FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing varies based on job requirements and the client. I've earned as much as $100 an hour with corporate clients, but I don't want to give Thumbtack clients sticker shock. My Thumbtack pricing is $30 an hour, which is at the low end of the industry standard. I'm a seasoned professional, one of the best around. This is a good rate.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
With a new editing client, my first step is to clarify what they want--proofreading/light copyediting, more involved line editing, developmental editing? This often involves some education. Not everyone knows what these terms mean and how they translate into hours of work. For writing clients, I chat with them about what they want written, the length they're shooting for, what tone they want, whether they have notes and research I can work from or I need to do that step as well. All in all, I try to put the client at ease and let them know they are dealing with a professional who is expert, reliable, and ethical and will do the best possible job for them. I also ask them to sign a standard free-lance contract. This lays everything out on the table so all parties know what to expect.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BA in English Literature from Yale University and a Masters in Fiction Writing from UC Davis. I've taught writing in high school and I've taught fiction writing at the college level. Most of my actual training has been on the job--I've been a writer and editor for more than 25 years.