FAQs

How do you determine a rate?

While my rates are per word (or per 1,000 words), they’re also based on the amount of time a project will take. For manuscript evaluations, the time is based on how quickly I read while taking notes plus the amount of time it takes to write the report. For line editing, the rate is based on how long it takes to complete the sample each author sends to me.

How long will a project take?

This really depends on how much work the manuscript needs. It’s why the sample is so important. An average 75,000-word manuscript takes about two weeks for manuscript evaluation. For that same manuscript, the first pass in line editing will take about three weeks and the second pass will take two (there will be two weeks in between the two passes for the author to review and comment on the first pass changes). Again, this is for an average manuscript—your manuscript could take more time, or possibly less time but I try to overschedule rather than underdeliver.

How are payments made?

For most projects, there are two payments—a 50 percent deposit at the beginning and the remainder at the end. I will send an invoice via Square about a week or so before each payment is due, and that email will have a link to make the payment. You can pay by either credit card or ACH transfer.

For multi-service projects (manuscript evaluation and line editing), there are three payments spread throughout the project.

Will you sign an NDA?

Of course I will. My standard contract includes a clause protecting your ownership and privacy, but I’m generally willing to sign additional protections upon request.

What if I don’t like your edits?

Editing is a process of offering advice and suggestions based on my many years of reading, writing, and communicating. If you really don’t like a suggestion, there is no requirement to take it. I’m happy to explain why I’ve suggested a change—and often do so before an author has a chance to ask—but ultimately, it’s the author’s name on the book and they have final say on what changes are or are not kept.

What format should I send my manuscript/sample in?

I work exclusively in Microsoft Word. As of 2025, no other software has the functionality of Track Changes. If you want to send a Google Doc, that’s fine—I’ll just convert it to Word, but be aware the conversions can mess up formatting and some of the edits.

As far as font or spacing, just make sure it’s readable. There’s a good chance I’ll make formatting changes anyway—it’s even part of my process between the first and second passes when line editing (one pass in a serif font and one sans serif—it kind of fools my brain into thinking I’ve never seen this text before).

What if I need to cancel the project?

If I haven’t started working on the manuscript, please be considerate and give me as much notice as possible so I can fill the space with another project. If I’ve already started working on it, I will calculate how much is complete and invoice based on my hours worked. If I need to cancel, I will return the deposit and all materials.

Do you use AI to edit?

I do not use any generative AI in any way. While I do use spelling and grammar checkers, which are a rudimentary form of AI, they are in addition to my careful reading of the manuscript, and in truth, I reject most of the suggestions because AI isn’t very creative. I also only use checkers that are not part of an LLM (Large Language Model); I will do all I can to make sure your manuscript does not become a learning tool for generative AI.

I will not knowingly edit AI-generated manuscripts.