Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs for Editorial Services
I’ve read your Services pages and I’m still not sure which level of editing my manuscript needs. Could you give me some (more) guidance?
To help you navigate the different levels of editing, I’ve created the What do I need Editing Cheat Sheet. Join my email list and receive your free copy today.
And here’s a bonus tip (re stylistic editing versus copy editing):
For authors planning to self-publish, I usually recommend investing in both stylistic and copy editing, which will look at both the stylistic and technical aspects of the text. This will ensure you get the most polished version of your manuscript.
On the other hand, if your goal is traditional publishing, stylistic editing might be all that you need. Your literary agent will work with you to ensure your manuscript is the best it can be before submissions, which may include some copy editing. And publishing houses typically have their own editorial team that does copy editing.
Will you change my work too much?
My goal is to enhance your work, not to overpower or overshadow your unique voice. And you have creative control of your work because you can either accept or reject my suggested edits.
What genres do you edit?
I work with a wide range of genres, although my specialisms are YA Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Mystery and Romance.
I do not edit:
• poetry
• plays and screenplays
• experimental fiction
• erotica, horror and graphic novels (including Manga)
• books depicting abuse, torture or extreme violence
• books with and about psychic phenomena or other paranormal claims
I do not fact-check any specialized knowledge facts.
How much does it cost?
I am always open to discussing your specific needs and how we can best achieve your goals within your budget.
All fees will be mutually agreed upon before any work begins.
For most projects, my pricing is based on a flat rate per word, which ensures straightforward and transparent costs for your project.
My pricing for fiction and memoirs is as follows:
• Manuscript Evaluation – starting at $0.015/word
• Partial Manuscript Evaluation (max. 5,000 words) – $150
• Structural Editing – starting at $0.04/word
• Stylistic Editing – starting at $0.03/word
• Copy Editing – starting at $0.02/word
• Proofreading – starting at $0.015/word
Please contact me for pricing for non-fiction work.
If we decide to work together, I will require a 50% booking deposit (which is non-refundable) with the final amount payable on completion.
What is your refund policy?
I require a 50% percent non-refundable deposit for services. I do not offer refunds for cancellations or completed services.
Do you accept credit card payments?
No, sorry.
Will I receive my files before paying the final invoice?
Final payment is due before I return the edited files, formatted manuscripts, etc. to you. Once the remaining balance has been paid, I will send files over to you. Final files are usually sent the same day of payment, unless you pay after my business hours or on a weekend.
How long does editing take?
For most book-length projects, my usual time frame is four to five weeks.
When you become a client, we’ll set dates for the project that work for us both.
What if I need changes after the initial edit?
My fee is for an initial round of edits, plus one additional round.
After that, to ensure the final product aligns with your vision, I also offer additional rounds of editing for an additional fee. The cost of these additional rounds of editing will be stipulated in our contract when you become a client.
Can you fit me in next week/month?
I’m usually booking a couple of months in advance, although I do sometimes have earlier spots open up. If you’d like to get on my calendar, please contact me as soon as possible to secure your spot.
I’m a teen author. Can you work with me?
No, sorry. I only work with authors over the age of eighteen.
FAQs for Book Reviews
What types of books do you review?
I love reading YA Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Action and Adventure, Mystery, and Thriller and Suspense, especially ones with a romantic subplot. I do not publish a review for every book that I read.
I do not review:
• poetry
• plays and screenplays
• erotica, horror or graphic novels (including Manga)
• books that depict abuse, torture or extreme violence
• books with and about psychic phenomena or other paranormal claims
Currently, I do not publish reviews on books I have DNF’d.
Do you charge for a review?
No.
Do you publish your book reviews elsewhere (and why do you publish them in more than one place)?
I post my reviews on Amazon mainly. (This audience is comprised mainly of readers/buyers.)
I only publish them on my website if there is something about the book that I wish to highlight to authors. (This audience is comprised mainly of authors.)
I have chosen to publish my reviews in more than one place because it helps authors sell books and build their platform. (I know it can be difficult for authors to get reviews when they launch a book.)
Can you review my book after you edit it?
No, sorry. I can’t because it would be a conflict of interest. It would also be against the terms and conditions of most retailers to have an editor who was involved with the book review it.