ Just a reminder, I specialize in speculative genres (especially sci-fi, fantasy, horror) and don't edit romance genres (except romantasy). I offer copyediting and proofreading but not evaluations or developmental editing. I do, however, know a ton of great editors who do! Get in touch and I'll refer you.
Here are the steps you can expect when hiring me as your editor.
- It all starts with filling out my inquiry form:
- Here's the link! I'll confirm receipt within a business day and ask a few more clarifying questions to make sure we're a good fit.
- If we're not (usually because of a genre mismatch or I don't provide the editing service you need), I am happy to connect you with other editors in my network you could contact.
- Making sure we're a good fit:
- I will offer to do a free sample edit of 1,000 words from the middle of your manuscript (just to make sure we're on the same page with project scope and deliverables). I'll send you a short proposal with cost and timeline.
- I will also give the option to book a 30-min Zoom call to ask any questions you might have and to make absolutely sure it's a good fit for both of us.
- Feel free to ask me all the questions you like and check my testimonials or ask for references.
- Booking me for editing:
- If you decide you want to work with me, I'll send you an editing contract to sign, which puts us on the same page in terms of expectations, timeline, payment deadlines.
- Once you've returned the signed contract, I will send an invoice for a 20% nonrefundable booking deposit to secure your spot in my future schedule.
- Invoicing:
- A week before I start editing, I will send you an invoice for 40% of the total fee.
- The remaining 40% will be due right before I send you the edited manuscript.
- Turnaround time:
- It will usually take me between 2-6 weeks to finish editing your book, depending on word count.
- A 50K novel will be closer to 2-3 weeks.
- 100K or more words tends to be 4-6 weeks.
- And proofreading jobs can be faster, between 1-2 weeks.
- Style guides and dictionaries:
- I most often use the Chicago Manual of Style for fiction editing and the Merriam Webster dictionary (for US spelling). I'm also experienced with Canadian spelling.
- I most often use the Chicago Manual of Style for fiction editing and the Merriam Webster dictionary (for US spelling). I'm also experienced with Canadian spelling.
- Communication expectations:
- While I'm editing your manuscript, I will follow up via email every Friday with an update on my progress, especially for longer projects.
- You can feel free to email me with questions at any time.
- Deliverables:
- You will receive the edited document in Microsoft Word with Track Changes and comments in the margin.
- A clean copy with all changes accepted for easier reading.
- And a style sheet (a full one for copyediting and a more basic one for proofreading jobs, if you don't have one from your copyeditor already).
- If requested, I will do a clean-up pass of minor revisions after you review my edits (additional $200)
- Email me with your questions:
- After you've reviewed my edits, collect any questions into one email. I will do my best to answer all your questions within a few days.
