FAQ

My next opening is typically in eight to twelve weeks, though I occasionally have earlier openings. I do not take projects requiring an immediate start. Request a quote to find out when my next opening will be.

It depends on project scope and unique needs of the project and the writer. For an adult nonfiction book of around 60,000 words, it usually takes four to six weeks from the start date to complete developmental feedback and three to four weeks to complete line or copy editing. A typical coaching or production management project might involve weekly or biweekly meetings over six to twelve months. Contact me to find out whether I’m available to meet your deadline.

It depends on project scope and unique needs of the project and the writer. A good starting point is the Editorial Freelancers Union Rates Chart, but books with a high word count and books needing intense editorial support can run higher than the average rates. Contact me to request a free custom estimate.

Every project has unique needs, but in general:

• If you haven’t finished your first draft yet and feel stuck or overwhelmed, coaching can help you write through to the end.

• If you’ve finished a draft but feel like your content isn’t quite in order, your revisions are chasing in circles, or it’s missing something you can’t quite identify, developmental editing can help with big-picture feedback.

• If you’re happy with your finished draft but want to make sure that the text is clear and fluid, with consistent voice, line editing is a good step.

• Copy editing is for finished and polished drafts that just need a final check for correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, usage, and style; it’s often the last step before book design and layout.

• Production editing/editorial project management guides a finished manuscript from Word file to publication-ready files, whether destined for print or digital distribution. It’s most useful for writers who have a plan for indie publication and want an expert to keep the process on track, and for publishers who need contract production support.

If you feel clearer about what you need, feel free to request a quote for your project.

Please contact me if you’re not sure where to start!

If a manuscript is not yet complete, it’s too early for editing. I offer coaching to help writers set deadlines and goals, brainstorm process, and troubleshoot challenges to get it done.

Editing begins after a writer has completed a manuscript and revised it in full at least once. I do not edit first drafts; addressing the basic errors that every first draft contains is a poor use of a writer’s budget, and I never want to undermine a writer’s ideas and voice by getting involved too early in a book’s growth.

A manuscript is usually ready for developmental editing when it the first draft is complete, the writer has revised it at least once, and, ideally, the writer has received and revised in response to feedback from at least one and preferably two or three readers (not including friends and family, who often feel like they can’t give bad reviews).

A manuscript is usually ready for line or copy editing when the draft has been revised several times by the writer, including revisions in response to outside feedback. The writer has taken it as far as they can, and all that’s left is polishing at the paragraph and sentence level.

Please email me if you’re still not sure where to start!

Questions about writing seldom have such simple answers! “It depends” is a frustrating answer, though, so I can help you step back from your writing and ask, What is my message, and who needs to hear it? Does that message reach the listener with minimum potential for distraction or confusion? Is my text easy to understand and free of errors? Am I confident that this writing authentically captures who I am and what I have to share? Together, we’ll look at what’s on the page and discuss what it will take to reach your vision and goals for the book. Identifying weaknesses in a draft can be an uncomfortable process, but I’ll deliver clear, respectful, and actionable feedback about what isn’t working or could be improved so you can revise with confidence. Email me if you’re not sure where to start!