What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Prices vary depending on the project, but I generally charge $50/hr for editing and writing projects.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I typically have an introductory meeting/phone conversation with a new client in which we discuss their project, goals, and editing/writing needs. Once we're in sync about the project, I'll typically take on an initial job (for example, editing the first two chapters of a novel or creating 2–3 blog posts). This allows the client to see a sample of my work and to evaluate whether we're a good fit before committing to the larger project (say, editing an entire novel or writing a series of blog posts for a website).
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I earned a B.A. in English from Tulane University and an M.A. in Creative Writing from The University of Texas at Austin. I've edited for two literary journals, one newspaper, and one nationally distributed magazine. I've also assisted authors in a variety of genres in the development, writing, and editing of their books.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I got my first gig as a literary journal editor in college, and I became an editorial assistant for an environmental magazine straight after graduation.That began my love affair with editing, and I've been working with the English language in some capacity ever since, whether I've been fact-checking for The Austin Chronicle, teaching creative writing to college students, or writing articles on fraud investigation.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have worked with small business owners, grant writers, humanitarian agencies, advertising firms, novelists, academics, and news writers.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I'm currently editing an instructional guide for an international charity that runs workshops on healing war-torn communities. It's an inspiring and important project, and I'm proud to help the charity extend its reach and influence through the publication of the guide. The project has taken about two weeks and will go through one more round of edits before publication.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Check credentials, read reviews, and look at the quality of communication from your prospective editor. Does this person seem prompt, efficient, and knowledgable? Can they answer your questions or concerns about your project? Most importantly, do they feel like a good fit, personally, for you? All editing projects are collaborative works, so you want to gain a sense that this editor "gets" you, fully understands the project parameters, and is a pleasure to work with.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
The nuts and bolts: What is the project? When do you need it completed by? What's your budget? But on top of all that: What are your goals for this project and how can this editor best help you achieve them?
