Frequently Asked Questions
Share your project details through my contact form—I'll get back to you within a day or two. From there, we'll discuss what you're looking for, and I'll ask to see a sample of your work so I can provide a complimentary edit to determine if I am the right editor for you!
Here are my current rates for editing services. All projects include a free consultation to discuss your specific needs and a complimentary edit of the first few chapters of your work.
Service | Rate |
Editorial Assessment | $2.00 per page (~250 words) |
Developmental Editing | $5.00 per page (~250 words) |
Line Editing | $0.018 per word |
Copyediting | $0.015 per word |
Proofreading | $0.012 per word |
Additionally, I offer discounts:
Discounts
3-Book Series: 5% discount on total project cost when all books are booked simultaneously
4-5 Book Series: 10% discount on total project cost when all books are booked simultaneously
6+ Book Series: 15% discount on total project cost when all books are booked simultaneously
Multiple Services: 7% discount when booking 2 different editing services for the same manuscript (e.g., developmental + line editing)
Multiple Revisions: I offer one free round of reviewing your revised manuscript based on my initial feedback. Additional rounds are available at a 50% discount per round.
I am currently offering a line editing and copyediting bundle at 15% off!
Discount Terms
Series discounts apply only when entire series booked at project start
Series discounts cannot be combined with other promotional offers
If series is cancelled mid-project, remaining books will be billed at standard rates
The timeline depends on your manuscript's word count, editing type, and current condition. Here are typical timeframes from project start to delivery:
Word Count | Editorial Assessment | Developmental Editing | Line Editing | Copyediting | Proofreading |
5,000–10,000 | 2–4 business days | 1–2 weeks | 1–2 weeks | 3–5 business days | 1–2 business days |
30,000–50,000 | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks | 2–3 weeks | 1–2 weeks | 3–5 business days |
60,000–80,000 | 2–3 weeks | 4–6 weeks | 3–4 weeks | 2–3 weeks | 1–2 weeks |
90,000–110,000+ | 3–4 weeks | 6–8 weeks | 4–6 weeks | 3–4 weeks | 2–3 weeks |
For Publication Deadlines:
Contact me at least 4–6 weeks before your target date to ensure availability.
For Writing Competitions:
Many contests have firm deadlines—reach out 6–8 weeks in advance to guarantee your spot in the schedule.
For Multiple Editing Stages:
If you need developmental editing followed by copy editing, plan for 4–8 weeks total, depending on revisions between stages.
If you've just finished writing your book and are considering hiring an editor, you can find a lot of helpful resources on my blog. These posts dive deep into each editorial service, walking you through their specific processes, explaining the value they bring to your manuscript, and helping you understand exactly what to expect when collaborating with a professional editor.
Here is a simple breakdown of each editorial service:
1. Editorial Assessment — The Diagnosis
Used when: First draft is complete
Focus: Overall manuscript evaluation, structural integrity, market viability, and publishing readiness
Key Questions: Does the manuscript achieve its goals? Is it ready for the next stage? What are the major strengths and weaknesses? How does it compare to market expectations?
Changes: Detailed report with strategic recommendations, priority areas for improvement, and guidance on next steps
Think of it as: The blueprint—providing an expert evaluation of your manuscript's current state and potential
2. Developmental Editing — The Big Picture
Used when: First draft is complete
Focus: Story structure, plot, characters, pacing, and overall narrative flow
Key Questions: Does the story work? Are characters compelling? Is the plot logical? Does the pacing keep readers engaged?
Changes: Major revisions, restructuring chapters, cutting or adding scenes, character development
Think of it as: Architectural work—making sure the foundation and framework of your story are solid
3. Line Editing — The Craft Level
Used when: After developmental issues are resolved
Focus: Sentence structure, word choice, voice, style, and prose flow
Key Questions: Does each sentence flow well? Is the writing clear and engaging? Is the voice consistent? Changes: Rewriting sentences, improving word choice, enhancing rhythm, strengthening voice
Think of it as: Interior design—making each room (paragraph) beautiful and functional
4. Copyediting — The Technical Polish
Used when: After line editing is complete
Focus: Grammar, punctuation, spelling, style guide consistency, fact-checking
Key Questions: Is everything grammatically correct? Are style rules followed consistently? Are facts accurate?
Changes: Fixing grammar errors, standardizing punctuation, correcting spelling, ensuring consistency
Think of it as: Quality control inspection—making sure everything meets technical standards
5. Proofreading — The Final Check
Used when: Final stage before publication
Focus: Catching remaining typos, formatting errors, and surface-level mistakes
Key Questions: Are there any remaining errors? Is formatting consistent? Is it ready to publish?
Changes: Minimal corrections—fixing typos, adjusting spacing, correcting punctuation
Think of it as: Final walkthrough—catching any last details before the "grand opening"
Genre | Developmental Editing Benefits | Line Editing Benefits | Proofreading Benefits | Proofreading Benefits |
Fantasy | Complex world-building oversight, magic system consistency, multiple plotline management, character arc tracking | Immersive prose creation, consistent tone across complex narratives, character voice distinction | World-building terminology consistency, character name accuracy, magic system term standardization, series continuity | Final world detail accuracy, character consistency check, formatting polish for publication |
Science Fiction | Technological concept development, world-building logic, timeline management, plot complexity | Clear explanation of complex concepts, accessible prose for technical elements, consistent narrative voice | Technical terminology accuracy, scientific consistency, character detail tracking, series continuity | Technical term verification, formatting consistency, final error elimination |
Mystery/Crime | Plot logic orchestration, clue placement strategy, red herring management, tension curve planning | Tension building through sentence structure, atmospheric prose, clear but subtle clue presentation | Clue presentation clarity, character detail consistency, timeline accuracy, evidence tracking | Plot detail accuracy verification, timeline consistency check, final presentation polish |
Thriller/Suspense | Pacing and tension escalation, plot structure momentum, character motivation development | Fast-paced prose maintenance, tension building through rhythm, breathless pacing creation | Fast-paced dialogue formatting, tension preservation through clean prose, plot consistency | Momentum preservation through error elimination, tension maintenance, final polish |
Romance | Character chemistry development, emotional beat pacing, relationship arc structure, series continuity planning | Emotional resonance through word choice, intimate scene flow, character voice chemistry | Dialogue formatting consistency, character development tracking, emotional beat clarity, series consistency | Character detail accuracy, emotional scene flow preservation, final polish |
Historical Fiction | Historical accuracy integration, character development within period constraints, research organization | Period-appropriate language creation, immersive historical prose, accessibility balance | Period terminology consistency, historical detail accuracy, character/setting consistency | Historical detail verification, period consistency check, final accuracy polish |
Literary Fiction | Character psychology depth, thematic coherence, subtle pacing refinement | Prose style distinction, voice refinement, sentence-level beauty, literary merit enhancement | Grammar perfection without voice alteration, narrative style consistency, thematic coherence | Publication-ready literary polish, final grammar verification, prestigious presentation |
Contemporary | Modern social issue integration, character development in current settings, relatable plot structure | Natural dialogue creation, current voice authenticity, accessible prose style | Modern terminology consistency, cultural reference accuracy, character detail tracking | Contemporary relevance verification, cultural accuracy check, final presentation polish |
Horror | Atmosphere building pacing, fear escalation strategy, character psychology development | Atmospheric prose creation, sensory detail enhancement, psychological tension through language | Atmospheric consistency maintenance, character reaction accuracy, dialogue formatting | Atmosphere preservation, immersion protection through error elimination, final polish |
Tip: If your budget limits you to one editing service, choose based on your manuscript's stage:
First draft: Editorial Assessment (roadmap for major revisions)
Manuscript needs work: Developmental Editing (structure, plot, character development)
Manuscript is solid: Line Editing (sentence-level flow and style)
Nearly publication-ready: Copyediting (grammar, consistency, clarity)
Final version: Proofreading (last check before publication)
You can learn more about these editorial services here.
I cover lots of writing and publishing topics on my blog. You'll find articles on craft, industry insights, and answers to questions I hear frequently from writers. If you have questions about editing or my editorial process, feel free to contact me.
Ready to Get Started?
Please fill out the following form with details about your project and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. To determine if I am the right editor for you, a complimentary editing sample will be provided once we discuss your project. Your work will never be shared with anyone. If you have any questions before submitting a form, see if my FAQ or blog can help you out!