Frequently Asked Questions

Once you have contacted me, you’ve seen a sample of my edits, and we’ve agreed on which tier of editing service that you’ll be receiving, there are a few rules to keep in mind if I agree to edit for you.

01. Is a deposit required?

There is a 50% non-refundable upfront deposit. This is to reserve your slot with me and for me to clear my calendar. Again, this deposit is non-refundable, no exceptions. I do not start editing until that down payment has cleared into my Paypal account.  All final payments or installment payments are due within 24 hours upon receipt of returned manuscript edits!!!

02.

Please be aware that if you have booked a package of services, such as developmental edits + proofreading, it is expected that after receipt of the developmental edits and you editing the file for the next round with proofreading, that then you will complete edits and resubmit a subsequent to finish out the package you booked. I’ve had clients in the past ghost me after booking a couple services as a package, which is really bad for me because I’ll block off a month and turn down other potential clients instead. Please, please, don’t book a service package and ghost me after the first step/first round of edits have been done and returned. 

03. Are there any requirements for sending a manuscript?

You must review your manuscript before submitting it to me. I do not edit or proofread manuscripts that are first drafts without any self-edits. If I notice upon reading further into your manuscript/first chapter that you have recurrent errors and typos that indicate you have not done your own proofreading first, I will return the manuscript to you. I will not continue with my contracted edits until you’ve done a round of self editing to eliminate basic typos first. An editor and proofreader is not a substitution for your self-editing first.

04. Is there a specific formatting required for the manuscript?

Similarly, you must have proper formatting for your manuscript. I’m not super strict on this, but I need the manuscript to be double-spaced, which makes it easier to read. I also require page numbers and also paragraphs. I know that last sounds like an odd request, but I had to reject a client who had written their manuscript as one, long stream-of-consciousness MegaParagraph. 

05.

I am paid per project. Do not send me a manuscript and also have tacked on the first seven chapters of the sequel novel at the end. I’ve had that happen to me before, and I will send the manuscript back and request you take back out the additional bonus seven chapters of the sequel as I was contracted to edit the book you’re actually working on and not the teaser section. 

06. What's the timeline for turning in the completed work?

Usually my timeline is about 4 weeks for developmental editing and 2-3 weeks for line editing or proofreading, depending on how full my plate is. However, I reserve the right to contact you and let you know if the editing will take longer/adjust the time frame if your work is in rougher shape than was initially indicated in a first chapter sample edit/review.

07. Are there any limitations regarding content?

If we are going to be working together, you must send me a list of any potential triggering content in your work. Things I want to be warned about in advance and will figure into if I want to read your work/work with you include:

  • mental illness
  • self harm
  • suicide attempts
  • abuse: physical, emotional, or sexual
  • rape and/or incest
  • homophobia

I am not saying I won’t take your work on but I want to be warned. Honestly, if you work has suicide in it, I may not be the best fit for it.

08. What kind of books will you take in?

I do not do memoirs or self-help of any kind. I can refer you to editor friends who will, but I do fiction. My preferred subject areas include the following: urban fantasy, romance (most subgenres), young adult (most subgenres), LGBTQ+ romance (most subgenres) as well as LGBTQ+ urban fantasy and contemporaries, thrillers, horror, and women’s fiction. 

My favorite genre overall is urban fantasy.