FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Option 1: Developmental Edit Includes • Free 1,000-word sample edit to demonstrate my critique style and familiarize myself with the needs of your manuscript. (Includes an estimate of total cost and completion date.) • Manuscript chapter summaries and an official PDF report summary of findings and recommendations • K-Lytics genre report for marketability ($197 value) • ½-hour video chat or email conversation for manuscript review and query or self-publishing consultation Average Investment: Fiction $0.03/word Non-fiction $0.038/word Option 2: Developmental and Line Edit Combo Includes • Free 1,000-word sample edit to demonstrate my critique style and familiarize myself with the needs of your manuscript. (Includes an estimate of total cost and completion date.) • In-line manuscript edit with “reader reactions” (full proofreading not included) • Manuscript chapter summaries and an official PDF report summary of findings and recommendations • K-Lytics genre report for marketability ($197 value) • 1-hour video chat or email conversation for manuscript review and query or self-publishing consultation Average Investment Fiction $0.04/word Non-fiction $0.048/word Option 3: Ghostwriting and Personal Histories (non-fiction) Pricing is determined by individual project and writing needs. We write the material, but you are credited as the author. Average Investment: $0.15/word Option 4: Online or In-Person Consultations Self-publishing questions Brief content edits and/or writing discussions Writing and/or publishing questions Story coaching or creative consulting $45/hour (travel fees may apply) *Fair pricing is determined by the Editorial Freelancers Association (the-efa.org) and the current edition of Writer’s Market; however, pricing is negotiable depending on individual project needs. **DISCOUNTS automatically available for veterans and non-profit organizations.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
My job as a developmental editor is to describe potential problems rather than prescript specific solutions. Meaning, you have the freedom to address manuscript problems in a way that best suits your story. My feedback will be honest and constructive but ultimately, you are the creator. I will not dictate the direction of your book. This is a collaboration, and every change is your choice. At the same time, my job is not to make assurances. I’m here to challenge you to be the best writer you can be. To better facilitate work on high-concept concerns, please do not send me a first draft. I DO edit: • Genre Fiction—fantasy, science fiction, romance, etc. • Non-Fiction—memoir, biography, theatre and acting • Middle-grade, YA, and adult • I particularly enjoy epic heroines and genre-mixing (i.e., horror + romance or adventure + historical fiction). I DO NOT edit: • First drafts • Children’s books • Erotica • Stories with dead dogs A Few More Points of Interest: • While reading your entire manuscript, I will make line-edit comments using the ‘review’ feature of MSWord Docs. • Even though I may note basic punctuation and grammar errors, a developmental edit is focused on big-picture aspects of story and characterization. This is NOT a beta read or first-draft edit. Feedback from beta readers and other resources should already be implemented to receive the most benefit from a developmental/line edit. • My services are often booked several months in advance. A 50% deposit is required to secure a spot on my editorial calendar. The remainder is due when the edits and PDF summary report are delivered. • I accept payments via PayPal. • Unfortunately, my editing and consultation services do not guarantee publication, an agent, fortune, fame, etc. • Our contract agreement includes confidentiality. I will not disclose any portion of your material or our conversations without prior written consent.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've titled my overall career "Author. Actress. Activist." But here are a few more specifics: Bachelors of Arts in Theatre from Southern Virginia University Graduate of Seminary school and the LDS Institute of Religion American Sign Language interpreting experience 20+ years of voice and dance training 8+ years of schooling and experience in the writing and publishing industry *NAUI scuba diver certification, 2021 *Voice Over Training, Voices for All, 2021 Student of Jeff Benedict, 2010 Orson Scott Card Writer’s Boot Camp, 2010 318R “Chosen 15” Workshop with Brandon Sanderson, 2017 LTUE, Writing Excuses, Writer’s Digest Resources, Reedsy Learning, Tor.com Resources, Writer in Residence, and workshops with industry professionals such as Susan Chang, Dan Wells, Mary Robinette Kowal, Marylee MacDonald, Susan Pohlman, Barry Fox, etc. Continued Training and Leading-Edge Resources: • Frequent conferences and writer workshops (LTUE, Writer’s Digest, etc.) • Annually updated resource materials: CMS/AP style guides, Writer’s Market and Guide to Literary Agents, K-Lytics Elite reports (comprehensive reports by genre of the most current publishing and reader trends) • Librocubicularist (i.e. someone who reads in bed including the latest books and publishing trends.)