FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing reflects 25+ years of Senior Editor expertise. I deliver publication-grade craftsmanship, not rushed software passes. Manuscript & Document Editing: Copyediting & Line Polish ($0.036/word): My most comprehensive service. Includes line editing for clarity, pacing, dialogue cadence, and syntax while preserving your authentic voice. Aligned with the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) and includes a final proofreading pass. Proofreading Only ($0.026/word): A meticulous final pass for grammar, spelling, and punctuation on clean, well-structured files heading to publication. Developmental Evaluations: High-altitude structural assessments, plot diagnostics, and written story roadmaps priced by project scope. Studio Policies: Large Projects: Milestone-based payments are required for manuscripts over 20,000 words. Format: I work exclusively in Microsoft Word (.docx) using Track Changes. I do not edit PDF files. Communication: All project discussions, notes, and milestones are conducted strictly in writing through the Thumbtack portal and email. No phone consultations.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Here is the entire "Typical Process" FAQ, formatted cleanly with no em dashes or en dashes: I operate a professional "Lab" environment with a clear, reliable paper trail: Initial Discussion: We define your project goals, intended audience, and absolute "must-have" deadline. File Review & Quote: To provide a fixed quote, I require an exact word count and a Microsoft Word (.docx) file. Please note: I do not edit PDFs. The "Eagle Eye" Trial: For new manuscript clients, I provide a complimentary 1 to 2 page sample edit (max 500 words). This ensures our editing styles align perfectly before we commit to the full-scale project. The Editing Phase: I meticulously refine your document using Track Changes in MS Word. This protects your creative control by showing you every single "red ink" refinement I make. Final Delivery: I deliver two versions of your completed project (a Tracked Changes version for your review and a Clean version ready for the next stage of your journey).
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Beyond my degree, I have over 25 years of hands-on professional experience in corporate settings. I am highly proficient with industry-standard tools, specifically Microsoft Word with Track Changes for publication-grade editing and Google Workspace for collaborative projects. While I utilize Adobe Acrobat for document review, all substantive editing is performed in Word to ensure technical precision. I also leverage professional-grade tools like Grammarly Premium for consistency checks, allowing me to focus entirely on the nuanced flow and authorial voice that only a human expert can perfect. I excel at working with major style guides, including The Chicago Manual of Style (CMoS) and AP Style.